Rapper prepares release of new album of the same name with a banging new song.
The UK rap legend, real name ‘Ashley Thomas,’ has revealed the title track from his upcoming album – ‘Being Poor Is Expensive.’ The tune embraces a monologue-style narrative, positioning itself as an autobiographical release inspired by the creative sparks of his contemporaries.
Listen to the new single
The single explores his early years and the influences for his work which includes reggae sub genres melded with his signature style. Bashy explains the sound he leaned towards with his latest drop, catalysed by his parent’s musical choices, such as the Lover’s Rock genre.
Mid-2000s influences
Thomas’ musical influences arise from a place of nostalgic reverence, blending elements of US hip-hop against a backdrop of mid-00s rap scores. He remembers core components of those songs pioneered by rappers such as Nas, Jay-Z, De LanSoul, DipSet, and later – Kendrick Lamar.
His love for old school music is further clarified in a statement, where he points out they were heavily led by samples of the soul and R&B genres, a feat Thomas aspires to here.
Sampling classic records is a right of passage of the genre, with many definitive hits bursting at the seams with decades old references, such as The Fugees’ ‘Killing me Softly’ or Kanye West’s ‘Gold Digger.’
Stanisland Magazine 
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