Chani Nattan, Inderpal Moga and AR Paisley bridge East and West with the release of their highly-anticipated joint EP 'East To West' via 91 North Records. Merging authentic western hip hop sounds with traditional South Asian roots, the 7 track tape, which draws inspiration from early 90s and 2000s Hip Hop, sees Vancouver’s Chani Nattan and Inderpal Moga unite with Toronto’s rap titan AR Paisley in a project of timeless music that stays true to its roots while breaking international boundaries.
 
Featuring evocative bars, as well as a soulful, emotive blend of nostalgic sounds, East to West is sure to cement Nattan, Moga and Paisley's status as the new titans in the Punjabi - Hip Hop scene. Opening track 'Block Boys', blends the essence of early 2000s hip-hop with vibrant Punjabi sounds, in a dynamic fusion that highlights the artists lyrical flair, while fuelling an exciting narrative of their collective grind and hustle.  ‘Heater’ splices hypnotising synths, and bouncy bass-heavy percussion over laid-back production from collaborator Jass G, on a track that embodies an aura of dominance and carefree enjoyment. The vibrant and uptempo vibes of ‘Dancer’, an experimental and innovative sound influenced by 90s disco, gives way to ‘Mehndi’, a song inspired by the vibrant culture of Punjabi wedding season - an interplay of nostalgia and romantic undertones that exemplify the artist’s versatility. The project changes pace on love song ‘All Eyez On You' an intense cut that beautifully reflects on the feeling of being completely enamored by a single person that becomes the centre of one’s world, despite the constant allure of the spotlight.  Nattan, Moga and Paisley ride out the ups and downs of life's relational tides, with their most introspective single to date 'Seasons’ - an ode to the unpredictable nature of relationships that compare to ever changing seasons. Rounding out the tape is the 2023 release, ‘What’s Beef’, the first collaboration between the artists, which started their ascent together in the hip hop space. WATCH THE OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO HERE”.
 
Chani Nattan, Inderpal Moga and AR Paisley are one of the most exciting breakout rap talents of recent years. With music that is relatable in every sense, driven less by punchlines and more by traditional roots and nostalgia, the artists reflect on their personal experiences of the process saying, “We feel nostalgic when we listen to music right now, the sound reminds us of when we were in middle school going to theme parks, playing basketball etc. We had a lot of relatable connections to music like the music that resonated with us most during our upbringings.”
 
The East To West tape follows an exciting 2024 for the rising stars, with a consistent slate of releases from Chani Nattan and Inderpal Moga that includes their 91 North Records debut ‘Facetime’ which garnered nods from outlets such as Billboard Canada, reaching #1 on Spotify Canada's Vancouver Pulse Chart and recent release ‘Bhabi’. The year has also proved to be a breakout one for Paisley, whose surprise collaboration ‘Drippy’ with the late Sidhu Moose Wala accumulated over 15 million views in under a week, charting #9 on Canada's Billboard Hot 100.

AR Paisley sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. How did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

My passion for music started with watching the Much Music countdown on TV, where I discovered different styles and artists. The energy, visuals, and storytelling in music videos really captured my attention and fuelled my desire to create something similar.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you hope to collaborate with in the future?

J. Cole, 50 Cent, and Ludacris are major influences and artists I'd love to work with because they bring authenticity and versatility to their music. Their ability to craft lyrics that resonate on a deeper level is something I strive to emulate in my own work.

3. What projects are you looking for, and can you share any details about them?

I’m currently working on a new EP that I'm excited about, blending different genres and personal stories into something unique. More details will come out soon, but I can say it's a project that really reflects my growth as an artist.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I’d describe my sound as timeless, with a balance of old-school hip-hop vibes and modern production. It’s a blend of raw emotion and storytelling that can connect with listeners of any generation.

5. What’s your proudest moment as an artist so far?

My first Canadian tour stands out as my proudest moment because it was the first time I connected with fans on a personal level. Seeing people react to my music in real time gave me a deeper sense of purpose in what I do.

6. Do you have any advice for readers who are trying to make it in the music industry?

Stay consistent and keep pushing forward, even when things seem tough. It’s a long journey, but if you stay true to your sound and work ethic, success will follow.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Keep an eye on Gavin—he's worth checking out. He’s got a fresh sound, and I feel like he’s really on the verge of something big in the industry.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist right now?

"East to West" is on repeat for me right now, as its mix of lyrical depth and smooth production really inspires me. It’s one of those albums that you can listen to from start to finish without skipping a track.

9. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making music?

I love playing sports when I’m not in the studio, especially basketball and soccer. It’s a great way for me to stay active and clear my mind, while also drawing inspiration for my music.

10. Name three things you can't live without when you’re in the studio.

Coffee, water, and having some TV on in the background are essentials for me. The coffee keeps me energised, the water keeps me hydrated, and the TV helps keep the creative juices flowing.