AP Dhillon is a new leader in Punjabi music’s global takeover. The multi-hyphenate singer/artist/producer has become one of the biggest Indian artists today (over 5 billion streams worldwide) through pop, hip-hop and global influences. His 2020 song “Brown Munde” (translated to: “Brown Boys” in Punjabi) is an anthem symbolizing the universal struggle and reflects his own journey as an immigrant. Born in India, AP emigrated to Vancouver Island, Canada as a college student in 2015. He had to learn English and adapt to an entirely new culture on his own. It was here where he began the pursuit of creating records as he started to learn the craft of putting records together. He began his foray into music, learning how to produce through YouTube tutorials, while working at Best Buy. With a truly grassroots ethos, he independently began releasing music online in 2019. His melodic trap hit song “Brown Munde” (translated to “Brown Boys” in Punjabi) became an anthem of success and struggle that resonated with Indians and the larger diaspora who had been waiting for a fresh sound in Punjabi music. Bolstered by a music video showcasing the life of working immigrants, the song amassed over 686M views on YouTube. The success of “Brown Munde” propelled AP’s international visibility and in 2021, he embarked on his first tour in India. He then took his show all over the world, including the UK, Dubai, and then in partnership with Live Nation in Canada and the US, he had nine sold-out dates and arena shows at Scotiabank Arena and Rogers Arena. He released a documentary AP Dhillon: First Of A Kind, which chronicled this experience, for Amazon Prime in 2023. That same year, he became the first Punjabi language artist to perform at the Juno Awards with his song “Summer High.”
AP Dhillon signed to Republic Records in 2024. He embarks on his most ambitious music to date with his new EP The Brownprint, a collection of songs showcases the gamut of his varied influences through trap, Afrobeats, reggae and other genres. The first single “Old Money” released with an AP-directed music video starring Bollywood icons Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt. The EP is built over live instrumentation and produced by DŹŁ (J. Cole, Future, Central Cee), Luca Mauti (J.Cole, Eminem), AzizTheShake (J.Cole, BIA, Central Cee), and others with AP co-producing majority of the records. Lyrically, the music is in Punjabi but features English guest verses by Nigerian singer-songwriter Ayra Starr and hip-hop star Gunna.
Primed for worldwide impact in 2025, acclaimed singer, rapper, producer, and leader in the Punjabi music scene AP Dhillon shares his brand new two-pack “OKAY STFU” out now via Republic Records in alliance with Universal Music Canada. Listen HERE.
Right out of the gate, AP Dhillon picks up the pace on “OKAY” featuring Syra. Melodic keys accent a frenetic dancefloor-ready beat as high register vocals simmer on the hook. Their stunning chemistry lights up the track, shaping it into a future club anthem in the process. Then, there’s “STFU” featuring Shinda Kahlon. It showcases yet another side of AP Dhillon’s sound altogether. Loose guitar entwines with thumping bass-heavy production, bulldozing the way for a stomping and snappy chant. With its braggadocios vibe, the song teems with confidence and attitude.
Expanding his profile in North America, AP Dhillon touched down in California to play in the 2025 Ruffles® NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at Oakland Arena in Oakland, CA. He joined a star-studded roster on Team Rice coached by Hall of Fame wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion Jerry Rice and influencer Khaby Lame.
Known for his unique blend of Punjabi music with hip-hop, R&B, pop, and trap influences, AP Dhillon rose to fame with hits like “With You,” “Excuses,” and “Brown Munde,” which became viral sensations globally. His music often has topped international charts having amassed over 5 billion streams and reshaped the Punjabi music landscape. Beyond music, he has successfully built a brand around his artistry, touring worldwide and elevating Punjabi music to mainstream audiences.
This announcement follows the release of AP Dhillon’s buzzworthy EP The Brownprint. Listen HERE.
The Brownprint has only magnified AP Dhillon’s imprint on the culture. It has already tallied tens of millions of streams. Beyond plugs from Music Business Worldwide, Rolling Stone India, and more, Billboard hailed him as a “Punjabi superstar.”
AP Dhillon wants this project to be a creative milestone for Punjabi music, proving how diverse and experimental the genre can be.
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