Travel has always been central to Bas’ music, whether he’s referencing flights on tracks like “Charles De Gaulle to JFK” or exploring cosmic themes on his third album. Born in Paris and raised in Queens from the age of eight, Bas naturally transcends borders. His latest album, *We Only Talk About Real Shit When We’re Fucked Up,* comes after a five-year break, during which he collected passport stamps and collaborated with artists from various countries, including France, Ghana, and the UK.
The album kicks off closer to home with “Light of My Soul,” where Bas reflects on the burdens he’s been carrying: “I got a problem makin’ other people’s problems my own … Lucky I’m built with shoulders big enough to carry the load.” This introspective track sets the tone for the project, which balances introspection with the energetic vibe typical of Dreamville releases. The three-track suite following the opener includes “Home Alone,” where J. Cole shines with detailed storytelling, although Bas still delivers solid lines like: “It ain’t all Black and white like a Kurosawa.”
As the album progresses, tracks like “Risk” and “Ho Chi Minh” highlight Bas’ growth as both a singer and a rapper. “Risk,” released in 2019, showcases Bas’ poetic side as he laments a lost love, while “Ho Chi Minh” features some of his best rapping, using vivid metaphors to describe isolation. The album’s global outlook peaks on “179 Deli,” where Bas teams up with UK rapper AJ Tracey, blending UK garage influences with Bas’ rapid-fire flow. However, not all experiments succeed; tracks like “Passport Bros” and the amapiano-influenced “Testify” fall short. Despite some inconsistencies, the album offers a mix of turning up and self-reflection, with Bas confronting his struggles and personal growth, especially on the penultimate track, “Khartoum,” where he addresses Sudan’s 2023 civil war, making a national tragedy deeply personal.