‘Being Poor Is Expensive’ – the third single taken from Bashy’s forthcoming album of the same name – is out now. The track ‘Being Poor Is Expensive’ is inspired by Jamaican sound systems and incorporates the distinctive distorted basslines that surrounded Bashy growing up.
Bashy said – “Lover’s Rock is my parents’ music, always playing in my Dad’s Red BMW 3 series or as my mum cooked up some Ackee and Saltfish… Dennis Brown’s music featured heavily in my childhood home, he has such a unique and special voice. As you hear the intro, it sounds distinctive, sweet and melodic but then when the track drops we hear the heaviness of the outside world and are transported to family house parties, weddings, christening and funerals.”
He added – “Growing up, I was inspired by rappers like Nas, Jay-Z, and much later Kendrick Lamar, as well groups from De La Soul to DipSet, all of whom sampled the old soul or R&B records of their childhoods. This track is my interpretation of that, with samples that give it a distinctly British feel. Having no hook is deliberate, to give the feeling of having to constantly keep it moving in the ends with no respite.”
Listen to ‘Being Poor Is Expensive’ – BELOW:
The London rapper announced his return to music with the release of a brand new track, ‘Sweet Boys Turned Sour,’ and news of his sophomore studio album, Being Poor is Expensive, coming on 11th July 2024. The album will feature guests including Scrapz, Roses Gabor, and HAILE.
Being Poor is Expensive was produced by Toddla T and Bashy, with additional production by Benji B, PRGSHN, and Aaron Levy. It is an 11-track tribute to coming of age in Bashy’s corner of the city, a breath-taking portrait of the roads, homes, trials and tribulations that shaped his generation. It is the sound of North West London, and a moving homage to the many migrations and journeys that came before him.
Sonically, Being Poor is Expensive pulls on a distinctly British-Caribbean soundscape which saw Bashy work with Toddla T to fold in genres, artists and songs which shaped him, with nods to icons such as Gabrielle and Spragga Benz; and samples that range from MJ Cole to Wookie, Dave and legendary British Reggae group Aswad, as well as North West London artists Gappy Ranks and Tubby T. The additional, specific sounds of London – which Bashy recorded himself during his journeys through the area – give the album an almost cinematic feel.
Watch ‘Being Poor Is Expensive’ – Album Trailer – BELOW:
Coming 15 years after the release of first record Catch Me If You Can (2009), Being Poor is Expensive is an era-defining album that combines a rich cultural and musical heritage, reality and history into a bold, uncompromising record, a musically rich Black British origin story from one of the country’s most skilled and respected rappers.
The full track listing for Being Poor is Expensive is:
The London Borough of Brent
Sweet Boys Turned Sour
Being Poor is Expensive
On The Rise
Blessed (feat. Haile and Skrapz)
Made in Britain
How Black Men Lose Their Smile
Lost in Dreams (feat. Roses Gabor)
Sticky
Earthstrong
Midnight in Balans
Bashy’s sophomore studio album, Being Poor is Expensive, is out on 11 July 2024 and marks his return to music.
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