After a fifteen-year hiatus, Bashy, the Grime artist turned acclaimed actor, is back with a powerful new album, Being Poor Is Expensive. This highly anticipated release marks his first full-length studio project since his 2009 debut, Catch Me If You Can. Known for his raw storytelling and candid reflections on life in northwest London, Bashy’s return is both a celebration of his roots and a profound exploration of his experiences.
A New Chapter: Being Poor Is Expensive
Being Poor Is Expensive is a deeply personal narrative that traces Bashy’s journey from the streets of Brent to the heights of musical and acting success. The album’s title itself reflects a central theme: the harsh realities and hidden costs of growing up in poverty.
Bashy’s music serves as a lens into his past, highlighting the struggles and triumphs that have shaped his identity.
The Visual Storytelling: “How Black Men Lose Their Smile”
Released this month, the video for “How Black Men Lose Their Smile” adds a visual dimension to Bashy’s latest album. The video is a stark and moving portrayal of the generational trauma that pervades the Black experience. With its minimalist approach, the video focuses on Bashy’s direct address to the camera, allowing his powerful lyrics to take centre stage.
The song itself is a reflective piece on the loss of joy and self-worth among Black men, driven by systemic injustices and societal pressures. Bashy’s lyrics poignantly capture the childhood innocence lost to societal biases, the educational setbacks, and the enduring impact of systemic racism.
The album opens with “The London Borough of Brent,” a track that sets a solemn tone with its evocative sample of a tube announcement. Through poignant lyrics,
Bashy addresses issues such as Black prenatal deaths and the pervasive violence that marked his early years. This is not just an album; it’s a raw and honest portrayal of life on the margins.
Tracks like “Sweet Boys Turned Sour” and the title track “Being Poor Is Expensive” showcase Bashy’s evolved lyrical prowess. The former combines nostalgia with a critique of how innocence is overshadowed by harsh realities.
Meanwhile, the title track features a powerful sample of Dennis Brown’s “Let Me Down Easy,” with Bashy’s clever wordplay contrasting the allure of movies with his real-life experiences.
In “Made In Britain,” Bashy pays homage to his family’s legacy, reflecting on his grandmother’s sacrifices and the enduring racism that has persisted over decades.
The song samples Aswad’s “Back to Africa,” seamlessly blending past and present to highlight the ongoing struggles faced by the Windrush generation.
A Soulful Farewell: “Earthstrong”
The album concludes with “Earthstrong,” a track characterised by its mournful trumpet and subdued rhythm. Here, Bashy delves into themes of mortality and regret, particularly focusing on the loss of loved ones and the emotional impact on families.
His unflinching honesty about grief and the vulnerability of his father paints a poignant picture of the personal cost of hardship.
As Bashy looks back on his journey, from grime battles to Hollywood acclaim and back to his musical roots, his latest work is a testament to his growth as an artist and individual.
Being Poor Is Expensive is not just an album; it is a compelling narrative of resilience, identity, and the enduring spirit of a man who has always stayed true to his roots.
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