Bashy – Being Poor is Expensive (2024) | Album Review & Tracklist

Introduction

Fifteen years since his last album and with a flourishing career in film and TV, Ashley Thomas, better known as Bashy, returns to his musical roots with Being Poor is Expensive. This album serves as a poignant reflection on his upbringing in Hammersmith and Kensal Rise, London, exploring themes of family, societal challenges, and personal resilience.

Album Details

• Artist: Bashy
• Album: Being Poor is Expensive
• Format: MP3
• Bitrate: 256kbps
• Genre: Hip-Hop/Rap
• Year: 2024

Tracklist:

1. The London Borough of Brent
2. Sweet Boys Turned Sour
3. Being Poor is Expensive
4. On the Rise
5. Blessed feat. Skrapz & Haile
6. Made in Britain
7. How Black Men Lose Their Smile
8. Lost in Dreams feat. Roses Gabor
9. Sticky feat. GRM Daily
10. Earthstrong
11. Midnight in Balans

Links

All in One zip (Server 2)

Stream The Auditorium, Vol. 1 on Spotify

Review

Being Poor is Expensive opens with “The London Borough of Brent,” setting a reflective tone with a tube announcement sample, highlighting the harsh realities of Bashy’s early life. Each track unfolds as a narrative, offering a glimpse into his journey from innocence to experience amidst London’s urban landscape.

Tracks like “Sweet Boys Turned Sour” and the title track “Being Poor is Expensive” showcase Bashy’s lyrical prowess and storytelling ability. He delves deep into themes of poverty, racial identity, and the impact of environment on personal growth. Collaborations with Skrapz, Haile, Roses Gabor, and GRM Daily add diverse musical textures, enhancing the album’s emotional depth.

“Made in Britain” pays homage to Bashy’s heritage, reflecting on his family’s journey to England and confronting the racism they faced. Meanwhile, “Earthstrong” serves as a poignant conclusion, with Bashy reflecting on mortality and familial loss with raw emotion and introspection.

Conclusion

Being Poor is Expensive is not just an album; it’s a compelling narrative woven with honesty and resilience. Bashy’s return to music reaffirms his place as a storyteller and cultural commentator, offering listeners a powerful and introspective journey through his life and the realities of urban Britain.