Puya

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 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 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.

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". 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 meu Released: 2001

Label: Cat Music Muzică De Tolaneală & Depravare Released: 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 Noi Released: 2025

Label: Scandalos Music