Heems Announces New Album ‘VEENA LP’ and Shares First Single ‘MANTO’ Exploring Post-Colonialism

Heems, the Indian American MC, is gearing up to release his second album of 2024, titled VEENA LP, on August 23. The album’s rollout has been kickstarted with the release of a new single called ‘MANTO’, which delves into the complexities of post-colonialism and the rapper’s heritage in the context of Britain’s imperial pursuits in India.

In the song, Heems reflects on the generational trauma faced by Punjabis and Sindhis, as well as the impact of the 1947 partition prompted by Britain’s departure from the region. The lyrics touch on the lingering effects of the “divide and rule” tactics implemented by the empire, highlighting the struggles of a culture still grappling with the aftermath.

The accompanying music video for ‘MANTO’, directed by Nardeep Khurmi, explores themes of inherited trauma and the sacrifices made by women to raise us. Heems draws inspiration from artists like Joseph Cornell and Guru Dutt, weaving together a narrative that reflects on the historical context of his music and creative influences.

This upcoming album follows Heems’ earlier release, LAFANDAR, which he dropped in collaboration with studio chef Lapgan earlier this year. In an interview with HipHopDX, Heems explained the creative process behind both projects, highlighting the differences in sound and themes between the two albums.

With VEENA, Heems explores instrumentation and sound design, collaborating with artists like Panda Bear and Blood Cultures to create a diverse musical landscape. In contrast, LAFANDAR is rooted in traditional rap, showcasing Heems at his core as a rapper. Fans can expect a deep dive into the artist’s personal experiences and reflections on both albums when they drop later this year.