Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Who is AP Dhillon?
- The Rise to Fame of AP Dhillon
- AP Dhillon’s Musical Style and Influences
- Notable Songs and Albums by AP Dhillon
- Impact on the Punjabi Music Industry and Culture
- Why AP Dhillon is a Fashion Icon for Young Generations
- Buying Guide: How to Enjoy AP Dhillon’s Music and More
- Conclusion
Introduction
Imagine a small village in Punjab, India, where a young boy dreams of making music that the world will sing along to. Fast forward a few years, and that boy, Amritpal Singh Dhillon, better known as AP Dhillon, is a global superstar! With hits like Brown Munde and Excuses, AP Dhillon has taken Punjabi music to new heights, blending it with modern beats that make everyone groove. His story is one of hard work, passion, and a love for his roots. Whether you’re a fan of Punjabi music or just love catchy songs, AP Dhillon’s journey is sure to inspire you. In this article, we’ll dive into his life, music, and why he’s a big deal in the music world today.
Who is AP Dhillon?
AP Dhillon was born on January 10, 1993, in Mullianwal, a small village in Gurdaspur, Punjab, India. Growing up in a Punjabi Sikh family, he was surrounded by the rich sounds of Punjabi folk music, from legends like Amar Singh Chamkila to soulful Sufi tunes. His father, a civil engineer, loved music and poetry, filling their home with melodies from Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Jagjit Singh. As a kid, AP was quiet but found his voice through music, often strumming a guitar at school events.
After finishing school at Little Flower Convent in Gurdaspur, AP studied civil engineering at Baba Kuma Singh Ji Engineering College in Amritsar. But his heart was set on music, not construction sites! In 2015, he moved to Canada to pursue a diploma in Business Administration at Camosun College in British Columbia. Life in Canada wasn’t easy—AP worked odd jobs at Best Buy and gas stations to make ends meet. These experiences shaped his music, giving it a raw, relatable vibe that speaks to anyone chasing their dreams. His Punjabi roots stayed strong, inspiring lyrics that celebrate his culture and the struggles of the South Asian diaspora.
The Rise to Fame of AP Dhillon
AP Dhillon’s journey to stardom kicked off in 2019 with his debut single Fake, a collaboration with Shinda Kahlon under their independent label, Run-Up Records. The song’s fresh sound caught attention, but it was 2020 that changed everything. That year, AP released Deadly, which hit number 11 on the UK Asian chart, and Droptop, which also charted well. Then came Majhail, a collaboration with Gurinder Gill and Manni Sandhu, which topped both the UK Asian and Punjabi charts. But the real game-changer was Brown Munde.
Released in September 2020, Brown Munde (meaning “Brown Boys” in Punjabi) became a global anthem. Featuring Gurinder Gill, Shinda Kahlon, and Gminxr, with cameos from stars like Sidhu Moose Wala and Nav in the music video, the song celebrated the hustle of South Asian immigrants. It hit number one on the UK Asian chart, entered Apple Music’s Canada chart, and racked up over 738 million YouTube views by February 2025. Social media, especially YouTube and Instagram, played a huge role in its success, with fans sharing Brown Munde on reels and stories.
AP’s independent approach with Run-Up Records, alongside labelmates Gurinder Gill, Shinda Kahlon, and Gminxr, set him apart. Instead of signing with a big label, he bet on himself, learning to produce music through YouTube tutorials and recording in a garage studio. His 2021 India tour, The Takeover Tour, sold out across six cities, proving his global appeal. By 2023, he made history as the first Punjabi artist to perform at the Juno Awards in Edmonton, Canada, cementing his status as a trailblazer.
AP Dhillon’s Musical Style and Influences
What makes AP Dhillon’s music so special? It’s his ability to mix traditional Punjabi vibes with modern sounds like hip-hop, R&B, and trap. His songs often feature Punjabi lyrics that tell stories of love, struggle, and pride, set to catchy beats that appeal to everyone. For example, Excuses blends synths, R&B, and funk, while Brown Munde rides a hypnotic trap beat. His low-pitched, smooth vocals and conversational style make his music feel like a chat with a friend.
AP draws inspiration from Punjabi legends like Jitender Sartaj and Amar Singh Chamkila, as well as Western artists like A.R. Rahman and Arijit Singh. Growing up, he listened to everything from Sufi music to hip-hop, which shaped his unique sound. This fusion has made Punjabi music more global, influencing trends in pop and hip-hop worldwide. His 2024 EP, The Brownprint, with collabs like Gunna and Ayra Starr, shows how he’s pushing boundaries, mixing Punjabi with Afrobeats and reggae. This versatility has helped him dominate streaming platforms, with over 5 billion streams worldwide.
Notable Songs and Albums by AP Dhillon
AP Dhillon’s discography is packed with hits that have taken over charts and playlists. Here’s a look at some of his biggest songs and albums:
| Song/Album | Release Year | Key Features | Chart Performance | Streams (as of 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Munde | 2020 | Anthem for South Asian diaspora, featuring Gurinder Gill, Shinda Kahlon, Gminxr | #1 UK Asian, #76 Global, Apple Music Canada | 738M+ YouTube views |
| Excuses | 2020 | Synth-heavy R&B track about heartbreak | #3 UK Asian, #1 UK Punjabi | Popular on Instagram reels |
| Majhail | 2020 | Collaboration with Gurinder Gill, Manni Sandhu | #1 UK Asian & Punjabi | Top 5 UK Punjabi chart |
| Insane | 2021 | Upbeat track used in The Boys Season 3 promo | Featured in global playlists | Millions of streams |
| Not By Chance (EP) | 2020 | Debut EP with 7 tracks, including Saada Pyaar | Top 5 UK Punjabi, #63 Canadian Albums | Charted in New Zealand |
| Hidden Gems (EP) | 2021 | Includes Majhe Alle, Tere Te | Popular in India and diaspora | Top streaming charts |
| The Brownprint (EP) | 2024 | Features Gunna, Ayra Starr, Jazzy B | Diverse genres (trap, Afrobeats) | 100M+ streams |
These tracks and albums show AP’s knack for creating music that resonates with both Punjabi and global audiences. Brown Munde remains his signature hit, symbolizing cultural pride, while The Brownprint marks his evolution into a genre-defying artist.
Impact on the Punjabi Music Industry and Culture
AP Dhillon has changed the game for Punjabi music. Before him, Punjabi songs were often seen as niche, but he’s made them mainstream. His music breaks stereotypes by blending traditional Punjabi sounds with global genres, appealing to both desis and non-desis. Brown Munde became an anthem for Punjabi youth, celebrating their hustle and pride, while tracks like With You show a softer, romantic side that connects with diverse listeners.
His influence goes beyond music. AP promotes cultural pride and inclusivity, often speaking about mental health and supporting Punjabi youth initiatives. His 2023 Juno Awards performance and 2024 Coachella appearance put Punjabi music on global stages, following in the footsteps of artists like Diljit Dosanjh. His sold-out world tours in North America, Europe, and India show how Punjabi music is reaching new places, from Latin America to East Asia. By staying independent with Run-Up Records, AP inspires young artists to chase their dreams without relying on big labels.
Why AP Dhillon is a Fashion Icon for Young Generations
AP Dhillon isn’t just a music star—he’s a style icon! His fashion blends Indo-Western vibes, mixing streetwear like hoodies and sneakers with Punjabi accessories like turbans and kadas (steel bracelets). Whether he’s rocking a casual jacket or a sleek suit, his look is fresh and relatable. Fans love how he pairs modern outfits with traditional elements, making him a trendsetter on social media.
On Instagram, AP’s posts inspire millions, with young fans copying his style. His music videos, like Brown Munde and Old Money, showcase his bold fashion choices, from oversized tees to designer jackets. He’s also launched a clothing line that reflects his unique style, further cementing his influence. For the youth, AP’s fashion is about confidence and cultural pride, making him a role model for blending heritage with modernity.
Buying Guide: How to Enjoy AP Dhillon’s Music and More
Want to dive into AP Dhillon’s world? Here’s a simple guide to enjoy his music, buy merchandise, and catch his live shows:
- Streaming His Music:
- Spotify: AP Dhillon has 15.2 million monthly listeners. Stream Brown Munde, Excuses, or The Brownprint for free with ads or get a premium plan for offline listening.
- Apple Music: Perfect for iPhone users, with high-quality audio for tracks like Insane.
- YouTube: Watch music videos like Brown Munde (738M+ views) for free. Subscribe to his channel for updates.
- Buying Merchandise:
- Check AP Dhillon’s official website or Run-Up Records for clothing lines featuring his signature style (e.g., hoodies, tees).
- Look for authentic merch on platforms like Amazon or Etsy, but verify seller reviews to avoid fakes.
- Prices typically range from $20-$50 for tees and $50-$100 for jackets.
- Attending Concerts:
- Follow AP Dhillon on Instagram or X for tour announcements. His 2024 The Brownprint India Tour was a hit
- Check ticket platforms like Ticketmaster or Live Nation for upcoming shows in North America, Europe, or India.
- Budget: Tickets range from $30-$150 depending on the venue and seat.
- Follow AP Dhillon on Instagram or X for tour announcements. His 2024 The Brownprint India Tour was a hit
- Watching His Docuseries:
- Stream AP Dhillon: First of a Kind on Amazon Prime Video to learn about his journey. A subscription costs ~$8.99/month.
- Great for fans wanting behind-the-scenes insights into his rise.
Tip: Start with Brown Munde on Spotify or YouTube to feel the vibe, then explore his EPs for a deeper dive. For concerts, book early to snag good seats!
