The hip-pop star creates a nostalgia trip for the dance floor

When Badshah shifted gears into synth-pop with “Jugnu” in 2021, it heralded the start of a new era for the rapper-singer. He’s now in his Retropanda phase, a project with producer Hiten that indicates the pair have been loving The Weeknd’s recent output. As always, Badshah’s music has a desi twist. “Tabahi” is reminiscent of early 1980s Bollywood disco, while “Chamkeela Chehra” brings French house style to the heart of Delhi. The shimmering “Hosh” with frequent duet partner Aastha Gill takes a sonic twirl in a vintage roller rink—which Badshah finishes with some passionate Urdu poetry.