Taj The Elephant – Spotlight
Taj the Elephant drops mega hit new single ‘Spotlight’
ATLANTA, GA – “Punjabi Reject Vol. 1” is out now in wide release, and the debut single from the project, “Spotlight,” has been gaining attention in just two weeks of release across all streaming platforms, spreading like wildfire across the U.S. and in other parts of the world. The Trap/Soul fusion features a signature flow with auto tune and high reverb effects that Taj has perfected. With a beat that’s equal parts bouncy and melodic, listeners will want to put this song on repeat and play it wherever they’re at.
“What happens to most guys once they get signed and actually get released?” he asked. “They get tons of attention and end up leveling up and hooking up with a baddie actress or singer. I wanted to capture that feeling, and that feeling literally bleeds through the video to the audience. It shows me and my beautiful woman enjoying the spotlight. We’re like this power couple just kind of telling the world, ‘I made it! I’m the king. Because I’m the king, now meet my queen.’ She’s stunning, powerful, and sultry. She’s mine, and we deserve the spotlight. That is the entire theme and wave of the song.”
Raised in the Punjabi tradition of an Indian family, he struggled with the overly strict environment established by his father. Although he was involved in both music and sports at a young age, Taj began to turn to the streets to seek the attention that wasn’t being given between the relationships in his home. At age 14, he began to rebel and got into trouble when he was arrested for possession of drugs and was taken to juvenile custody, expelled and kicked off the basketball team. At the age of 15 Taj dropped out of school and left his home. His continued rebellion which, among other things, included a passion for Hip Hop music, had come to a head in his parents’ house.
“I didn’t feel like I belonged,” he said. “I wasn’t one of them. I would have rather been out on the streets homeless than be in a home with nonstop abuse and scrutiny.”
Within the Punjabi tradition, Hip Hop and “Black” culture was highly frowned upon, and it’s exceedingly rare for someone of that heritage to pursue a career in that style of music.
“There are countless times where I’ve come close to record label auditions or opening for bigger acts,” he said. “I was always kept down by f—ed up people. All of my setbacks constantly had me in and out of depression and addiction. There were people who took chances away from me and wanted to control me. I just wasn’t always wise over the years. I think a combination of all those things plus the personal hell I’ve been though is why I’m so locked in now. I have a chip on my shoulder and I am not going to stop till I make my mark. I’m a Trap artist, period. I love trap music. You can hear that in the music. But, I’m like a great basketball player in that there’s no telling what my style is for sure. I might cross you up just to show you who’s the boss. Expect the unexpected. I want my music to be an escape for everybody from all walks of life. Whether you’re White, Black, Indian, whatever, I want to break those barriers down. People go through real shit and I know how it is. When you’re happy, sad, alone, confused or motivated, you will find relatability in harmony and lyrics in my art and I want to give people that outlet to escape their realities through my music.”
To listen to Taj the Elephant’s music or to follow him on social media, please visit:
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