Vanessa Nakate to Open Giving Black Conference 2026 With Climate Justice Keynote
2 weeks ago
United States Heems has transitioned from a prominent figure in alternative hip hop to an independent label founder and multi-faceted artist.
Heems formed Veena, his new label that also functions as a magazine and brand, to merge music with his other life interests. The name is a nod to a traditional Indian string instrument, reflecting his cultural heritage and artistic vision. Heems released two albums, 'Lafandar' and 'Veena', under this label.
Himanshu Kumar Suri joined AGW Group, a Brooklyn-based culture marketing and integrated communications agency, as a Creative Strategist. This role allowed him to combine his artistic background with strategic communication.
Heems' nascent label partnered with the New York City apparel company Mishka to release Das Racist's first mixtape, which garnered critical acclaim. This collaboration helped establish the group's early presence in the music scene.
Heems is the founder of Veena Sounds, an independent record label under which he has released recent projects. The label serves as a platform for his musical endeavors and cultural fusion.
Heems released his 2024 albums, 'Lafandar' and 'Veena', jointly with Mass Appeal India. This collaboration expanded his reach and integrated his work within the Indian music market.
Heems has collaborated significantly with SEVA NY, a Queens-based community organization. He joined their board of directors and worked with them to advocate for equitable redistricting and develop community initiatives, including a proposed recording studio for youth.
In April 2014, Heems recorded a Japanese commercial for Vitamin Water, demonstrating his involvement in advertising and brand endorsements.
In August 2015, Fox bought Heems' story rights for a potential sitcom, indicating a partnership for television development based on his life experiences.
Himanshu Kumar Suri, known as Heems, was born on July 6, 1985, in Queens, New York. Of Punjabi-Indian descent, he grew up in Bellerose, Queens. He attended Stuyvesant High School, graduating in 2003, where he met future Das Racist member Ashok Kondabolu. Following high school, Suri studied economics at Wesleyan University, graduating alongside future Das Racist co-founder Victor Vazquez (Kool A.D.). After college, he briefly worked in the financial sector before focusing on his music career. His early experiences influenced his artistic perspective, which often addresses themes of identity, race, and culture within his work.
Heems first gained recognition in 2008 as a member of the alternative hip hop group Das Racist. The group quickly became known for their unconventional style and lyrical content, achieving internet success with their song “Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.” They released two critically acclaimed mixtapes, “Shut Up, Dude” and “Sit Down, Man” in 2010, both earning “Best New Music” distinctions from Pitchfork and leading to national tours. After Das Racist disbanded in late 2012, Heems embarked on a solo career, relocating to Mumbai to work on new material. He released his debut solo album, “Eat Pray Thug,” in 2015, which was recorded in Mumbai and Brooklyn. This period also saw him venture into film, taking on various acting roles.
Beyond music, Heems has been actively involved in community and art initiatives. He founded the independent record label Greedhead Music in 2008 to manage Das Racist and later launched Veena Sounds, which also functions as a magazine and brand. He has served on the board of directors for SEVA, a Queens-based community organization, advocating for the South Asian community in New York and working to establish a community center with a recording studio for local youth. His commitment to social commentary extends to his online presence, where he has used platforms like Twitter to highlight issues such as xenophobia and Islamophobia.
Curious about our offerings or have inquiries? We're eager to assist!
Just complete the form, and we'll respond promptly.
