Himanshu Suri, better known by his stage name Heems, has been an influential figure in the hip-hop and Desi music scenes for years. Earlier this year, he teamed up with Lapgan to release Lafandar, a collaborative album that showcased his signature style and lyrical prowess. Not one to rest on his laurels, Heems is now gearing up to drop his second album of the year, VEENA, this Friday. The album has already generated buzz with a few advance tracks, including collaborations with renowned artists Vijay Iyer, Pavvan, and Ajji.
One of the most exciting aspects of VEENA is Heems’ collaboration with Navz-47 on the track “Flowers.” Navz-47, an up-and-coming artist who caught Heems’ attention back in 2019, brings a fresh energy and fierce lyrical style to the project. Heems first discovered Navz-47 during his tenure as the Global Lead of Desi Culture at Spotify, where he was responsible for curating the platform’s first 50 Indian playlists.
Heems recalls his initial reaction to Navz-47’s music: “I only understand the English parts but I know she’s spitting! I feel that visceral thing with her that I do with other artists I love in languages I don’t understand.” He was so impressed by her talent that he featured her on the cover of the Desi Hip Hop playlist early in her career.
Despite not having a distribution partner or significant backing, Heems was determined to support Navz-47. “I don’t have a distribution partner or anyone backing me, all my money’s in coconut oil, but I know I had to sign her. I really believe in her,” Heems shares. His faith in Navz-47 is reminiscent of the passion he has for other groundbreaking artists. “She reminds me of Lauryn Hill, spitting better than the boys. I know she has so much more to show the world than ‘Neeyi Oli.'”
With “Flowers,” Navz-47 proves Heems’ instincts right. The track is a powerful showcase of her lyrical skills and a testament to the burgeoning talent in the Desi hip-hop scene. Heems’ decision to collaborate with her on VEENA not only highlights his commitment to uplifting new voices but also reflects his desire to innovate and push boundaries in his music.
As Heems prepares to release VEENA this Friday, fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be another bold and dynamic addition to his discography. The album’s mix of established and emerging artists, alongside Heems’ distinctive style, suggests that VEENA will be a rich tapestry of sounds and stories, bridging cultures and genres in a way that few other artists can.
Stay tuned for VEENA and make sure to check out “Flowers” featuring Navz-47—a track that is sure to be just one of many highlights on this highly anticipated album.
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