Hashim Nawaz

rapper known for the song Pindi

Compiled from 1 recorded interview. Every statement below is drawn from the passage cited beside it.

Hashim Nawaz is a rapper at Goky Records. Nawaz says he wanted direction and a support system around his rap. Goky Records and one other person approached him and told him he only had to rap.

Early life and background

Nawaz describes his childhood as an average, peaceful life, like everyone else's. He calls himself an average boy from Pindi. His father bought him a keyboard when he was in second class. Nawaz says he was taught so much that he grew tired and ran away from the keyboard. [1]

Learning rap

Nawaz says he started rapping around fifth or sixth class. He recalls hearing 50 Cent songs and Lose Yourself around fourth class, though he is not sure of the exact time. At first he listened to whole Eminem albums and memorised them. He learned rap by memorising songs and rapping over their instrumentals, and he says he learned rap the desi way. [1]

Career

Nawaz says he wanted direction and a support system around his rap. Goky Records and one other person approached him and told him he only had to rap. He says the offer covered rapping, writing and coming to the studio, at no charge. He says the equipment his team already had was free to use, and that one person still handles his platform, his YouTube channel and his distribution. [1]

Nawaz used to travel to Lahore for recordings because he had no local link. He released a couple of songs, including Aamad. He calls Aamad an amateur phase of his work, and it was in Punjabi. He moved from Punjabi rap to Urdu rap because Urdu is more relatable. [1]

Pindi

Nawaz says he wrote the song Pindi to represent the city without boasting. He says Pindi has reached 17 million, far beyond what they expected. He says that after Pindi came out, his group got many show offers, then Corona arrived. He says event offers have started coming back after Covid. [1]

Performances and releases

Nawaz says he performed at a rap battle, and that later his group performed at a mall. He says one song he wrote quickly, in about two and a half to three hours, was liked by people. He says he wrote Sajda to go deeper and carry a lesson. His recent song Time Pass, he says, did not rise as he expected. [1]

Instagram

Nawaz posts one-minute rap verses that are exclusive to Instagram. He posts extra verses that do not fit a song there so they are not wasted. He says posting random rap videos on Instagram has helped his reach. [1]

Views on music and success

Nawaz says talent alone is not enough, and smart work matters too. He says talented people used to need much more work, such as building links, to get noticed. He says he does not think a teacher is needed now, because YouTube covers everything. He also says the keyboard is at the heart of musical understanding. [1]

Nawaz says he does not have a plan for where rap takes him. He describes himself as a rapper who is not yet big, and as a small artist. He says a person is truly successful when everyone knows them wherever they go. He says he hopes to receive that level of recognition someday. [1]

Nawaz says Young Stunners have always been an inspiration to him. He says Young Stunners are already a brand in their own right. [1]

Views on rap culture

Nawaz says rappers may diss each other, but the focus should be on the level of rap. He says a reply to a diss should aim at writing a better verse. He says beef is fine as long as it is a healthy competition. He says he is a closer friend of one rapper than of another, but respects the other rapper's art. He says a rapper's talent is his top priority when choosing to collaborate. [1]

Nawaz says that when a rapper disses him, he lets the line pass and still works with that rapper. He says he looks at the bigger picture of what will matter in a few years. He says rap beefs often have personal reasons behind them. He says beef was a major part of rap when it began, pointing to Tupac and Biggie. He says a rapper who brags must make sure it does not sound cringy or lame. [1]

Writing

Nawaz says his writing depends on the theme of the song. He says a song's theme is chosen first, and the verses are built around it. He says writing just happens for him, and he does not know the process behind it. He says his first priority in writing is being technical. He says he focuses on word play and technical rap, inspired by technical rappers. [1]

Advice to aspiring rappers

Nawaz advises aspiring rappers to enjoy the process and not become obsessed with it. He advises aspiring rappers who feel their rap is weak to learn by rapping over instrumentals. [1]

Audience

Nawaz says his listeners are mostly male, though he cannot give an exact split. He says his audience is young, and he thinks young fans can form a toxic fan base. He wants older adults, around 30 to 35, at rap concerts. [1]

Appearances

DateTitleWhere
2021-10-18 Why Hashim Nawaz tells aspiring rappers not to obsess over rap Thought Behind Things

Frequently asked questions

What does Hashim Nawaz do?

Hashim Nawaz is a rapper. He posts one-minute rap verses that are exclusive to Instagram. He has performed at a rap battle, and his group has performed at a mall.[1]

Where is Hashim Nawaz from?

Hashim Nawaz describes himself as an average boy from Pindi. He says he wrote the song Pindi to represent the city.[1]

When did Hashim Nawaz start rapping?

Hashim Nawaz says he started rapping around fifth or sixth class. He learned by memorising songs and rapping over their instrumentals.[1]

How did Hashim Nawaz learn to rap?

Hashim Nawaz says he learned rap the desi way. At first he listened to whole Eminem albums and memorised them. He then rapped over the instrumentals of those songs.[1]

What language does Hashim Nawaz rap in?

Hashim Nawaz has moved from Punjabi rap to Urdu rap because he says Urdu is more relatable. His song Aamad was in Punjabi, and he calls it an amateur phase of his work.[1]

What advice does Hashim Nawaz give to aspiring rappers?

Hashim Nawaz advises aspiring rappers to enjoy the process and not become obsessed with it. He advises those who feel their rap is weak to learn by rapping over instrumentals.[1]

References

  1. Why Hashim Nawaz tells aspiring rappers not to obsess over rap . Thought Behind Things , 2021-10-18.
Show the source passages (60 statements)
  1. His father bought him a keyboard when he was in second class. Maine toh jab main 2 class mein tha toh mere father ne mujhe keyboard leke diya.
  2. He says he was taught so much that he grew tired and ran away from the keyboard. Aur is had tak sikhaya ki main tang aa gaya tha end pe. Main bhagta tha keyboard se.
  3. He says he started rapping around fifth or sixth class. Toh 2 class mein seekha aur jab rap maine start kiya koi 5-6 class mein hounga.
  4. He recalls hearing 50 Cent songs and Lose Yourself around fourth class, though he is not sure of the exact time. Haan, exactly nahi yaad lekin 4 class mein tha jab maine woh Inda Club, woh jo gaane aaye the 50 Cent ke, Lose Yourself, woh jo basic basic rap.
  5. At first he listened to whole Eminem albums and memorised them. Main shuru mein main karta yeh tha ki main Eminem ki album sunta tha puri puri aur main yaad karta tha.
  6. He learned rap by memorising songs and rapping over their instrumentals. Aur mujhe uska ek ek gaana ratta hota tha aur phir main karta yeh tha ki main usi gaane ka instrumental uthata tha aur wohi wala rap us instrumental pe karne ki koshish karta tha.
  7. He says he learned rap the desi way. mujhe itna itna iski itni knowledge nahi hai kyunki maine desi tareeqe se rap seekha hai.
  8. He describes his childhood as an average, peaceful life, like everyone else's. Theek thi, sukoon. Sukoon easy, average life as everyone else.
  9. He describes himself as an average boy from Pindi. Average Pindi boy aur haan.
  10. He says he wrote the song Pindi to represent the city without boasting. Toh isi tarah phir Pindi jab likha toh woh phir Pindi ko represent karna tha toh phir usme humne uh bahut saare elements aise khud khud shokhi nahi maarni thi.
  11. He says one person still handles his platform, his YouTube channel and his distribution. Toh mera saara platform, mera YouTube channel abhi bhi even wohi handle karta hai Muzammil. Mere saare distribution.
  12. He says he wanted direction and a support system around his rap. Lekin lekin jo hai mujhe chahiye koi Direction. System system chahiye jo mujhe aas paas support kare, mujhe hai ye woh.
  13. Goky Records and one other person approached him and told him he only had to rap. Phir yahi inhone approach kiya mujhe Muzammil aur Goki Records ne. Theek hai. Toh inhone kaha ki bhai bas tumne rap karna hai.
  14. He says the offer was only that he rap, write and come to the studio, at no charge. Haan, tumne rap karna hai, likhna hai aur bas studio aana hai. Koi charge nahi, koi kuch nahi aur studio in Lahore?
  15. He used to travel to Lahore for recordings because he had no local link. Toh khair abhi toh main udhar jata hoon lekin pehle ye hota tha ki yahan mera koi link nahi tha toh main Lahore jata tha recordings ke liye.
  16. He released a couple of songs, including Aamad. Toh is tarah gaane nikale maine ek do. Aamad nikala.
  17. He calls Aamad an amateur phase of his work, and it was in Punjabi. Lekin woh ek amateur phase tha mera. But still woh acha gaya tha. Theek tha matlab Punjabi tha.
  18. He moved from Punjabi rap to Urdu rap because Urdu is more relatable. Abhi main thoda Urdu mein shift ho gaya hoon. Punjabi rap se Urdu rap mein because it is more relatable.
  19. He says he performed at a rap battle, and that later his group performed at a mall. Uh Pepsi Rap Battle jo tha usme maine kiya tha. Phir uske baad Giga Mall mein humne kiya tha.
  20. He says that after Pindi came out, his group got many show offers, then Corona arrived. Lekin hamare saath ek ganda scene ye hua ki jab Pindi nikla tha uske baad humein bahut shows mil gaye the lekin phir Corona aa gaya.
  21. He says Pindi has reached 17 million, far beyond what they expected. Hum samajh rahe the, matlab theek hai, lakh cross ho jayega, 2 lakh cross ho jayega, matlab relatable cheez hai, shehar ke upar hai, itna to jaana chahiye. Lekin abhi yeh 17 million ho gaye.
  22. He says one song he wrote quickly, in about two and a half to three hours, was liked by people. Phir ek bhai jab maine banaya tha, to main maine bada jaldi likh liya tha, woh dhai, teen ghante mein. To maine kaha woh simple sa hai, kya? Aur woh logon ko pasand aa gaya.
  23. He says his recent song Time Pass did not rise as he expected. maine abhi recently ek gaana banaya tha, Time Pass. Theek hai, main expect kar raha tha woh chadhega. Hmm. Lekin woh nahi chadha.
  24. He says talent alone is not enough, and smart work matters too. Sirf talent mujhe nahi lagta, smart work bahut zaroori hai at the same time.
  25. He posts extra verses that do not fit a song on Instagram so they are not wasted. Woh reh jaate hain to main chahta hoon ki woh zaya na ho. To mera bhi fayda ho jaata hai, Instagram pe lag jaate hain woh.
  26. He posts one-minute rap verses that are exclusive to Instagram. Instagram pe main ek verses daalta hoon. Instagram exclusive rap verses ek minute ke.
  27. He says posting random rap videos on Instagram has helped his reach. Maine jab Instagram pe videos daali hain, waise hi random rap karte hue, to uska bada fayda hota hai.
  28. He says talented people used to need much more work, such as building links, to get noticed. Matlab pehle agar log talented hain bhi to unko aur bhi bade kaam karne padte honge. Matlab links banane, idhar udhar jaana, khwariyan kaatni, yeh woh.
  29. He says he does not think a teacher is needed now, because YouTube covers everything. Nahi, teacher ki ab mujhe nahi lagta zaroorat hai. Ab YouTube sab kuch.
  30. He says the keyboard is at the heart of musical understanding. Matlab keyboard ek basic. At the heart and core of musical sort of understanding hai.
  31. He says he wrote Sajda to go deeper and carry a lesson. Lekin jab koi project ho jis tarah maine Sajda likha tha jab toh uspe mera focus tha ki maine deep jaana hai, matlab thoda sa lesson bhi ho.
  32. He says he does not have a plan for where rap takes him. Matlab depends on many things, matlab kya hota hai aage, matlab uh, matlab you don't have a plan. You don't have a plan.
  33. He describes himself as a rapper who is not yet big. Main abhi itna bada rapper nahi hoon.
  34. He describes himself as a small artist. Aur mere jaise ek chote artist ko izzat di.
  35. He says event offers have started coming back after Covid. Haan, by the way, mil rahe hain waise, matlab uh, system start ho gaya wapas. Covid ke baad.
  36. He says a person is truly successful when everyone knows them wherever they go. Haan, matlab banda waqai successful aur famous tab hai, mujhe yeh lagta hai, ke woh kahin nikal na sakta ho, har banda usko jaanta hai.
  37. He says he hopes to receive that level of recognition someday. to woh uh chahega ki usko is level ki recognition mile. Aur haan, main chahta hoon aisa ho kabhi.
  38. He says Young Stunners have always been an inspiration to him. Aur YS uh mere liye to hamesha se inspiration rahe hain, Young Stunners.
  39. He says Young Stunners are already a brand in their own right. yeh khud brand hain, YS abhi khud ek brand hai
  40. He says rappers may diss each other, but the focus should be on the level of rap. agar do rappers hain na ek dusre ko diss kar rahe hain, theek hai, karein diss lekin uh the main focus should be on the uh level of rap.
  41. He says a reply to a diss should aim at writing a better verse. Uska maksad hona chahiye ki main isse acha verse likhoon.
  42. He says beef is fine as long as it is a healthy competition. as long as it is a competition, a healthy competition toh theek hai beef karein.
  43. He says he is a closer friend of one rapper than of another, but respects the other rapper's art. beshak main ek ka zyada acha dost hoon, dusre ka nahi hoon but at the same time main dusre ki respect bahut karta hoon jahan tak uske art ki baat aati hai.
  44. He says a rapper's talent is his top priority when choosing to collaborate. Matlab main ek rapper ko bahut acha rapper samajhta hoon toh that should be the top most priority jo maine consider mujhe consider karni chahiye.
  45. He says that when a rapper disses him, he lets the line pass and still works with that rapper. mujhe agar koi line maari hai kisi ne toh main usko waise jaane deta hoon jaise maine suni hi nahi hai. Aur main us rapper ke saath kaam bhi kar leta hoon.
  46. He says he looks at the bigger picture of what will matter in a few years. I try to look at the bigger picture. Matlab aaj se dedh, do, teen saal baad kya cheez matter karegi.
  47. He says rap beefs often have personal reasons behind them. Uh but mujhe pata hai kaafi dafa hota hai, personal reasons hote hain.
  48. He says beef was a major part of rap when it began, pointing to Tupac and Biggie. woh jo shuru mein beefs chale the Tupac, Biggie, woh wale jo agar aapko pata ho matlab um toh rap mujhe lagta hai jab originate hua hai toh kaafi major part uska yahi tha beef.
  49. He says a rapper who brags must make sure it does not sound cringy or lame. Matlab agar ek banda brag karta bhi hai toh he has to make sure ki woh cringy sound na kare, lame sound na kare.
  50. He says his writing depends on the theme of the song. Haan, wohi depends on the theme of the song.
  51. He says a song's theme is chosen first, and the verses are built around it. Matlab hum decide karte hain na pehle ki yaar acha abhi gaana banana hai. Koi social issue pe banana hai ya jo bhi karna hai toh phir obviously usse uske around revolve karta hai.
  52. He says writing just happens for him, and he does not know the process behind it. Natively bas ho jaata hai, pata nahi hai ki yaar process kya hai jiske tehat mujhe pata hai ye ye karunga toh likh loonga.
  53. He says his first priority in writing is being technical. Matlab uske baad main relatable hoon. Right. The first priority is being technical.
  54. He says he focuses on word play and technical rap, inspired by technical rappers. Main zyada word plays aur woh technical stuff ki taraf jaata hoon kyunki main thoda un un rappers se inspired hoon keh sakte hain jo technical zyada hain.
  55. He advises aspiring rappers to enjoy the process and not become obsessed with it. yahi main advise kar deta hoon ki aap bas enjoy karo is process ko. Hmm. Aur iske saath obsess na ho.
  56. He advises aspiring rappers who feel their rap is weak to learn by rapping over instrumentals. Wohi tareeka jo maine bataya aapko instrumental download kiya aur aur in fact main yahi jo hai advice doonga un boys ko jo rap seekhna cha rahe hain, jinka jinka lagta hai unka rap weak hai, improve karna cha rahe hain yeh woh.
  57. He says the equipment his team already had was free to use. Sponsor kya matlab free hi hota tha saara equipment tha unke paas apne jo mere boys hain.
  58. He says his listeners are mostly male, though he cannot give an exact split. Haan, haan, balki nahi, ladke to bahut zyada hain. Haan. 90-10 ho gayi hai, 95-5 ho gayi hai. Main kuch keh nahi sakta.
  59. He says his audience is young, and he thinks young fans can form a toxic fan base. Chhote hain. Jo ki yeh cheez mujhe badi buri lagti hai. Kyunki uh, jo hai na toxic fan base tabhi banti hai jab jo aapke listeners hain, audience hai, woh thode chhote hon, bachche hon.
  60. He wants older adults, around 30 to 35, at rap concerts. Matlab main chahta hoon ki agar rap concert ho to aage bade log aayein. Matlab like 30, 35 saal ke bande khade hon jo like waqai rap ko pasand karte hain.