AJ Tracey debuts new album live at BBC Maida Vale with 1Xtra

AJ Tracey has launched his new album Don’t Die Before You’re Dead in an exclusive live event hosted by BBC Radio 1Xtra at the BBC Maida Vale Studios.

The West London rapper and producer joined 1Xtra’s DJ Target for an intimate album launch party featuring live performances and an in-depth interview.

He performed four new tracks – Crush, West Life, Joga Bonito and Paid In Full (with Big Zuu, Wax, Ets and D7), in front of an intimate audience of friends and family.

In conversation with DJ Target, AJ Tracey broke down each track and reflected on his approach to music, his personal inspirations, and growing up in West London. Topics ranged from faith and family to the importance of his MTP (My Team Paid) crew.

Discussing the album’s title, AJ explained: “That’s what the album title is about – we’re all going to die, that’s a guarantee, so you might as well live. Don’t be dead now because you’re going to be dead, try and live life and enjoy life whilst you can.”

He also spoke about taking his time to create music he can be proud of: “Music lasts forever and when I’m not here no more, the music will still be. If you put out music that you rush, then it’s going to leave a legacy you’re not really proud of.”

1Xtra’s Album Launch Party with AJ Tracey airs on Monday 16 June at 8:00pm on DJ Target’s BBC Radio 1Xtra show and will be available on BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and BBC Sounds. Don’t Die Before You’re Dead is released at midnight on Friday 13 June.