Beware of the Boys
2002
Songwriters:
Rajinder Singh Rai (Panjabi MC); traditional Punjabi folk elements. Additional lyrics (rap verse): Shawn Corey Carter (Jay-Z).
Full mix
Drums
Electronic Drum Kit
Drums
Percussion
Bass
Electric Bass
Keys
Noise Effect
Other
Electric Guitar
Guitar
Tumbi
Vocals
Backing Vocals
Vocals
Lead Vocal
Vocals
Lead Vocal
“Beware of the Boys (Mundian To Bach Ke)” featuring Jay-Z is the internationally recognized remix of Panjabi MC’s original bhangra track. The version combines traditional Punjabi vocals and rhythms with hip-hop production and a guest rap verse by Jay-Z, creating a landmark East-West crossover. Released in 2002, the remix brought bhangra music to a global mainstream audience and became a club and radio hit across Europe and North America. Its success marked a pivotal moment in global pop culture, demonstrating how regional folk traditions could be recontextualized through contemporary hip-hop and electronic production without losing their cultural identity.