It is amazing to think that it took a bunch of American hip hop producers to take some Bollywood beats and vocals and turn the UK Asian music scene on its head. Timbaland with Missy Elliott, Dre with Truth Hurts, they have both been at the vanguard of this American movement which continues a pace in the clubs. By combining urban rhythms with Asian musical forms a whole new musical genre has been created.

On Essential Asian Flavas British Asian producers have caught up and created a sound which finally brings Bhangra and the Asian Underground into the 21st century. This compilation celebrates this inventive new music by presenting you with the biggest cuts of the moment like the massive smash hit Panjabi MCs ëMundian To Bach Keí, as well as those tracks like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khanís hit from the film Bend it Like Beckham that have inspired the movement.

What the press say:

"Outcaste always seem to be one step ahead and here they've selected tunes representing a cross-section of styles, from bhangra through tripped-out dub.. all you need to know about modern Anglo-Asian club culture".
(Straight No Chaser, Spring 2003)

"This is a well-rounded set, they've (Outcaste) resisted the temptation to include endless Panjabi MC clones.  A few of the tracks feature that bhangra meets hip-hop beat, but others are downtempo and trippy and there are some charming melodies lurking around too.  Lots of evidence here that there's life in those Anglo-Asian beats yet".
(FRoots, March 2003)

"Of the recent glut of Asian compilations, this one seems most likely to achieve success, the reasonsbeing timing and crossover appeal".
(Songlines, March/April 2003)

"This is a sterling lesson in how to do fusion properly".
(DJ, February 2003)

"The buzz around Panjabi MC's single has prompted another fine compilation from Outcaste Records.  Calles 'Asian Flavas' it features Panjabi MC's single alongside some fresh and funky music by the likes of Rishi Rich, Punjabi Outlawz and Trickbaby".
(Time Out, Januaryy 15-22, 2003)

"Here's a wonderful album, that, right at the beginning of the year reminds us of the real diversity of black music.  Unless you've got cloth ears you'll know and understand the importance of Asian music to cutting edge US hip hop producers... dig in anywhere here and be prepared to be charmed and surprised".
(Blues and Soul, 18 February 2003)

"Subtitled 'Hits, Beats & New Grooves', this is the latest instalment from the ever-dependable Outcaste label, the first port of call for getting to grips with the bounties of the UK Asian music scene".
(Bristol Venue, 31 January 2003)