Good rap-port
Ashima Sehajpal

"Ye khabren sunte sunte mere kaan thak gaye haiun,

Ye zulm sehte sehte aam log thak gaye hain

Nahin jaante hain kiski kisse jung hain,

lekin iss jung mein kayi log mar gaye hain."

Too heavy! We know. And, we also know that it is not a track from any upcoming Bollywood flick, not a musical album either, not qawalli or ghazal either. Initially you might miss some words as we did. It's rap actually and we aren't accustomed to the music form either. Rapping is really fast but has a meaning that stays for long in people's mind as against what we have been presuming. "Rap is all about rebel, slang, a bit of abusive language and Bohemia in India." But above all rap is a music genre that youngsters can relate to.

Puneet Tandon and Deepanshu Goyal of F-lux cashed on the popularity of rap and composed this song, dedicated to the people who lost their lives in 26/11 terror attacks.

"It takes people time to understand rap but that doesn't mean the lyrics are hastily done. Because rhyming words make up for all the missing music in rap, meaningful lyrics are important to catch people's attention," adds Puneet.

So, how are the lyrics of the bohemian rap created, how much time it takes and how are the topics chosen? Rap crews from the city give us an insight. "From five minutes to a few hours to a few days to a few weeks even, time takes it finalise a composition usually depends on the topic," says Prashant Verma, aka Slick of 2 Shadez. It took them a week's time to finalise the lyrics of their much popular song, Bang Bang, which yet again was dedicated to 26/11 victims, "The song was in a form of conversation with Ajmal Kasab as to what he has done to so many innocent lives, thus lyrics has to leave an impact."

Now, about the lyrics that require the minimum time, two minutes, which rappers term as free style. "They are tougher to come up with as you have to come up instantly with the right rhyming words that make sense. It took me one year of practice to learn free styling," says Mojo (Anki R) of Desi Bean. One can't take more than a few seconds to make the next sentence that ends with the rhyming word of the first. Then there has to be use of appropriate slangs, which are indispensable to rap tracks. "In Hindi songs, we use the words as it is but for English tracks, we have to play with the words as they are liked by youth," adds Puneet. Thus, your becomes yo, my becomes ma, honey is homie, I am having fun is am chillin, I am on the top is am bowlin.

When Navdeap Singh, aka Nottie and his borther Luckyof Kru172, sit down to write the lyrics, they are conscious that they don't look inspired. "While rapping in Hindi, the first thing that might strike people is, if it is like Bohemia's. Originality in lyrics has to be apparent," says Nottie. Abusive language is another factor that local rappers try to avoid. "Rapping is a Western form, where in use of abusive language is common. However, in India, since it doesn't suit our sensibilities, it's better to have clean words," adds he.

The ideas of the songs are usually derived from whatever is happening in the surrounding, varying from the party scene, friendship, to even social problems like brain drain, drug abuse, racisim`85.All rapping in a bid to unwrap the vital issues!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Razzle dazzle
Tribune News Service

Making the most of the high gold prices, diamonds steal the show at Geetanjali Jewels diamond jewellery exhibition at Panchkula-9. The exhibition offers branded jewellery from Asmi, Nakshatra, Gili, Diya, D'damas and others, a wide range of rings, pendants, neck pieces, earrings and designer wedding jewellery. "It has been planned to ring in the New Year with exciting shopping experience and never-before designs for our customers," said Deepak Gupta, owner, Geetanjali Jewels-9, Panchkula. The collection starts from Rs 6,000 onwards and has exquisite diamond danglers worth Rs 3 lakh. Also, queen bracelets between Rs 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh will add the required royalty to your style. An added attraction is the beautiful Pearl collection, with exclusive pieces in pearl and diamonds. "We have fresh water pearls combined with diamonds to complete the lavish yet elegant look. They start from Rs 5,000 onwards and range up to Rs 4 lakh," adds Deepak. Along with the exhibition, an attractive monthly savings scheme, Tamanna, too has been launched. It gives customer an opportunity to own fine jewellery in easy installment. "You pay 12 installments and get two installments absolutely free. You can preplan your purchases for special occasions like weddings, anniversaries," says Deepak.

Merc my word
Tribune News Service

Mercedes-Benz has announced the launch of its much- awaited 3-axle Intercity Luxury Coach for the first time in India. The coach comes with an O 500 RSD 2436 chassis from Mercedes-Benz, while the body is assembled by the Indian partner company Sutlej Motors Ltd.

"The Mercedes-Benz coach incorporates hallmarks of the Mercedes brand: safety, comfort and technology. Also adding to its advantages like optimised cost of ownership and robust build quality. I am confident our customers in India will appreciate this new offering," says Hartmut Schick, Head of Daimler Buses.

Wilfried Aulbur, managing director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India indicated the positioning of the multi-axle buses: "With rapid infrastructure improvement in India, there is a need mass transit long-distance mobility solutions with adequate comfort and safety for occupants. The Mercedes-Benz coach being introduced will cater to this specific demand for the Indian market. Our 2-axle coach has already received enthusiastic response; the new Multi-axle coaches will take it to the next level for our Indian customers."

The face of the coach, with its bold and inviting windscreen and a beautifully sculpted front face, is visually impressive and distinct. The windscreen design with its integration to the body design provides a panoramic view of the road. These features compliment the Mercedes star proudly placed on the sculpted plinth.

Powered by the Euro III engine, the Mercedes-Benz 3-axle coaches are capable of delivering high performance, powerful torque output and a good fuel economy. The rear engine with six vertical cylinders, turbo charged and intercooled engine delivers 1200 Nm torque at a low rpm of 1400-1600. The smart suspension system is equipped a lifting mechanism that allows the chauffer to lift the height of the coach when the road conditions are bad.

The Mercedes-Benz coach is designed for the highest levels of safety and stability at even high speed.

With typical Mercedes attention to detail, the coach's designers have also given great attention to the interior of the debutante, ensuring that every feature appeals in both emotional and functional terms with its form, colour or material. Passenger seats are mounted on a higher level from the aisle and are equipped with a mechanical reclining mechanism. Also, the coach maintains a perfect temperature with a well developed roof mounted AC.

Other features of the coach include two LCD screens provided to make viewing more comfortable for the passengers. The coach also boasts a sufficiently large luggage compartment between the front and rear axels.

Brand bargain

Newly open store offers international brands at pocket friendly prices

If it's Ralph Lauren DKNY, Nine West, Calvin Klein, Fendi or Gucci on your mind, there is some good news for you. Red Tag, a multi-brand international store opened its first branch in Industrial Area, Chandigarh. Models showcased the branded wear and accessory range in the store.

Preet Mohinder Singh, MD, Red Tag, said, "The idea behind the store was to provide all major international brands under one roof."

The store offers a wide range of long and short coats with fur and big, long boots to dress you up for the winter. You can pick up sunglasses and watches from Fendi, Gucci, Chanel, Aigner, The North face and Roca. Cosmetics from Sally Hansen, Almay, Max Factor, Cover Girl, Maybelline, Lo'real and Revlon are available too along with nicely packed make up kits. You can pick up imported blankets and beddings from Manor Dales, Court of Verailles, Munroe and Jaquard to bedeck your home.

What's more, the stuff is reasonably priced. Early birds can avail some inaugural offers as well. — Mona