Talhah Yunus: Shaping the Future of Pakistani Hip Hop with Young Stunners"

Exclusive Interview with Talhah Yunus

Co-founder of Young Stunners

Date: October 2024

Global Music : Talhah, it’s an absolute pleasure to have you here today! Let’s start from the beginning. How did you first get involved in music, and when did you realize this was something you wanted to pursue professionally?

Talhah Yunus: Thank you for having me! My journey into music wasn’t planned, to be honest. Growing up in Karachi, I was surrounded by music—whether it was through local radio, friends, or family. Initially, I was more into different genres, but when I discovered hip hop, I felt an immediate connection. It was the rawness and the storytelling aspect that attracted me. I didn’t initially think of it as a career path, but when I met Talha Anjum and we started working together, it felt like a natural progression. The more we got into it, the more we realized we could make something special.

Global Music : You and Talha Anjum formed Young Stunners together. What do you think makes your partnership unique, and how do you balance your roles within the group?

Talhah Yunus: I think what makes our partnership special is the fact that we’ve been friends for so long. We really know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and we’ve built our entire creative process around that mutual respect. I handle a lot of the production side—be it the beats or the overall sound—and Talha focuses on the lyrics and writing. It’s a really fluid collaboration. Sometimes, we switch things up, and that keeps it fresh. We trust each other’s instincts completely, which allows us to experiment without fear of stepping on each other’s toes.

Global Music : Young Stunners has become synonymous with blending Urdu and English in your rap. What inspired this fusion, and how do you think it resonates with your audience?

Talhah Yunus: The Urdu-English blend was never something we planned; it just happened organically. We grew up in a bilingual culture—speaking both languages fluently—so it made sense to use both in our music. It felt like the most honest and authentic way for us to express ourselves. We found that it also helped us connect with a wider audience: not only in Pakistan but in the global diaspora. Whether you're from Karachi or New York, you can relate to the experiences we’re describing, even if the language isn’t always the same. I think it bridges the gap between cultures and helps the listener feel at home.

Global Music : Your track "Bantai" was a big turning point in your career. What was the inspiration behind the track, and how did you feel about its success?

Talhah Yunus: "Bantai" was a big moment for us, for sure. The inspiration came from the streets of Karachi—the energy, the confidence, the resilience. “Bantai” was a way for us to express the spirit of youth, of not caring about what anyone thinks, and just being yourself. It resonated with a lot of people, especially those who felt like outsiders or who didn’t fit into the mainstream. The success of the track was humbling. We weren’t expecting it to blow up the way it did, but it made us realize how many people were ready to embrace this kind of music. It felt like a validation of our approach to hip hop and our place in the Pakistani music scene.

Global Music : You’ve both been key in pushing hip hop forward in Pakistan, a country where the genre wasn’t as mainstream. How do you see the Pakistani rap scene evolving, and where do you think it’s headed?

Talhah Yunus: The scene has evolved so much in the past few years. When we started, hip hop was very much an underground movement. There were only a few artists experimenting with it, and most of it was very niche. But now, you have a whole new generation of artists from different backgrounds who are bringing their own unique style to the genre. It’s exciting to see so many fresh voices coming out. I think in the next few years, we’ll see Pakistani hip hop continue to grow, and I think it’s going to start resonating more globally as well. There’s so much talent in Pakistan, and hip hop is a great way to channel that energy and creativity. The world is starting to pay attention, and that’s only going to increase.

Global Music : As both a producer and a rapper, you play a critical role in the sound of Young Stunners. Can you talk us through your creative process when it comes to making a track?

Talhah Yunus: The creative process usually begins with an idea or a vibe. Sometimes, I’ll start with a beat and experiment with different sounds until something clicks. Other times, it’s a concept or a lyric that sparks the production. Once we have the foundation, Talha and I work together to build on it. He’ll add his lyrics, and we’ll tweak the beats to match the flow and mood of the track. The process is always collaborative, and we try not to overthink it. If the energy is right, we know it’s working. I also like to experiment with different genres and mix them into hip hop. We’re always trying to keep our sound fresh and evolving.

Global Music : What challenges have you faced on your journey as an artist, and how have they shaped you as a person and musician?

Talhah Yunus: There have definitely been challenges along the way. Starting out, we didn’t have the resources or the industry backing that some other artists had. There was a lot of self-doubt, especially when we were first getting started, but we kept pushing because we believed in what we were doing. One of the hardest things was breaking into the mainstream in a country where the music industry is very traditional. But we knew that if we stayed true to our vision, we would eventually find our audience. Over time, the challenges taught me resilience and patience. They also pushed us to constantly improve, both as artists and as business people.

Global Music : What message do you want to send to your fans and those who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

Talhah Yunus: To the fans, I just want to say thank you for supporting us. We wouldn’t be here without you. Keep supporting the music you love, and never underestimate the power of music to bring people together. To aspiring artists, I’d say stay true to yourself. The industry is full of distractions, but if you focus on your craft and stay patient, you’ll eventually find your path. It’s important to understand that success doesn’t come overnight. Keep grinding, and never compromise your vision.

Global Music : Talhah, it’s been amazing talking to you today. We can’t wait to hear what’s next for you and Young Stunners!

Talhah Yunus: Thank you for having me. It’s been great chatting with you, and we’ve got a lot of exciting things coming up. Stay tuned!

Conclusion:

Talhah Yunus’s vision and creative approach have helped shape Young Stunners into one of the leading acts in the Pakistani music scene. His partnership with Talha Anjum continues to evolve, and it’s clear that their impact on hip hop—both in Pakistan and globally—is only just beginning.

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