When I sat to write this piece, honestly, it was agonizing; I was given a task – pick eight stand-out artists from the South Asian music scene and at the same time, not seem bias – trust me, it was a very difficult task! From the USA, into Canada, to the UK, and dipping into India, I narrowed my list down to eight contenders, who have proved they are “the best of the best.” We have singers, rappers, and producers – all who allow their forte to shine the brightest in today’s South Asian music scene.

We start our journey in Orlando, Florida, where rapper Ajaxxx is on a mission to release four CDs in one year – a feat which many artists have tried, but failed at. He’s is one of the most intense MCs we have in today’s Desi music scene and definitely has ‘something to prove’ to all his listeners! Ajaxxx has three internationally-released CDs: “It’s About Time,” “Something to Prove Promo,” and “The Set-Up.” With three more CDs in the works, Ajaxxx is determined to make his music known to the rest of the world. However, CDs and TV commercials aren’t the only thing which is bringing Ajaxxx to the top. He’s also been featured in internationally published magazines, and I don’t mean Canada – international meaning Hong Kong and India! It’s also important to note that Ajaxxx was one of ten finalists, in a recent “Rap Against Violence” contest – and the only South Asian winner. His song, “Walk With You” was featured on a non-profit CD and played on the top hip-hop radio stations across the state of Florida. Keeping that in mind, how many artists can you name who’ve had a TV commercial air…