AP Dhillon
In just a few years, AP Dhillon has gone from releasing songs out of his bedroom to headlining arenas across the globe. Known for fusing Punjabi lyrics with trap, R&B, and hip-hop production, he is one of the leading figures in the new Punjabi wave that’s crossing into mainstream Western music. Tracks like Brown Munde and Excuses have become anthems for a generation, making AP Dhillon a cultural force beyond just music.
Early Life & Roots
Amritpal Singh Dhillon, better known as AP Dhillon, was born in Gurdaspur, Punjab, and later moved to Canada for higher education. After completing his studies in business and engineering, he followed his true passion—music. Living in British Columbia, he connected with fellow artists and producers like Gurinder Gill, Shinda Kahlon, and Gminxr, laying the foundation for what became the Run-Up Records collective.
Breakthrough with “Brown Munde”
AP Dhillon’s breakthrough moment came in 2020 with the release of Brown Munde, a track that captured the pride and swagger of the Punjabi diaspora. The song became an instant hit, not just in Punjab but in Canada, the UK, and the US. With its iconic video featuring Nav, Sidhu Moose Wala, and other global names, it cemented AP Dhillon as the face of a new Punjabi movement.
Music Career & Discography
Key Projects:
- Not By Chance (2020) – His debut EP, featuring tracks like Saada Pyaar, set the tone for his trap-meets-Punjabi sound.
- Hidden Gems (2021) – An EP with songs like Desires and Ma Belle, highlighting his versatility.
- Two Hearts Never Break the Same (2022) – A more introspective project, blending R&B vibes with Punjabi songwriting.
Standout Singles:
- Brown Munde (2020)
- Excuses (2021) – One of his biggest global hits, crossing hundreds of millions of streams.
- Insane (2021)
- Summer High (2022)
- True Stories (with Gurinder Gill)
Collectively, his catalog has crossed billions of streams across Spotify and YouTube.
Style & Artistry
AP Dhillon’s sound is a hybrid of trap beats, moody R&B textures, and Punjabi melodies. Unlike traditional Punjabi pop, his music leans into minimalist production and atmospheric vibes. His lyrical themes often explore ambition, love, identity, and the immigrant experience, making his songs resonate deeply with diasporic audiences.
Global Tours & Recognition
AP Dhillon is as much a live performer as he is a studio artist. His The Takeover Tour (2021–2022) sold out arenas across Canada, the UK, and the US, signaling the global demand for Punjabi music. In India, his shows drew massive crowds, further blurring the line between regional and mainstream stardom.
He’s been profiled by international outlets like BBC, GQ, and Rolling Stone, often cited as a symbol of Punjabi music’s crossover into Western spaces.
Recent Work & Updates
- In 2023, AP Dhillon headlined festivals in North America and collaborated with global producers.
- In 2024–2025, he teased new experimental tracks blending Punjabi folk with EDM-inspired production.
- Rumors of collaborations with Western hip-hop artists continue to swirl, highlighting his crossover appeal.
Why AP Dhillon Matters
AP Dhillon isn’t just another Punjabi singer—he represents a cultural shift. Along with his collective, he has turned Punjabi trap into a global sound, giving voice to the second-generation immigrant experience while keeping ties to Punjabi pride. His rise proves that Punjabi music is no longer “regional”—it’s international.
Listen to My Music
