In anticipation of commercial success with the Dum Dum Project's Punjabi Five-0, Brooklyn Jive Talk is being released as a precursor to the highly anticipated Bombay Sapphire (ElekTro4 and the1shanti) and Shanti's solo LPs. Since the 2000 release of Blaxploitation on Soulspazm Records followed by 2001's Deadline, Shanti has become the first rapper from the U.S. to take India by storm. After three successful years abroad in the European and Asian territories, Shanti is preparing for his return to the U.S. market through a series of commercial and independent releases. Highlights include appearances on DDP's forthcoming major label effort, an appearance on Chicane's Universal release entitled Looking Down, Karmakammo with Italy's Feel Good Productions (Nun Entertaiment) and an array production projects.

What does this all mean to you? You better be on the look out for what this cat is doing because its gonna end up in your ear like wax.

Saroosh Gull: Congrats on the recent success of The Dum Dum Project and yourself (The One Shanti) with Punjabi Five-0. How did this come about? Give us the 411...
The1Shanti: Cavo and Niraj's effort made it jump off. DJs like Bobby and Nihal in the UK and GenerAsian Radio, DJ Meddafore and Nathan at NaShional Promotions in the States helped spread the word. It's been a family affair.

SG: What do you hope to accomplish by being associated with a major label?
The1Shanti: I don't expect much. Hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised.

SG: So what's in the works for you currently?
The1Shanti: Bombay Sapphire - The Blue Period. A collaborative album with my favorite producer, ElekTro4. I'm on the mic, he's on the beats. First single ships to retail soon.

DDP's new LP. It's a banger.

Sho Nuff - she's been doing my mixtapes.

Remixes. They're keeping me busy. Chicane, Feel Good Productions, DDP, tons more.

Production. I'm working with a few people. I'll just put the music where my mouth is.

SG: Thats how I like it... no talk, all action! What would you say is the biggest catalyst in your favor by having gotten this far in a very tough market?
The1Shanti: Honesty. With myself mostly. I get upset when I lie to myself.

SG: What aspect of your current work would you say is influenced by Desi music and what aspect is influenced by Western music? In your eyes, where do the two influences meet musically? In other words, what are the positives in both genres of music that make you and others bring them together? Besides the fact that they just sound good.
The1Shanti: Ask Cavo. I bring people together.

SG: Does the1shanti dig Bollywood flicks?
The1Shanti: My life's a Bollywood flick. I dig my life.

SG: What's your favorite Indian Restaurant?
The1Shanti: Indian Taj in Queens.

SG: Mine too, wicked buffet. Let's give a shout out to DesiClub.com's worldwide readers, what do you have to say?
The1Shanti: If the phone rings, water it.

For more info on The1Shanti check out www.dumdumproject.com

Do you have any thoughts on this? Feel free to send Saroosh an e-mail @ Saroosh Gull.