T3J Is Bringing Indian Influence & Anime Culture Into Modern Rap
Growing up between cultures gave Gureet Sandhu a sound that feels hard to box in. Performing under the name T3J (pronounced “Tej”), the Boise artist blends rap, trap, global influence, and melodic experimentation into music that reflects both his upbringing and his ambition. With roots tracing back to India through his parents’ immigration journey to the United States in 1989, T3J carries that cultural influence directly into his production style, songwriting, and overall creative identity.
How it all started
Music has been part of his life since the age of five. From learning instruments to developing his vocals and eventually diving deep into production, T3J built his artistry from the ground up. That hands-on experience helped him create a sound that feels personal rather than trend-driven. His ability to combine polished production knowledge with emotional storytelling and international influence gives his music a distinct lane in today’s independent scene.
Trials and tribulations
While many artists struggle to find an identity early on, T3J’s biggest challenge has been getting the music in front of more people. Coming from a secondary music market like Boise means fewer major opportunities naturally flow through the city compared to places like Los Angeles, Atlanta, or New York. Balancing work responsibilities while continuing to consistently create has also tested his discipline, but instead of slowing down, those obstacles pushed him to sharpen his focus and invest even deeper into his craft.
Setback turned into major comebacks
Despite those challenges, momentum is building. T3J already has two label releases under his belt and has headlined a music festival — milestones that validate both his work ethic and growing audience. Now, he’s aiming even higher. Over the next year, his goals are clear: reach 10,000 monthly Spotify listeners and 10,000 subscribers on one of his YouTube channels.
One of the biggest pushes behind his current campaign is “Rippin’ Hits,” a Pokémon-inspired release tapping into the massive resurgence of Pokémon culture online. By blending nostalgic themes with modern rap energy, T3J is carving out a unique crossover lane that connects music, internet culture, and fandom communities. At the same time, he’s continuing work on additional Pokémon-inspired tracks while preparing for a major non-themed release later this summer — a song that leans heavily into his signature fusion of Indian cultural influence and rap/trap production.
Outside the studio, T3J is also preparing to open for Hi I’m Ghost this July, another opportunity to expand his audience and strengthen his brand presence. Between live performance energy, genre-blending creativity, and a willingness to experiment outside traditional rap formulas, T3J represents a new generation of artists building careers through authenticity rather than imitation.
For fans discovering him now, this feels less like the peak of the journey and more like the beginning of something much bigger.
