UK rapper Bashy launches new album with exclusive 1Xtra special

West London rapper and actor, Bashy has launched his latest album Being Poor is Expensive with an exclusive 1Xtra special at the BBC Maida Vale studios.

The live performance features a line-up of special guests and also, 1Xtra’s DJ Target sits down with Bashy for an in-depth discussion about his return to music after more than a decade away.

The wide-ranging conversation covers the making of his new studio album ‘Being Poor is Expensive’, his journey from Harlesden to Hollywood, the impact of systemic racism and poverty, the importance of remembering the contributions of the Windrush generation, his advice for young actors and musicians, and the next chapter of Bashy’s already storied career.

The album’s title, Being Poor is Expensive, reflects the realities of growing up in impoverished and violent environments. Bashy explains to 1Xtra’s DJ Target: “We are constantly paying the cost for just growing up poor – lack of education, lack of financial education – and the ultimate cost of being poor is your life.”

Asked about the process behind making the album and why ‘now’ after more than a decade away from music, he replies: “I had something to say. I think everything I do in my life is very intentional,” adding “Venturing into music again meant having to put myself into a very uncomfortable space, unearth some truths and dig up some trauma in order to deliver the most honest album I could. I was scared actually, to do music again.”

To see the performance and hear the full interview, 1Xtra’s Album Launch Party with Bashy airs on DJ Target’s BBC 1Xtra show tonight, 11 July at 8pm and will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer. Bashy’s new studio album Being Poor is Expensive will be released globally at 9pm.