Pindi Boyz | |
---|---|
Origin | Rawalpindi, Pakistan |
Genres | Hip hop, rap, pop, Desi fusion |
Years active | 2020–present |
Labels | Stardek |
Members |
|
Past members |
|
Pindi Boyz is a Pakistani hip-hop collective from Rawalpindi, formed in 2020 by rapper and creative director Osama Com Laude and rapper Hashim Nawaz. Known for their sharp lyricism, regional pride, and genre-blending beats, the group became widely recognized after the release of their breakout single Pindi Aye in 2020. Since then, they have delivered a series of hard-hitting anthems, collaborations, and viral performances, earning them a cult following in Pakistan's underground and mainstream hip-hop circuits.
The group was founded by Osama Com Laude, who had already established himself as a solo rapper and actor. He assembled a crew of Rawalpindi-based rappers and producers: Hashim Nawaz, Fadi, Hamzee, Khawar Malik, Zeeru, Shuja Shah, and dotxb—to form a collective that would represent the voice of urban youth from the Potohar region. Their breakout moment came with the release of Pindi Aye in 2020, a gritty and energetic tribute to their hometown. The track, produced by Ghauri, was praised for its "electrifying" sound and raw authenticity, becoming a cultural moment in Desi hip-hop. [1]
The video, which showcased the city's aesthetic and street culture, trended across social media and helped launch the group into the national spotlight.
Following the success of Pindi Aye, Pindi Boyz continued to collaborate on multiple solo and group tracks, blending Urdu, Punjabi, and English across themes of street struggle, loyalty, and brotherhood. While many members explored solo careers, the group remained tightly knit, performing at underground shows, festivals, and youth platforms.
Their sound evolved with more melodic hooks, modern trap drums, and politically conscious bars, establishing them as one of the most progressive rap crews in Pakistan. Publications credited the group for "redefining the sound of urban hip-hop" in Pakistan. [2]
In 2024, Pindi Boyz released Pindi Aye 2.0, a sequel to their viral hit, featuring a high-profile appearance from politician and former Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed. [3] The music video, which portrayed Rasheed as a local don or kingpin, sparked media conversation for its satirical tone and fusion of politics with rap culture. [4]
Pindi Aye 2.0 was described as "bigger, bolder, and even more cinematic," reinforcing the group's reputation as cultural disruptors. [5]
The track earned wide media coverage and was highlighted in end-of-year music roundups as one of the standout Pakistani hip-hop releases of 2024. [6]
Pindi Boyz members have also released solo tracks and collabs under the group's banner, often appearing on each other's songs.
Pindi Boyz are credited with popularizing a hyper-local but globally inspired hip-hop sound in Pakistan. Their use of Roman Urdu, cinematic visuals, and Rawalpindi street slang has set them apart from other rap collectives. Their music often explores themes like pride in one's roots, betrayal, brotherhood, and identity, layered with humor and street intelligence. [7]
The collective's visual aesthetic — from motorbikes to military bases to political cameos — reflects a raw, unfiltered take on contemporary Pakistani youth culture. [8]