London legend Bashy has made a triumphant return to the music scene with the announcement of his highly anticipated sophomore album, "Being Poor is Expensive," slated for release on July 12th, with the release of "Sweet Boys Turned Sour"
"Sweet Boys Turned Sour," sets the tone for the project with soulful melodies, pounding 808s, and Jamaican dancehall-influenced sub-bass. Directed by George Power, the accompanying video offers a vivid portrayal of Bashy's experiences, shot around Combe House on the Brunel Estate where he spent his formative years.
Produced by Toddla T and Bashy, with additional production by Benji B, PRGSHN, and Aaron Levy, "Being Poor is Expensive" is an 11-track odyssey that delves into the trials and tribulations of Bashy's upbringing. Recorded at Steeze Factory in West London, the album captures the essence of life in Bashy's corner of the city, offering a breathtaking portrait of the roads, homes, and challenges that shaped his generation. In his own words, Bashy describes the album as:
"This record is about standing in the truth; the beauty of it, the ugliness of it, the true cost of growing up poor and really coming from the ends. On this album, I wrestled with my demons, insecurities, flaws, traumas and the memories long-forgotten which revealed themselves during the writing process... A process during which I also realised that I had been a scared boy… naive, one choice away from death, jail, drama or a successful future, almost on a daily basis.”
Arriving 15 years after his debut record "Catch Me If You Can" (2009), "Being Poor is Expensive" marks a significant milestone in Bashy's career. With its bold, uncompromising approach, the album offers a musically rich Black British origin story, solidifying Bashy's position as one of the country's most skilled and respected rappers.
