“Sikh Knowledge”
Posted by Phulkari in Activism, Canada, Entertainment, General, Human Rights, Politics, Punjabi, Sikhi on 04 24th, 2009 | 42 responses
It seems like Canada is showcasing one socially conscious Sikh rapper after another. TLH has covered “Humble The Poet” and now here is “Sikh Knowledge” from Montreal. Sikh Knowledge raps with Lotus on issues effecting the 2nd generation and marginalized peoples.
Kanwar Anit Singh Saini, a.k.a. Sikh Knowledge, is the son of Punjabi Sikh immigrants. He works in the field of speech pathology where he contributes his musical knowledge to the health sciences field.
Check out his songs below and let us know what you think!
Disclaimer: There are graphic descriptions and swear words in the videos below.
42 Responses to ““Sikh Knowledge””
In harmony with the message, not so crazy about the piece artistically – neither lyrically nor musically.
There are good Sikh MCs; right now, I would not put 'Sikh Knowledge' up there, but hopefully he keeps doing what he is doing – working hard and improving
In harmony with the message, not so crazy about the piece artistically – neither lyrically nor musically.
There are good Sikh MCs; right now, I would not put ‘Sikh Knowledge’ up there, but hopefully he keeps doing what he is doing – working hard and improving
Mewa Singh,
I agree! The message is good, but the creative piece needs some more work. Keep working hard and improving "Sikh Knowledge"! We need more Sikh artists out there!
Mewa Singh,
I agree! The message is good, but the creative piece needs some more work. Keep working hard and improving “Sikh Knowledge”! We need more Sikh artists out there!
sikh knowledge is the best sikh rapper in the world. you guys really need to listen to more hip hop to understand what this kid is doing.
but theres no such thing as "sikh rap" so categories are insignificant. his musicianship will blow a LOT of 2nd hand raagis out the water yo
Mandeep,
I agree there is no such thing as 'Sikh rap', but there are Sikh MCs and you are one of them. You are a Sikh and you are an MC.
Very possibly I don't listen to the 'right' hip-hop and I am willing to admit that so here is a forum, please help me understand what Sikh Knowledge is doing and what is his project?
Hope to hear from you.
Hi all, thanks for the comments.
You all can download some of my work for free at the following links.
Please DL and listen to enjoy.
Latest joint: Technorganic (Lyrics by Sikh and Humble, prod flying lotus)
http://www.divshare.com/download/7048240-781
Last Album: Nu High (Beats by sikh, Lyrics, Lotus and Sikh)
http://www.divshare.com/download/6315707-5f1
Palestine Dedication: Palestine Ch-Ching (Lyrics by Sikh, Prod by Sikh)
http://www.divshare.com/download/6299980-a9b
I love seeing our young brothers and sisters using their creative talents toward something positive – bringing awareness to meaningful issues of political and social justice…good work Sikh Knowledge…Chardi Kalaa!
sikh knowledge is the best sikh rapper in the world. you guys really need to listen to more hip hop to understand what this kid is doing.
but theres no such thing as “sikh rap” so categories are insignificant. his musicianship will blow a LOT of 2nd hand raagis out the water yo
Mandeep,
I agree there is no such thing as ‘Sikh rap’, but there are Sikh MCs and you are one of them. You are a Sikh and you are an MC.
Very possibly I don’t listen to the ‘right’ hip-hop and I am willing to admit that so here is a forum, please help me understand what Sikh Knowledge is doing and what is his project?
Hope to hear from you.
Hi all, thanks for the comments.
You all can download some of my work for free at the following links.
Please DL and listen to enjoy.
Latest joint: Technorganic (Lyrics by Sikh and Humble, prod flying lotus)
http://www.divshare.com/download/7048240-781
Last Album: Nu High (Beats by sikh, Lyrics, Lotus and Sikh)
http://www.divshare.com/download/6315707-5f1
Palestine Dedication: Palestine Ch-Ching (Lyrics by Sikh, Prod by Sikh)
http://www.divshare.com/download/6299980-a9b
I love seeing our young brothers and sisters using their creative talents toward something positive – bringing awareness to meaningful issues of political and social justice…good work Sikh Knowledge…Chardi Kalaa!
i was referring to the comments about his creative piece…he is pushing the limits of lyricism and production, and the value for that in itself is quite high. and no disrespect to what you listen to, definetely dont believe there is right or wrong hip hop its all under one big roof, but the sound is definetely crafted for a reason.
check out all of his projects on http://www.bomr.ca
I was impressed by Sikh Knowledge. I like his unique style, talent, and passion for his beliefs. Much in the same way I respect and admire Sonny Caberwal. It is imperative the Ahl-E-Kitaab faiths unite against injustice, tyranny and oppression. Wahabbism must be destroyed, as must intolerance, bigotry and hate. Truth is Truth despite our different methods of worship. Some take Ali's name and others take Nanak's. Mystic Islam and Sikhi have more in common than many detractors would have you believe. One only has to look to the Sikh tradition and note the invaluable contribution of Baba Fareed Ganjshakar of Pakpattan (whose Bani has been given the exalted status of Guru), and Hazrat Mian Mir (who laid the foundation stone of Darbar Sahib, our holiest shrine).
i was referring to the comments about his creative piece…he is pushing the limits of lyricism and production, and the value for that in itself is quite high. and no disrespect to what you listen to, definetely dont believe there is right or wrong hip hop its all under one big roof, but the sound is definetely crafted for a reason.
check out all of his projects on http://www.bomr.ca
I was impressed by Sikh Knowledge. I like his unique style, talent, and passion for his beliefs. Much in the same way I respect and admire Sonny Caberwal. It is imperative the Ahl-E-Kitaab faiths unite against injustice, tyranny and oppression. Wahabbism must be destroyed, as must intolerance, bigotry and hate. Truth is Truth despite our different methods of worship. Some take Ali’s name and others take Nanak’s. Mystic Islam and Sikhi have more in common than many detractors would have you believe. One only has to look to the Sikh tradition and note the invaluable contribution of Baba Fareed Ganjshakar of Pakpattan (whose Bani has been given the exalted status of Guru), and Hazrat Mian Mir (who laid the foundation stone of Darbar Sahib, our holiest shrine).
Sing about the Sikh Freedom movement and sikh genocide, then you will gain my full support and respect
Sing about the Sikh Freedom movement and sikh genocide, then you will gain my full support and respect
Great to see this. Our generation needs its voices, experiencing and exploring their existence. Singha, why don't you write and sing too, there are never enough voices expressing themselves clearly.
@Phulkari Ji; Hip hop isn't a perfect thesis. It's telling a story, and how many people you can take through your mind's eye as an artist. Compare it to watching a film. It may not be a topic of your interest, or how you'd cover it, but you open yourself to experiencing a film and a story through someone's eyes and how they share or interpret it for you to consider for yourself. If you see what he said differently, he has succeeded because he made you think, explore, compare. This is where you would come back with your response to him!
Great to see this. Our generation needs its voices, experiencing and exploring their existence. Singha, why don’t you write and sing too, there are never enough voices expressing themselves clearly.
@Phulkari Ji; Hip hop isn’t a perfect thesis. It’s telling a story, and how many people you can take through your mind’s eye as an artist. Compare it to watching a film. It may not be a topic of your interest, or how you’d cover it, but you open yourself to experiencing a film and a story through someone’s eyes and how they share or interpret it for you to consider for yourself. If you see what he said differently, he has succeeded because he made you think, explore, compare. This is where you would come back with your response to him!
justasikh,
I agree with you that hip hop is not a perfect thesis and ultimately its power rests in conveying a message that makes you look at a situation just a little differently. Thus, I applaud "Sikh Knowledge" for devoting his time and energy into this art form. We need more Sikh artists!
I think the spirit of his message is very powerful and the artistic mechanism for conveying it is an excellent choice. However, to my ear, I felt he could improve upon the creative aspect of his work both lyrically and musically. I am not an expert on hip hop, just a bystander who enjoys listening to hip hop. I heard his song and gave an honest opinion.
In terms of giving him a response, oh dear I don't think you want to hear me rap or even sing. It wouldn't be a good experience!
justasikh,
I agree with you that hip hop is not a perfect thesis and ultimately its power rests in conveying a message that makes you look at a situation just a little differently. Thus, I applaud “Sikh Knowledge” for devoting his time and energy into this art form. We need more Sikh artists!
I think the spirit of his message is very powerful and the artistic mechanism for conveying it is an excellent choice. However, to my ear, I felt he could improve upon the creative aspect of his work both lyrically and musically. I am not an expert on hip hop, just a bystander who enjoys listening to hip hop. I heard his song and gave an honest opinion.
In terms of giving him a response, oh dear I don’t think you want to hear me rap or even sing. It wouldn’t be a good experience!
Phulkari:
I have been reading Milan Kundera recently, and he offers an insight that I can personally relate to:
…the transformation of music into noise was a planetary process by which mankind was entering the historical phase of total ugliness. (The Unbearable Lightness of Being, p. 93)
In my understanding we need, at least, to look at this perspective, take a break, and think about it. It would be easier to do so if we do not find ourselves in desperate need of representation, in any way, by any means. You must be aware of the politics behind the very idea of representation, therefore, we need to think whose game we are actually playing.
Im not one to defend myself on the internet. It's a purpose that those unfamiliar with the current age will give themselves.
Since this is a highly exclusive, niche if you will, website, I think I can say a few words without compromising any sort of cred, or lack thereof.
These aren't the first songs I've made, I've made plenty. It's difficult to take up a cause in a song, say, Palestine, without it being preachy. I feel I did a decent job. Many emcees have done Palestine dedications, and they've communicated the way they feel about the situation. I guess, for those of you who only know of me through this thread, I request that you take this from whatever Phulkari posted…I'm a Sikh man, from a different time and place and generation. I make music drawing from a heritage that we share, but a vehicle that we don't, namely Hip Hop/Urban music. There's a culture to it, there is a typology. I implore you all to know it beyond the Balé Balé on TV, and the rumble from trunks.
As for the insinuation that I make noise. Damn right. But, if it changes your mind, i have an undergraduate degree in music and am very well versed in sound. One man's noise, is the same man's ignorance. That's not an attack, just a request to critique things from an informed palette.
Lastly, I posted free download links to recent work above. Please download and listen. The DL is today's compliment. I wouldn't need anything else.
Fateh's all around.
Phulkari:
I have been reading Milan Kundera recently, and he offers an insight that I can personally relate to:
…the transformation of music into noise was a planetary process by which mankind was entering the historical phase of total ugliness. (The Unbearable Lightness of Being, p. 93)
In my understanding we need, at least, to look at this perspective, take a break, and think about it. It would be easier to do so if we do not find ourselves in desperate need of representation, in any way, by any means. You must be aware of the politics behind the very idea of representation, therefore, we need to think whose game we are actually playing.
Im not one to defend myself on the internet. It’s a purpose that those unfamiliar with the current age will give themselves.
Since this is a highly exclusive, niche if you will, website, I think I can say a few words without compromising any sort of cred, or lack thereof.
These aren’t the first songs I’ve made, I’ve made plenty. It’s difficult to take up a cause in a song, say, Palestine, without it being preachy. I feel I did a decent job. Many emcees have done Palestine dedications, and they’ve communicated the way they feel about the situation. I guess, for those of you who only know of me through this thread, I request that you take this from whatever Phulkari posted…I’m a Sikh man, from a different time and place and generation. I make music drawing from a heritage that we share, but a vehicle that we don’t, namely Hip Hop/Urban music. There’s a culture to it, there is a typology. I implore you all to know it beyond the Balé Balé on TV, and the rumble from trunks.
As for the insinuation that I make noise. Damn right. But, if it changes your mind, i have an undergraduate degree in music and am very well versed in sound. One man’s noise, is the same man’s ignorance. That’s not an attack, just a request to critique things from an informed palette.
Lastly, I posted free download links to recent work above. Please download and listen. The DL is today’s compliment. I wouldn’t need anything else.
Fateh’s all around.
This is the first time I've heard Sikh Knowledge and I have to say, I like what I hear. As a regular reader of this site, I appreciate these posts about up and coming artists. These guys (and hopefully girls soon) are our voices.
This is the first time I’ve heard Sikh Knowledge and I have to say, I like what I hear. As a regular reader of this site, I appreciate these posts about up and coming artists. These guys (and hopefully girls soon) are our voices.
Great response brother. Keep up the good work. Are you on Facebook?
i sure am.
Kanwar Anit Singh Saini
Great response brother. Keep up the good work. Are you on Facebook?
i sure am.
Kanwar Anit Singh Saini
I've been listening to a lot of Sikh Knowledge's projects, not just the one featured here, and it is clear that he is talented lyrically but especially musically. His production value is insane.
I’ve been listening to a lot of Sikh Knowledge’s projects, not just the one featured here, and it is clear that he is talented lyrically but especially musically. His production value is insane.
Love your Palestine Ch-Ching song and Technorganic the most. Most of your work is awesome. I love hearing you and Humble and Immortal Technique.
Love your Palestine Ch-Ching song and Technorganic the most. Most of your work is awesome. I love hearing you and Humble and Immortal Technique.
You make great music and keep doing what you do. People on this site are always gonna say something negative, and you sure as hell cant please everybody.
Its funny cause either you are not enough of a sikh ie.. drink alcohol, trim beard whatever, and you get shit for that, or you are a "full"sikh, still dont know what that means, but the minute you go mainstream you are considered a sell out. (Kind of like what people say about RDB). Sikhs need to stop hating on each other, and be proud of each others accomplishments.
You make great music and keep doing what you do. People on this site are always gonna say something negative, and you sure as hell cant please everybody.
Its funny cause either you are not enough of a sikh ie.. drink alcohol, trim beard whatever, and you get shit for that, or you are a "full"sikh, still dont know what that means, but the minute you go mainstream you are considered a sell out. (Kind of like what people say about RDB). Sikhs need to stop hating on each other, and be proud of each others accomplishments.
This guy is humble and down to earth. Yet he is wise beyond his years, cultured, and phenomenally talented. Khalsa (the above poster) is right. As a community, we have a nasty tendency to ridicule and condemn other visible Sikhs when they attain a level of popularity. Sikh Knowledge uses a different medium than what many others maybe used to, but the impact of his activism and talent remains the same. He is proud of his identity and actively relates to the struggles of fellow human beings – is there anything more Sikh than that?
This guy is humble and down to earth. Yet he is wise beyond his years, cultured, and phenomenally talented. Khalsa (the above poster) is right. As a community, we have a nasty tendency to ridicule and condemn other visible Sikhs when they attain a level of popularity. Sikh Knowledge uses a different medium than what many others maybe used to, but the impact of his activism and talent remains the same. He is proud of his identity and actively relates to the struggles of fellow human beings – is there anything more Sikh than that?
one love all my brothers and sisters! I've been following Sikh Knowledge for a while now and I really dig what he's doing. nuff respect for that. Lyrically and soundwise I haven't heard many rappers who can reach him, even among the 'pros' – big up! But man I need that shit on vinyl! I've been searching like mad. Why don't you release some of your tunes and instrumentals on a nice record for all the old school heads. mp3s are just data, a record is an object you can show your granchildren man!
love and respect from jah-money
one love all my brothers and sisters! I've been following Sikh Knowledge for a while now and I really dig what he's doing. nuff respect for that. Lyrically and soundwise I haven't heard many rappers who can reach him, even among the 'pros' – big up! But man I need that shit on vinyl! I've been searching like mad. Why don't you release some of your tunes and instrumentals on a nice record for all the old school heads. mp3s are just data, a record is an object you can show your granchildren man!
love and respect from jah-money