ABOUT PASAND

'Pasand’ is the debut single from Mentor and his Brit-Asian rap clique The Mentor Kolektiv. Taken from their hot underground mixtape ‘Volume 1’, this club banger showcases Punjabi vocalist DES-C, rapper AC & DJ Mr Mak over a hype Mentor beat.

The single is included on ‘Broke’, the forthcoming debut album from Mentor - the 24 year old British-Asian, who already boasts production credits for Jay Sean, Juggy D, Veronica, Sona Family, Hardkaur, Craig David, Jon B & Nitin Sawhney.

The London boy, (not to mention younger brother of Asian super-producer Rishi Rich), has spent 2005 performing around the UK with his crew, and is already hotly tipped as the next big thing in Brit-Asian/urban music. Drawing from Bhangra, Hip Hop, R&B, Dancehall, Arabic & Swahili music, his trademark sound is heavy on the dirty bass-lines with the emphasis on songwriting.

ABOUT MENTOR

Born in Kenya, Mentor grew up in West London and started music learning tabla in the Temple at an early age. He experimented with other musical endeavours such as DJing and rapping whilst picking up production techniques from older brother Rishi Rich. Mentor's first production was a track on the VR1 album "Voices".

After gaining an Audio Engineering Diploma at the SAE Institute of Technology, Mentor went on to produce a number of tracks on the huge selling Asian series Pure Garage I, II and III.

In 2002, he moved to Tanzania and set up Poa Records, an independent label which promoted Swahili Hip Hop and R&B. Mentor signed a number of artists including T.I.D, Zig Zag Kru, Complex (R.I.P) and Big Dogg Posse, as well as working with top East African artists like Lady JD, Mr Nice, Ray C, Suma G, AY and Majizee. Mentor went on to be Nominated Best Producer at the Tanzanian Music Awards 2003, POA Records artist T.I.D. won Best Artist Category and his album "Sauti Ya Dhahabu" (Produced by Mentor) won Best Album.

In June 2003, Mentor returned to the UK to set up his studio. Since then he's remixed songs for he likes of Jon B, Timbaland and Magoo feat. Missy Elliot, Craig David, Nitin Sawhney and Blacksmith feat. Naila Boss, as well as producing the majority of Juggy D's self titled debut album, Veronica's "Theen", and songs on Jay Sean's debut album,"Me Against Myself".

He has also scored TV ad's for McDonalds and Sharwoods, and title music for TV programs including Nickelodeon's "Control Freaks".

Apart from music production, Mentor also teaches through various organisations including Point Blank London and London School of Sound. Working with young offenders, under privilaged kids and private students, Mentor has taught music production courses across London, helping to keep kids out of trouble and off the streets.

Forming Mentor Kolektiv in 2004, the producer released and promoted "Mentor Kolektiv Mixtape Vol 1" independently, shortly after the group's formation. After gaining exposure from the mixtape, Mentor has now completed the groups debut album "Broke" which is released on 24th October 2005.

ABOUT AC

This resident of NW London started MC’ing in 1998, freestyling in open mic sessions and Drum & Bass Clubs. A.C. went on to have residencies at Road Block, Dekefex in Brixton, Heavy Rotation NW London, Get Lean and Rebirth in Reading. Other appearances included Home, Fabric, Turnmills and Ministry of Sound in London as well as towns like Lincoln, Oxford and Cambridge.

He went on to record tracks, which featured on Mixtapes by Answer and other UK DJs. A.C. eventually released two 12”s with fellow collaborator Terra, receiving critical acclaim in Hip Hop Connection, Knowledge and DJ magazine. . His Inspirations include Skibadee, Dizee Rascal, K-lash-nek-off, Eks Man, MOP and Ras Kass, Radio shows followed on stations like Freeze Fm, UK Rumble (internet), Rude Awakening, Code 10 and Unknown FM.

Currently part of Mentor Kolektiv A.C. promotes UK Hip Hop Mixtapes around the country whilst working as an Animator. His Degree in animation has lead him to work on such cartoons as Channel 4’s “Blue Dragon”.

ABOUT DES-C

Experimenting with his voice at an early age, Des-C was inspired by legendary Punjabi Vocalists such as Gurdass Maan, Yamla Jatt and Kuldip Manak. Born and bred in Luton, this raw talent was noticed by relatives who encouraged him to sing at family gatherings. He joined DDR Roadshow in 2002 as a DJ and went on to lead Boliyan Sessions at weddings and other functions.

After working on self produced demos in his bedroom, Des-C endeavoured to send demos to record companies. Receiving little recognition, he started work with up-and-coming emcee, Raxstar, who had previously collaborated with Mentor. Their demo found it’s way into Mentor’s hands who was drawn to Des-C’s authentic, raw Punjabi vocal.

Since forming part of the Mentor Kolektiv, Des-C has been working hard in the studio on “Mixtape Vol 1”, which includes freestyles and original songs from him and the Kolektiv. His lyrics are inspired by stories and situations that occur in love and life, often focussing on social and historical issues.

ABOUT DJ MR MAK

Mak started playing percussion at 16 with a Brazilian Samba Band. Touring with them for 4 years, he performed in venues such as Royal Albert Hall, Notting Hill Carnival, Royal Festival Hall, Millennium Dome and Alton Towers as well as making an appearance on BBC1’s Young Musicians program.

Whilst on tour he met DJ Hayz who inspired him to take up DJing. They formed an outfit called Bak II Bak , playing Hip Hop R&B, Garage, Desi, Ragga and Drum & Bass. During the 3 years they were together, the duo DJ’ed in many West End Clubs alongside other DJs such as EZ, LL Cool Singh, Bomb Squad and Rampage.

After going solo Mak played for 3 months, 7 nights a week in Faliraki, Rhodes. There he met promoters of legendary events such as Pure Silk and Spoilt For Choice and DJ’s Firin’ Squad. From there, he came back the to UK and Dj’ed alongside the likes of Shorty Blitz, Hanif and Master Steps. In 2003 he entered 2 national competitions, “Red Decks and Efx” earning 3rd place and “Mixit Moto” where he came 2nd in the UK. After playing at the launch party for Pure R&B, Firin’ Squad submitted Dj Mr Mak’s demo to Pirate Sound Clash on Kiss FM. From there he was introduced to the Rishi Rich Project and started touring with them.

Now a part of Mentor Kolektiv, Mak also promotes events at his University and CC Club, as well as regular club dates for various promoters around UK and a residency at Rainforest Café in Central London.

‘Pasand’ lands on 14th September 2005. The Mentor Kolektiv album entitled ‘Broke’ is out on 2Point9 Records 24th October 05. Both are available to purchase from www.mentorkolektiv.com