Dragoș Gărdescu (; born 22 July 1979) better known by his stage name Puya is a Romanian rapper, songwriter and television personality. Widely regarded as one of the most prolific figures of the Romanian rap and hip-hop scene, he founded La Familia in 1997 alongside Tudor Sișu.
Biography Puya, whose real name is Dragoș Gărdescu, was born on July 22, 1979, in Bucharest. He grew up with his three brothers in the Balta Albă neighborhood, Sălăjan, Bucharest, learning the "unwritten rules of the street" from an early age. He met Tudor Sișu in the Balta Albă, Sălăjan neighborhood of Bucharest, where they founded the rap group La Familia.
Musical career La Familia. First tenure (1997–2011)
He has been active on the hip-hop scene since 1994. He released his first album with La Familia in 1997, titled Băieți de Cartier (Hood Boys), and he signed his first contract with a production company at the age of 17. In 2007, he founded the NGO Spartacus Agency, which deals with defending the rights of prisoners and combating drug use. The rapper has also held anti-drug campaigns in high schools across the country.
In 2009, Puya won a lawsuit against the band B.U.G. Mafia for using the name "La Familia". In 2012, Puya released the single of the year "Maidanez" (Stray) with Doddy, Mahia, Posset and Alex Velea. In 2014, Puya released the song Strigă! (Shout) with Inna, the song enjoying success in Europe.Puya a câștigat procesul cu BUG Mafia (Video), 11 februarie 2009, Irina Dârlea, Cristina Mazilu, Mediafax, accesat la 14 ianuarie 2016
He was active in the band for around 10 years, with the last album being released in 2006, with the next one being released in 2010. Puya announced the new album "La Familia", but it was never fully produced. Another attempt took place in 2017, 20 years after the band's existence, which this time was successful, and the new album was released on June 9, 2017.
Second tenure (2017–present) Sișu and Puya reunited in 2017, releasing the first album under the name of La Familia since the name recovery called "Codul Bunelor Maniere" (The Code Of Good Manners) which contained the "Dulce Răzbunare" (Sweet Vengeance) song featuring M3thaphour, which contained lyrics against Șatra B.E.N.Z. After six years, they released another album called "Foarte" (Very).
Personal life Puya's first solo material was an unreleased one, but it pleased the speakers of lucky fans. An atypical collaboration for the rap scene at that time was the song "Nu te grăbi" (Don't Rush) featuring Paula Seling. Seven years later, Puya brings Lora, Keo, Alex Velea, Cabron and more to "Muzică de tolăneală și depravare". At the same time, Puya announced his solo career on music TV channels, through the video "Viață nouă" (New Life).
In September 2010, his girlfriend gave birth to their first child, a baby girl, making the singer a father. The two met in 2006. Puya and his wife, Melinda, currently have three children, Melissa, Iuliana, and Natalia.
He is a fan of rappers Snoop Dogg, Pitbull, 2Pac, The Game, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent. His only tattoo depicts 2Pac on his back. These artists are cited as the reason why rapper Puya started his musical career.
Other media Reality shows In 2023, Puya, along with his wife Melinda Gărdescu, participated in the show America Express, broadcast on Antena 1.
Puya has been a juror in the X Factor musical contest since season 11.
Discography Studio albums + List of studio albums Title Album details Până la capăt în felul meuReleased: 2001
Label: Cat Music Muzică De Tolaneală & DepravareReleased: 2008
Label: Roton Music Românisme (Part I and II)Released: 2009
Label: MediaPro Music Aventurile Domnului Puy(A)Released: 2019
Label: Scandalos Music Oameni Can NoiReleased: 2025
Label: Scandalos Music
References
External links
Puya Official Facebook Puya Instagram @puya_dragos