AP Dhillon Biography
Have you ever wondered how a young man, who landed in Canada in 2015 with nothing but two suitcases and an old guitar, became the global voice of the “Brown Munde” in just a few short years?
This is the story of Amritpal Singh Dhillon, who defied every rule of the music industry to build his own empire. His journey from the village of Gurdaspur, Punjab, to the rain-slicked streets of Vancouver reads like a movie script, but it was fueled more by grit than glamour.
When he first arrived overseas, he didn’t even have a credit card to book a hotel; he had to spend his very first night on the street. To fund his studies and survive, he worked grueling hours at gas stations and stores like Best Buy, but every night, he turned a small rented garage into a makeshift studio to weave the melodies that would eventually change Punjabi music forever.
Without a big godfather or a major music label, he teamed up with his close circle to create Run-Up Records, proving that if your sound is authentic, it can travel from a garage to the top of the Billboard charts. By blending the soul of Punjab with the slick pulse of Western synth-pop and R&B, he created a “vibe” that resonated with millions worldwide.
Yes, this is the world of AP Dhillon.
Personal Overview :
Feature Details
Full Name Amritpal Singh Dhillon
Date of Birth January 10, 1993
Birthplace Mullianwal, Gurdaspur, Punjab, India
Current Residence British Columbia, Canada
Height Approx. 6′ 0″ (183 cm)
Education B.Tech in Civil Engineering (India); Diploma in Business Administration (Canada)
Profession Singer, Rapper, Songwriter, Record Producer
Music Label Run-Up Records (Independent)
Core Collaborators Gurinder Gill, Shinda Kahlon, Gminxr
Signature Genres Punjabi Hip-Hop, Synth-pop, R&B, Trap
Major Milestone First Punjabi artist to perform at the Juno Awards (2023)
Early Life & Background :
AP Dhillon’s journey is a classic story of hard work and big dreams. Here is a look at his early life and how he got started:
Roots in Punjab :
Birth: He was born on January 10, 1993, in a small village called Mullianwal in the Gurdaspur district of Punjab, India.
Family: He grew up in a middle-class family. His father was a government employee and a local counselor, providing a stable but humble upbringing.
Education: Before moving abroad, he completed his schooling in Punjab and earned a degree in Civil Engineering from an institute in Amritsar.
The Move to Canada :
The Big Leap: In 2015, like many young Punjabis, he moved to Canada for a better future. He settled in British Columbia to study Business Administration and Management.
Initial Hardships: His first few days were very tough. He often talks about how he didn’t have a place to stay on his first night and had to sleep on the streets with his suitcases.
The Hustle: To pay for his studies and rent, he worked several “blue-collar” jobs. He worked at gas stations, convenience stores, and as a sales associate at Best Buy.
Musical Beginnings :
Self-Taught: AP didn’t have formal training in music production. While working his day jobs, he spent his nights watching YouTube tutorials to learn how to mix and produce tracks.
The Garage Studio: He started recording music in a small, makeshift studio he built in a rented garage.
The Brotherhood: During this time, he teamed up with fellow artists Gurinder Gill and Shinda Kahlon. Together, they decided to bypass big music labels and release their music independently through their own brand, Run-Up Records.
Career Beginnings: The Garage Hustle :
The world sees the glitz now, but AP Dhillon’s career started in the most humble way possible , in a cold garage in British Columbia.
Self-Taught Genius: Unlike many stars who attend music schools, AP is a product of the internet. While working double shifts at Best Buy and gas stations, he spent his nights watching YouTube tutorials on how to mix vocals and produce beats.
The Power of Three: He didn’t do it alone. He teamed up with Gurinder Gill and Shinda Kahlon. Together, they formed a brotherhood that focused on a sound that didn’t exist in the market yet.
First Recordings: His debut single “Fake” (2019) was a slow, moody track that introduced his signature style. While it didn’t break records immediately, it set the tone for a new wave of Punjabi music.
The “Independent” Vow: Early on, major labels wanted to sign him but tried to change his sound. AP refused. He decided to stay independent under Run-Up Records, a move that would later make him one of the wealthiest independent artists in the world.
Rise to Fame :
The Garage Beginnings (2019) :
AP didn’t have a fancy studio. While working at gas stations and Best Buy in Canada, he spent his nights in a rented garage teaching himself how to produce music. Along with his friends Gurinder Gill and Shinda Kahlon, he started releasing songs independently under their label, Run-Up Records.
The “Brown Munde” Explosion (2020) :
The real turning point came in September 2020 with the release of “Brown Munde.” The Message: The song celebrated the “hustle” of brown boys worldwide, making it an instant anthem for the South Asian diaspora.
The Viral Effect: The music video featured big names like Sidhu Moose Wala, helping it go viral on Instagram and TikTok. It eventually crossed hundreds of millions of views.
Creating a New “Vibe” :
AP became famous because he introduced a sound that was totally new to Punjabi music:
Style: He mixed traditional Punjabi lyrics with 80s Synth-pop, Trap, and smooth R&B.
Global Hits: He followed up with a string of massive hits like “Excuses,” “Insane,” “Summer High,” and “With You,” proving he wasn’t just a “one-hit wonder.”
Global Recognition (2023–2026) :
By 2023, he made history as the first Punjabi artist to perform at the Juno Awards. His fame grew so large that Amazon Prime released a documentary about him (First of a Kind), and by 2026, he is officially a global icon, selling out arenas from London to Mumbai.
Musical Style & Influences :
AP Dhillon didn’t just change the lyrics of Punjabi music; he changed the entire “vibe.” Here is a simple look at how he creates his music and who inspires him :
His Unique Sound (The Signature “Vibe”) :
The Blend: AP is famous for mixing Punjabi lyrics with Western music styles like 80s Synth-pop, Trap, and smooth R&B.
Late-Night Music: His songs are often described as “Late Night Drive” music. They are usually more melodic and relaxed compared to the loud, high-energy Bhangra music people were used to.
Atmospheric Beats: He uses a lot of “atmospheric” sounds , deep bass, dreamy synthesizers, and echoes , which make his music feel very modern and international.
His Influences :
Punjabi Roots: He grew up listening to legends like Gurdas Maan and Kuldeep Manak. You can still hear that traditional Punjabi soul in his singing.
Western Icons: Moving to Canada influenced him heavily. You can hear the inspiration from artists like The Weeknd (for the dark pop sound) and Drake (for the rhythmic flow and “cool” persona).
The “Independent” Spirit: He was inspired by the idea of being a self-made artist. He looked up to artists who built their own brands without needing a major record label to tell them what to do.
Cultural Impact :
Language is No Barrier: Because his music sounds like global Pop or Hip-Hop, even people who don’t understand Punjabi love his songs.
Modern Identity: He influenced a whole generation of “Brown Munde” to see their culture as “cool” and “global,” blending the village heart of Punjab with the city life of the West.
Achievements & Awards :
AP Dhillon has achieved what few independent artists ever do. He didn’t just break records; he broke the traditional mold of the music industry.
- Historic Performance at the Juno Awards (2023) :
The Juno Awards are Canada’s equivalent of the Grammys. In 2023, AP Dhillon made history by becoming the first-ever artist to perform a song entirely in Punjabi (“Summer High”) on the Juno stage. This was a massive moment for South Asian representation globally.
- Global Chart Domination :
“Brown Munde” Anthem: His breakout hit topped the Billboard Charts and became the first Punjabi song to reach #1 on the Apple Music charts in multiple countries.
Billboard Entry: His 2024 album, The Brownprint, debuted at number 26 on the Billboard Canadian Albums chart, a rare feat for an independent Punjabi artist.
Streaming Records: As of early 2026, he has crossed over 7.5 billion streams across all platforms. His song “With You” even trended in the Top 40 of Spotify’s Daily Global Charts.
- Independent Success with Run-Up Records :
AP Dhillon didn’t sign with a major label during his rise. Instead, he built his own brand, Run-Up Records, with his friends. This proved to the world that an artist from a small village in Punjab could reach the world’s biggest stages without a “godfather” in the industry.
- Massive Sold-Out World Tours :
Arena Status: He moved from playing in clubs to selling out huge arenas with 20,000+ capacities in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and London.
India Tours: He has successfully completed three major India tours (2021, 2024, and the “One of One” tour in late 2025), where tickets were sold out within minutes.
- Prime Video Documentary :
In 2023, Amazon Prime released a docuseries titled AP Dhillon: First of a Kind. It chronicled his journey from a student working at Best Buy to a global superstar, making him one of the few Indian artists to have a dedicated global documentary.
Personal Life :
The Private Persona :
AP is known for being “low-key.” He rarely gives interviews and stays away from social media drama. He prefers a mysterious image, letting his music speak for him while staying close to his small circle of friends, like Gurinder Gill and Shinda Kahlon.
Hobbies & Lifestyle :
Sports: He is a huge basketball fan and often plays to de-stress.
Adventure: He loves high-end cars and off-roading. In early 2026, he was seen hanging out with legends like MS Dhoni, sharing their common love for bikes and cars.
Fashion: AP is a global style icon, famous for mixing expensive designer labels with “cool” street fashion.
Giving Back (Philanthropy):
He hasn’t forgotten his roots. In 2025 and 2026, he quietly started funding sports academies and music programs in Punjab to help talented kids from small villages get the opportunities he had to fight for.
Relationships :
While he is often linked to famous names (like actress Banita Sandhu after their “With You” video), AP keeps his romantic life strictly private and has never officially confirmed a relationship.
Legacy & Impact :
AP Dhillon’s legacy is not just about hit songs; it is about changing how the world looks at Punjabi culture. Here are the main topics of his impact in 2026:
- Globalizing the “Brown” Identity :
The Diaspora Anthem: Through songs like “Brown Munde,” he gave a voice to millions of South Asians living abroad. He turned the struggle of immigrant life (working at gas stations and stores) into a symbol of pride and success.
Cultural Bridge: He made Punjabi music “cool” for global listeners who don’t speak the language by blending it with high-quality Western production (Trap, Hip-Hop, and R&B).
- The “Independent” Blueprint :
Breaking the Label System: AP proved that you don’t need a big music label or Bollywood to become a superstar. By starting Run-Up Records, he showed young artists how to own their music and build a brand from a garage.
Empowering Artists: In 2025 and 2026, he has been a vocal advocate for artist rights, refusing to work with big companies that try to take away a musician’s ownership of their songs.
- Setting New Standards for Live Shows :
Arena Culture: He shifted Punjabi music from small clubs to massive, sold-out arenas. His performances are now high-budget “pop-culture events” featuring luxury fashion, cinematic visuals, and world-class sound engineering.
Historical Firsts: By being the first Punjabi artist to perform at the Juno Awards, he opened doors for future Indian artists to be recognized at major Western award shows.
- Modern Fashion & Lifestyle Icon :
The “Vibe” Aesthetic: Beyond music, AP has influenced Gen-Z fashion. His “mysterious” persona and his mix of luxury brands with streetwear have made him a massive lifestyle icon, collaborating with brands like the NBA and boAt.
Discography / Notable Works :
Most important albums and songs by AP Dhillon up to 2026. He is known for having very high streaming numbers and staying at the top of the charts.
- Major Albums & EPs :
Not By Chance (2020): His first big collaborative album. It was a massive hit and all seven songs charted in many countries.
Hidden Gems (2021): A surprise EP that included more upbeat and club-friendly songs.
Two Hearts Never Break The Same (2022): This showed a more emotional side of AP, with many romantic and sad-boy songs.
The Brownprint (2024): His most recent major album. It features international stars like Gunna and Ayra Starr, mixing Punjabi music with global sounds.
- The Biggest Hits (All-Time Classics) :
These are the songs that everyone knows. They have hundreds of millions of views:
“Brown Munde” – The global anthem that made him a superstar.
“Excuses” – Famous for its catchy hook and viral Instagram reels.
“Insane” – A high-energy track played in clubs worldwide.
“Summer High” – A retro-style pop song that was a huge summer hit.
“With You” – A viral romantic song that trended globally on Spotify.
- Notable Collaborations :
AP often works with a close group of friends, but he has also branched out to big names:
Run-Up Records Team: Almost all his early hits feature Gurinder Gill and Shinda Kahlon.
“Afsos” (2025): A massive collaboration with Indian indie singer Anuv Jain.
“Old Money” (2024): Featured a cinematic music video with Bollywood legends Salman Khan and Sanjay Dutt.
“Bora Bora” (2024): A global Afro-fusion track with Nigerian star Ayra Starr.
- Recent 2026 Releases :
Even in early 2026, he continues to release new music that dominates the charts:
“Thinking of You”: A fresh 2026 single that quickly reached the Top 10 in India.
“Raatan Lambiyan”: A new 2026 track where he experiments with a more rock-inspired sound.
Quick Stats (2026 Update) :
Total Streams: Over 7.5 Billion across all platforms.
Most Played: “Excuses” remains his most-streamed track on Spotify.
Controversies :
- The Coachella Guitar Smash (2024) :
The biggest controversy of his career happened during his debut at the Coachella Music Festival.
The Incident: At the end of his performance, AP smashed his electric guitar on stage—a classic move in rock music history.
The Backlash: Fans in India were upset, feeling the act was disrespectful to musical instruments, which are highly respected in Indian culture.
AP’s Response: He stood by his action, posting on Instagram that “the media is controlled and I’m out of control,” while also paying tribute to the late Sidhu Moose Wala during the same set.
- The Instagram “Block” Feud with Diljit Dosanjh (Late 2024) :
A social media spat broke out between two of Punjab’s biggest stars.
The Claim: During a concert in Chandigarh, AP claimed that Diljit Dosanjh had blocked him on Instagram. He told the crowd, “First unblock me, then talk to me.”
The Rebuttal: Diljit denied this, sharing screenshots to prove he hadn’t blocked AP and stating that his issues are with “governments, not artists.”
The Mediation: Rapper Badshah eventually stepped in, posting a message asking fellow artists to stay united instead of fighting publicly.
- Rejecting Bollywood (2025) :
AP stirred the pot by revealing why he has never done a Bollywood song despite many offers.
The “Exploitation” Claim: In late 2025, AP stated that Bollywood producers and “huge actors” often try to take full ownership and remix rights of a song, leaving the artist with nothing.
Setting an Example: He said he rejected these deals to protect younger Punjabi artists from being exploited by the industry.
- Concert Management & Ticket Prices (2025-2026) :
During his recent India tours, AP faced criticism regarding how his events were managed.
High Ticket Prices: Fans were shocked when some “Platinum” tickets for his Delhi show were reportedly sold for as high as ₹6 Lakh. AP later joked in an interview that for that price, he should perform at the person’s house.
Phone Thefts: At the same Delhi concert, about 40 mobile phones were reported stolen. When asked about it, AP’s humorous response , telling fans they should be more careful with their belongings , received mixed reactions from the public.
Interesting Facts About AP Dhillon :
- The “First Night” Struggle :
In 2015, when AP first landed in Canada, he had no credit card. Because of this, a hotel refused to give him a room even though he had cash. He actually spent his first night sleeping on the street in the cold with his suitcases. He often mentions this to inspire students who move abroad with big dreams.
- Self-Taught from YouTube :
AP didn’t have a teacher or a mentor. He learned how to produce music, mix sounds, and master tracks entirely by watching YouTube tutorials while working 12-hour shifts at Best Buy. He is a 100% self-made digital-age artist.
- The “Mysterious” Persona :
AP is one of the few global stars who rarely does interviews. He believes that if he talks too much, the “mystery” of his music will disappear. This “low-key” approach has actually made him more famous because fans are always curious about what he’s doing next.
- Massive Wealth (2026 Update) :
As of early 2026, AP Dhillon’s net worth is estimated to be around ₹83 Crore ($10 Million). He owns a luxury mansion in Colwood, British Columbia, and a high-end property in Punjab. His car collection includes a Mercedes-Benz S-Class and a BMW 7 Series.
- Social Impact & Charity :
He is deeply connected to his roots. During his “One of One” India Tour (Dec 2025), he donated ₹100 from every ticket sold to flood relief efforts in Punjab. He also personally visited the Longewala Border on New Year’s Day 2026 to spend time with BSF soldiers.
- Breaking the “VVIP” Record :
His popularity is so high that during his 2025 Mumbai concert, some VVIP tickets were sold for a staggering ₹6.25 Lakh. This is one of the highest ticket prices ever recorded for a solo Indian music artist.
