Otis Redding, Westside Gunn, Metallica: British-Punjabi rapper Raf-Saperra documents the music he’s been bumping of late.
A cross-culture craftsman who soars to artistic heights at each hill climb, British-Punjabi rapper and artist Raf-Saperra is stamping his name into UK lineage. His latest body of work — his third in the last eighteen months — is a fresh example of his ability to bend genre and explore his own personage.
“Renaissance” is a five track EP with bite and gusto, lyrical potency and sonic variety. Saperra once again shows his power on the mic, and flaunts his array of influences. To dig deep on those, he stops by Wonderland to talk what he’s had On Repeat.
Listen to “Renaissance”
Raf-Saperra Is On Repeat…
Michael Jackson – “You Rock My World”
The King of Pop was in heavy rotation during the completion of my new EP. The groove and bite in this tune is mental. Simple yet so effective!
Jazzy B – “Jawani”
I love how bouncy and commanding this Bhangra track is! Loud and boisterous folk instruments such as Dhol, Dhadh and Sarangi. Pure Punjabi music.
Metallica – “The Unforgiven”
One of my all time favourites by Metallica. it roars like a powerful ballad whilst maintaining all the vulnerabilty.
Otis Redding – “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay”
This track is 100% feelzzzz. Uplifting, optimistic yet melancholic. stirs a weird bitter-sweet emotion in my gut every time.
Soni Pabla – “Panjeb Yaar Di”
Pabla’s discorpgraphy was the special sauce. It really helped me find my direction while approaching this genre of ‘Punjabi Pop’
Westside Gunn – “Freestyle”
Anytime. Anyday. Westside is always playing. B-B-B-BOOOOOM
Karan Aujla – “Softly”
I love the production and how warm and chirpy this song makes me feel!
Ali Zaffar – “Rangeen”
This record is an all time Pakistani-pop favourite of mine but the music video was undeniably something that heavily inspired the music video I made for the lead single “Step Out” – SO MUCH FUN!
Panjabi MC – “Jogi”
There’s world cinema – and then there’s world music. Jogi is a rum punch of many different genres whilst still not losing its identity of staying folk and punjabi.
Raf-Sappera – “Still Charming”
Shamelessly – my own record. It found itself at the forefront of virality and was constantly playing around me from playlists to radio plays. An absolute summer bop!
