What started with slam poetry performances in high school quickly became horsepowar, a platform for Vancouver-born rapper Jasleen Powar to represent biting flows and Desi girl pride (a reference to her Sikh-South Asian heritage). Today, horsepowar premieres “Spawn,” produced by Toronto-based Francis Got Heat with additional vocals from Keerat Kaur. It’s darker and more ominous-sounding than her previous work, and the lyrics reflect that as well: Most likely I will go to hell/ most likely I deserve to be there.
The track is inspired by Todd McFarlane’s TV series Spawn, a household fixture amongst Powar and her brothers growing up. “The comic’s imagery, the storyline, and characters helped shape the direction I wanted to go with the track,” Powar wrote in an email to The FADER. As for her choice of collaborators, Keerat Kaur’s harmonies were a no-brainer. “She’s got a particular taste that is her signature, so I was blessed to have her grace this song and help me create something that was out of my comfort zone.”
“Spawn” is from horsepowar's seven track mixtape Out2Lunch, available soon. Stream the track below, and be sure to keep an eye out for the announcement of her SXSW show dates.
