Pakistan’s hottest hip hop producer Muhammad Umair Tahir, better known as “Umair” released String Theory last month, a collection of three tracks featuring superstars Hasan Raheem and Talha Anjum. However, even though the short project is sonically exceptional, it seems to have flown under the radar.
“Hasan thrives on experimentation and sonic versatility,” said Abdul Rehman, a member of his team in an interview with The Express Tribune. “His vocal range and ability to play with sound make him an artist who brings fun, freshness, and a sense of joy into any studio session.”
Umair’s production steals the show on “Disconnect,” an instrumental with sweet playful keys and synthesisers, a cute chopped vocal sample and light 808 and kick drums. The track features Hasan Raheem in his signature gentle cadence, touching on themes of romance and longing. Shamoon Ismail brings an air of nonchalance, delivering a smooth laidback verse in a lower register on similar subjects.
Hasan has worked with a range of producers and genres (hyperpop, rap, R&B, indie, and mainstream pop).
“Hate Relation” features upcoming rapper JANI, who tries to match the softness of the instrumental in his vocal delivery. His lyrics read bittersweet, exploring feelings of desire, impatience, interpersonal conflict and misunderstanding.
“Meri nazar me wo kaante, teri nazar me gulab,” is one of many standout couplets on this track. “His verses carry weight, often somber and emotionally grounded, reminiscent of the way great poets like Jaun Elia approached language and expression,” said Abdul Rehman, who is also a member of JANI’s team. “Whenever he is on a track, the likelihood of it resonating with audiences goes up significantly because his penmanship and rap style offer a sharp contrast to much of what is out there.”
Umair brings another lighthearted beat with some whimsical strings, hi hats and synths, making the song a fun listen despite its complex subject matter. This song serves as foreshadowing for JANI’s upcoming album, which he is currently working on.
The third and final track on String Theory is “Dear, Beloved” with guest performances from favourite hip hop duo The Young Stunners. Umair’s production includes some innocent-sounding guitars laced with vocal chops and bouncy 808s that provide a steady rhythm to the song. Talha Anjum proves yet again why he is among the top MCs in the subcontinent with catchy flows and his raw, thoughtful and honest lyricism
“Mai ghari peeche karu ke tu pohunche waqt pe, ye meri bewaqoofi hai ya meri saadgi?” This is one among several impactful bars from Anjum which offers a contemplative take on expectations and self delusion in romantic relationships. Talha Yunus shows up on the second half of the track with a slower paced verse than usual. His use of personification, metaphors and imagery works well with his heartbroken lyrics. As always the two rappers bring unique chemistry on one of their softest ever joint performances.
On String Theory Umair shows once again why he is spearheading the new wave of Pakistani hip hop and trap music. He continues to push the boundaries of the genre, this time experimenting with a more gentle sound while staying true to his trap production roots, blending South Asian samples with western instruments and drum patterns. He has become the glue that helps stick Pakistan’s biggest pop/rap figures together, making chemistry between the hottest artists in the mainstream and bringing the fans unique crossovers that they couldn’t even have imagined.
His role as a creative curator and connector became undeniable on his last album Rockstar without a Guitar on which he included collaborative tracks between old and new artists, with polished modern beats in styles ranging from jersey club to jazz rap. This now platinum album was a groundbreaking release in Pakistan’s music industry. Never before had fans seen this many of their favourite artists collaborating on the same album together. This direction continues on String Theory this time around with a softer sound.
Umair has produced some of Hasan and JANI’s biggest hits. With Hasan, Umair helped create “Wishes”, arguably one of the biggest tracks of last year. Every session feels like a fresh start, with new references, unexpected samples, and ideas that keep redefining the sound of Pakistani music.
“Umair is one of the few producers whose personality shines through his beats, and when paired with Hasan, who is currently one of the country’s biggest pop icons, and JANI, who commands reverence in the hip hop scene, it becomes something greater than the sum of its parts,” said Abdul.
The quality of the collaborations released by Umair are fuelled not just by his creative instinct, but also by his deep personal relationships with his peers in the music industry. Fans cannot help but speculate which artists he will bring together on his next work. Even the most unlikely of possibilities do not seem that far fetched anymore.
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