In an era where streaming algorithms and viral moments often dictate musical direction, there's something defiant about "Cradle to Grave," the collaborative EP between vocalist Golden Roots and producer AS Kullar. Released independently on vinyl—a rarity in contemporary Punjabi music—the project stands as a testament to artistic integrity in an increasingly commercialized landscape.
With Roots bringing his West London upbringing and deep connection to Punjabi folk traditions, and Kullar drawing from Birmingham's rich musical heritage, the six-track EP navigates the space between tradition and innovation, between spiritual contemplation and revolutionary fervor. It's a space that both artists know well. Roots, trained in the traditions of Punjabi folk and classical music, brings a deeply spiritual approach to his craft. "I do my nitnem daily," he explains, referring to his daily prayers, "and I'm reminded consciously about death, about how life is fleeting." This foundation in Sikhi forms the backbone of the project's narrative arc, which moves from youthful revolutionary energy to profound meditation on mortality.
Kullar's production provides the perfect counterpoint to Roots' contemplative lyrics. Following in the sample-based tradition of pioneering Punjabi producers like Tru Skool and Panjabi MC, while drawing inspiration from hip-hop legends like J Dilla and Madlib, Kullar crafts what he calls "emotional gut punch moments"—unexpected switches and layers that force listeners to engage more deeply with the material. Mixed and mastered by Manj, the EP's soundscape achieves a delicate balance between raw energy and sonic clarity.
Side A opens with "PSA," an instrumental homage to the gritty Griselda sound, setting the stage with carefully curated samples that bridge Punjabi cinema and hip-hop culture. "Strapped," the EP's explosive second track, exemplifies their approach to cultural fusion. What began as a commentary on gangster rap tropes in Punjabi music evolved into a meditation on shahidi (martyrdom) and sacrifice. The track's production, built around a haunting mandolin loop and strategic beat switches, creates space for Roots to explore these themes without falling into didacticism.
Side B begins with "WhatsApp Woes," a cleverly constructed interlude featuring South London-accented voice messages from Almass Badat, setting up the emotional turn the record takes. This leads into "Silent Sorrow," perhaps the EP's most ambitious moment, where Kullar weaves together vintage Bollywood samples with live instrumentation, creating a three-four time signature groove that pays homage to both Indian classical traditions and neo-soul aesthetics. The track's combination of Hindi vocals, soulful guitar work, and carefully chosen samples demonstrates the duo's ability to create something both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.
"Meeting with Death" serves as a final bridge, featuring a poet's recitation about mortality layered with Roots' processed vocals, creating an ethereal transition into the EP's conclusion. The project culminates with "Dust to Dust," a haunting meditation on mortality that weaves deeply personal elements into its sonic tapestry. Kullar's "skeletal" production, inspired by J Dilla's work on "Drop" by The Pharcyde, provides a sparse yet powerful foundation with its off-kilter drums and ethereal samples. The track interweaves three intimate audio elements: live bachans from mahapurakhs (spiritual teachings) recorded by Roots himself, recordings from his cousin's funeral, and perhaps most poignantly, the heartbeat of his daughter Sargun, captured during a hospital visit in the eighth month of pregnancy. These elements create a profound dialogue between spiritual wisdom, mortality, and new life.
The “Dust to Dust” music video is directed by animation director Gagandeep Chahal, whose distinctive visual style first caught attention with her work on Roots' powerful "Caste" video. Chahal, who is also Roots' wife, transforms these deeply personal themes into striking visual metaphors, brilliantly interpreting the EP's broader meditations on love, life, death, and morality.
What makes "Cradle to Grave" particularly significant is its timing. As Punjabi music gains unprecedented global attention, led by pop juggernauts like Karan Aujla and AP Dhillon, many artists are choosing to adapt their sound for mainstream appeal. Yet grassroots spaces continue to nurture artistic experimentation and cultural dialogue, particularly in the UK underground scene.
This is perhaps best exemplified by parties like Jawani 4Eva, hosted by Sukh, which have become vital incubators for the Panjabi underground renaissance. These spaces, where DJs and MCs can test new material and receive immediate feedback from engaged audiences, have launched numerous careers and fostered a community of forward-thinking artists. Roots embodies this organic development, bringing his music to life in electric live performances alongside DJs Nav Mischief and Jungli, and often sharing stages with fellow rising MC Juss Nandhra. It's part of what Roots dubbed "Five River Hip-Hop," a movement built upon the foundation of Black musical innovations - from hip-hop's conscious roots to UK sound system culture pioneered by legends like the late Jah Shaka - while bringing Punjabi musical traditions into dialogue with these forms. This acknowledgment of lineage and exchange is central to the British underground scene's artistic vitality.
In an industry that often reduces Punjabi music to a handful of tropes, "Cradle to Grave" charts new territory. It's a project that demonstrates how folk traditions can empower modern expression, how spiritual contemplation can drive sonic innovation, and how uncompromising vision can resonate across cultures.
The limited pressing vinyl record is available in select stores across the US and Canada, and can be purchased online at recordwala.com.