Travel has always been at the heart of Bas’ music. From the atmospheric journey of “Charles De Gaulle to JFK” to the celestial vibes of Milky Way, the Sudanese-American rapper continually blends exploration with introspection.
His latest album, We Only Talk About Real Shit When We’re Fucked Up, cements this theme, drawing inspiration from both his global experiences and personal reflections. Born in Paris and raised in Queens, Bas naturally transcends borders. The five years between his last release and this one gave him time to expand his horizons, resulting in collaborations with artists spanning France, Denmark, Ghana, South Africa, Nigeria, the UK, and more.
The album begins with “Light of My Soul,” where Bas lays bare his struggles: “I got a problem makin’ other people’s problems my own … Lucky I’m built with shoulders big enough to carry the load.” Over a haunting Motown sample paired with Boi-1da’s signature hard-hitting drums, Bas introduces the weight he’s been carrying. The following three tracks feel right at home in the Dreamville universe, particularly “Home Alone,” where J. Cole takes center stage with detailed storytelling and a hypnotic flow. Bas lands sharp lines like, “It ain’t all Black and white like a Kurosawa/ Got the money and fame, but we took the power,” but he struggles to step out of Cole’s shadow on this track. “Risk,” originally released in 2019, marks a tonal shift. Here, Bas laments lost love over a subdued FKJ production filled with delicate blips and chirps. While Bas’ singing won’t steal the show, it fits seamlessly with the bright, introspective beat, showcasing his growth as a vocalist. Tracks like “Ho Chi Minh” and “Decent,” featuring Amaarae, continue Bas’ exploration of afrobeats. On “Ho Chi Minh,” he delivers some of the album’s sharpest rapping, weaving vivid metaphors of drug-induced isolation: “‘Cause they love me, I’m Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam/ Look, I’m in control, napalm in my soul.” The global theme peaks on “179 Deli,” where Bas teams up with UK rapper AJ Tracey. Over a skittish UK garage-inspired instrumental, Bas employs a breathless double-time flow. While the lyrics stay at surface level, the synergy between Bas’ rhythmic delivery and the murky beat is undeniable. However, Bas’ experimentation doesn’t always hit the mark. “Passport Bros” is catchy but generic, offering a blasé take on escapist debauchery. Amapiano-inspired tracks “Testify” and “U-Turn” lack the momentum to overcome weak lyrics and subdued performances. As its title suggests, We Only Talk About Real Shit When We’re Fucked Up explores vulnerability and self-reflection through the lens of late-night conversations and introspection. On “Diamonds,” Bas muses, “If love is all you need, then let me spend my pain,” offering glimpses of emotional depth. The penultimate track, “Khartoum,” is the album’s most poignant moment. Addressing Sudan’s 2023 civil war, Bas connects the national tragedy to his own family’s suffering: “Five days trackin’ through the desert, cuzzo swore his misery/ Auntie made it three days ‘fore she passed, he spoke it through his tears to me.” It’s a powerful closer to an album that often skims the surface but occasionally plunges into profound waters. While We Only Talk About Real Shit When We’re Fucked Up doesn’t fully realize its potential, it reinforces Bas’ position as a boundary-pushing artist. His global perspective and willingness to experiment ensure he remains an intriguing voice in hip-hop, even if this effort feels uneven.