'8 Asle' fuses drill-style percussion with dhol-led intensity.
Sukhman Sodhi, better known as Sukha, is leading a new wave of Punjabi rap.
Born in Toronto in 2003, he exploded onto the scene in 2022 with a sound that cuts straight through the noise.
Fusing street-savvy lyricism with deep-rooted Punjabi melody, his music appeals to a younger generation of Punjabi music enthusiasts.
From viral bangers to emotional ballads, Sukha has managed to stay versatile while carving out his lane.
He’s not just racking up streams, he’s setting the tone for where Punjabi music is heading.
In just three years, he’s built a global fanbase, headlined sold-out shows in London and Birmingham, and picked up two Juno Award nominations in 2025.
With that said, here are 10 of Sukha’s top songs that define modern Punjabi hip-hop.
8 Asle
‘8 Asle’ wasn’t just a hit, it was a warning shot.
This 2023 track brought Sukha together with two of Punjabi music’s most powerful forces: Chani Nattan, known for gritty street anthems, and Gurlez Akhtar, whose folk vocals have soundtracked weddings and protests alike.
Together, they made a song that dominated the UK Asian and Punjabi charts as well as went viral on TikTok.
‘8 Asle’ fuses drill-style percussion with dhol-led intensity.
Sukha doesn’t hold back: his verses blend bravado with melody, asserting himself as a voice for the streets without losing cultural nuance.
Armed
As part of his Undisputed EP, Sukha dropped this street anthem with all the punch and polish of a rap heavyweight.
The track stayed on the Official UK Asian Chart for 19 weeks, and on the Punjabi Chart for 23 weeks, climbing into the top 10.
With bassline thumps and Punjabi flutes weaving in and out, the lyrics refuse to back down.
But what makes it more than a flex track is its structure.
Sukha transitions from hard bars to melodic lines with ease, showing he’s not just mimicking US drill or trap, but adapting it for a new generation of Punjabi artists.
Dil Dardeh
Not many rappers can make heartbreak sound this elegant.
‘Dil Dardeh’, off Sukha’s 2025 debut album By Any Means, flips the usual formula.
Instead of aggression, he opts for vulnerability and delivers a song that lingers long after the beat fades.
The production pairs modern trap patterns with ambient textures and subtle Punjabi instrumentation.
The result feels cinematic, like a scene from a late-night breakup film.
‘Dil Dardeh’ translates to “Heart Aches”, and Sukha leans into that pain without melodrama.
His voice cracks in just the right places. The fact that such a raw, emotional song became a fan favourite proves his versatility and growth.
Punjaban
This one hits differently for diaspora listeners.
‘Punjaban’, featuring Manni Sandhu and Kahlon, is a love letter to Punjabi women but also Punjabi culture.
It’s full of attitude, reverence, and rhythm, and sits comfortably in wedding playlists and club sets alike.
The beat carries that Manni Sandhu signature: tumbi samples layered over deep 808s, striking the balance between heritage and hype.
Sukha’s verses blend admiration and modern flirtation, making cultural pride sound cool, not corny.
In an era where identity is constantly in flux, ‘Punjaban’ feels like a confident embrace of one’s roots.
Godfather
‘Godfather’ isn’t just a nod to the classic film; it’s Sukha stepping into his mythos.
Released in 2023 as part of Undisputed, the song is all atmosphere: string sections swirl around hard-hitting percussion while Sukha builds a persona based on respect and legacy.
It reached number 21 on the UK Asian Chart and number 10 on the UK Punjabi Chart, numbers that reflect more than just stream count; they show resonance.
Sukha paints himself not just as a rapper, but as a figure to be feared, admired, and remembered.
It’s less about street violence and more about cultural status. He’s building a throne, not just a tracklist.
Attraction
‘Attraction’ caught even longtime fans off guard as it is a romantic ballad with acoustic loops and dholak taps.
Lyrically, it’s full of poetic imagery: eyes like cats, love that blooms like spring.
For many younger listeners navigating identity and romance in the diaspora, ‘Attraction’ hit the sweet spot between sincerity and style.
It also showed that Sukha could dominate mood music, not just hip-hop bangers.
Dass Jatta
‘Dass Jatta’ is from Sukha’s 2024 EP 2003.
Featuring Gurlez Akhtar, her commanding vocals give the song its spiritual backbone.
Sukha contrasts her power with rapid verses that speak to loyalty and grit.
Written by Sardara and produced by Prodgk, the song doesn’t shy away from street imagery: guns, trunk compartments, shadowy references to danger.
But it also nods to moral codes and community honour.
The call-and-response format bridges generations, connecting folk traditions with Gen Z swagger.
Tere Bina
‘Tere Bina’ is part of Switchin’ Lanes, a collaborative EP between Tegi Pannu and Sukha.
The track is stripped down to piano and echoes, illustrating heartbreak with no filter.
Sukha’s voice drips with restraint, and that minimalism hits harder than loud declarations ever could.
On this track, he doesn’t need to dominate; he just needs to feel, and that’s exactly what he does.
Switchin’ Lanes
‘Switchin’ Lanes’ is a flex anthem, but one rooted in aspiration rather than ego.
Sukha raps over a beat that slaps with bhangra-meets-Atlanta-trap intensity.
The video amplifies this message: Lamborghinis, designer fits, and a visual aesthetic that fuses high fashion with Punjabi symbolism.
It’s not just about money, it’s about motion.
Sukha and Tegi Pannu position themselves as modern-day nomads, constantly evolving, never boxed in.
HUNDO
‘HUNDO’ sees Sukha reunite with Chani Nattan and Inderpal Moga, the same trio that made ‘8 Asle’ a massive hit.
Produced by Mrxci, this 2024 release is all about loyalty, ambition, and defiance.
The video, directed by Charlton Visuals, juxtaposes wild horses with British Columbia’s epic landscapes.
The track speaks to critics and fans alike, saying that this isn’t a trend, it’s a takeover.
‘8 Asle’ was a huge hit, and this follow-up proves that the chemistry between the trio is electric.
Sukha’s rise isn’t just about streaming numbers or viral moments.
It’s about rewriting what Punjabi hip-hop can look and sound like in a globalised world.
Whether it’s through emotional ballads, cultural anthems, or club bangers, he’s reshaping the space for the diaspora and beyond.
With By Any Means, Sukha proves he’s more than just hype.
He’s an artist with vision, versatility, and the drive to stay ahead.
For anyone following the future of Punjabi music, one thing’s for sure: Sukha’s just getting started.
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