British producer and DJ TroyBoi has recently released his most personal and culturally significant project to date, the "ROOTZ" EP. This five-track collection, released via Ultra Records, is more than just a fusion of genres; it's a statement of identity, a bridge between cultures, and a heartfelt tribute to his Indian heritage.
TroyBoi, born to an Indian mother and a British father, grew up immersed in the sounds of Bollywood, Bhangra, and devotional songs. These early influences shaped his musical ear and instilled in him a deep appreciation for South Asian melodies and emotions. "ROOTZ" is the culmination of these formative years, a vibrant tapestry woven from his signature trap and bass style and the rich textures of Indian, Punjabi, House, and Hip-Hop music.
“This EP is about staying true to where you come from,” TroyBoi shares. “I wanted to honor the music I grew up with while bringing it into a modern space for the world to experience." He didn't want a surface-level fusion, but rather a conversation between the past and the future.
The EP boasts an impressive lineup of collaborations with prominent Indian artists. "Masala" features the fiery vocals of Punjabi-Canadian star Amrit Maan, blending chopped-up rap with traditional Indian sounds. "Okay" showcases the legendary Punjabi singer Jazzy B, twisting Bhangra melodies into electronic form with a high-energy delivery. Indo-Swiss artist BombayMami lends her confidence and global twist to "Beggin'," layering Indian instruments over global bass. Rounding out the collection is "Kamli," a solo production that TroyBoi describes as the "heartbeat of the project," and showcases his signature hard-hitting sound.
Perhaps the most significant track on the EP is "Kabhi," which samples the iconic voice of Lata Mangeshkar from the classic Bollywood film "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham". This track marks a historic moment, as it is the first time Mangeshkar's vocals have been officially cleared for use outside of a Bollywood film. For TroyBoi, who watched the film countless times with his mother, "Kabhi" is more than just a sample; it's a memory encoded in sound, a bridge between generations. Getting the sample cleared was a challenging process due to the legal and cultural sensitivities surrounding such an iconic voice, but TroyBoi was determined to do it the right way, out of deep respect for her legacy. His mother was emotional and proud that he honored the song with respect while making it his own.
"ROOTZ" is not just about fusion; it's about identity. By sampling Lata Mangeshkar and merging heritage with trap, TroyBoi is mapping his identity in sound, demonstrating that roots do not hold you back but give you freedom. He and his peers are the next chapter, proving that one can be British, Indian, and global all at once. The EP is a testament to the growing wave of British artists born into diasporas who are using their heritage not as a garnish but as a foundation.
Having cultivated a devoted following in India through multiple sold-out tours, TroyBoi views "ROOTZ" as a means of connecting with his fans on a deeper level. He is planning to tour India soon to promote "Rootz". He also expressed interest in collaborating with AR Rahman, Hanumankind, Karan Aujla, AP Dhillon and Diljit Dosanjh in the future.
With "ROOTZ," TroyBoi hopes to inspire the next generation of global artists to embrace and celebrate their heritage. "Stay true to your roots," he encourages. He is already experimenting with new sounds and ideas beyond "ROOTZ", promising more collaborations, cultural fusions, and music that continues to surprise.
