Bas was born in Paris, France, in 1987, to Sudanese parents. At the age of 8, his family moved to New York City. He attended St. Francis Preparatory School in Queens, New York.
In 2011, Bas released his debut mixtape titled Quarter Water Raised Vol. 1. In 2013, his second mixtape was released entitled, Quarter Water Raised Vol. 2.
In 2013, Bas was featured on J. Cole's "New York Times" along with 50 Cent from Cole's album Born Sinner, and then on DJ Khaled's "Hells Kitchen" from Suffering from Success. He then appeared on the Dreamville compilation mixtape Revenge of the Dreamers. That mixtape was released in celebration of Dreamville's partnership with Interscope Records, resulting in Bas being signed to Interscope. Two weeks prior to the release of his debut album Last Winter, Bas released a free EP titled Two Weeks Notice.
Last Winter was released on April 29, 2014, by Dreamville Records/Interscope Records. The album was a conceptual project that touches on the cold days in New York City recording the album. The album was supported by the single "My Nigga Just Made Bail" produced by GP808 and featured guest appearances by J. Cole. Last Winter would debut at 103 on the Billboard 200 with 3,601 copies sold in its first week.
Following its release, Bas went on a 10-city nationwide tour titled after the album. Bas followed his own "Last Winter" tour by going on a 24-city nationwide and international tour with TDE rapper Ab-Soul. In 2015, Bas supported J. Cole on the '2014 Forest Hills Drive' Tour alongside Omen, Cozz, Jeremih, YG, and Big Sean.
Bas released his second album, Too High to Riot on March 4, 2016. The album also includes guest appearances from his labelmates J. Cole and Cozz, as well as the Hics. The album would debut at 49 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 10,965 copies in its first week. He also later released a music video for each song on the album. Bas went on tour after the album in June 2016 with Cozz and EarthGang. It included 26 cities in North America and 10 cities in Europe. On January 29, 2017, the documentary highlighting the tour was released on Tidal.
On April 10, 2018, Bas released the one-off single "Pinball II", featuring Correy C. The first single for his third album "Boca Raton" was released on June 19, and featured ASAP Ferg. On August 22, he released the second single "Tribe" featuring J. Cole. Bas released his third album, Milky Way on August 24, 2018. The album debuted at number 35 on the Billboard 200, selling 13,150 album-equivalent units in the first week. Bas announced a 43-city tour to support the album, which began in November 2018 and concluded in February 2019. In late 2018, Bas announced he was working on an album with frequent collaborators, The Hics, the album is due out in late 2021 to early 2022.
Testify
Bas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
I found another way to you
You undercover with no blue lights
You left your lover, is it true?
You call it usherin' a new life
I think that there's probably nothin' you won't do in time
I can always count on you to come through when I need it
I won't ever doubt it, I know you're already mine
Mm-hmm, I'ma fuck you right (I'ma fuck you right)
Secretly, it's all weekends, I won't testify (I won't testify)
Let me come to yours or you can spend the night (you can spend the night)
Let me come to your peak and I'ma take my time (yeah)
Give you words
Give your words
Give your words
Give your words you won't tell anybody
Keep it low 'cause what we doin' is private
Heaven knows we'll get lost in the silence
Hold me closer to your body
Hey-hey, I won't tell
Hey-hey, I won't tell
Give your words you won't tell anybody
Keep it low 'cause what we doin' is private
Heaven knows we'll get lost in the silence
Hold me closer to your body
Hey-hey, I won't tell
Hey-hey, I won't tell
In the opening verses of the song "Testify" by Bas, the lyrics depict a clandestine relationship where one person is called upon by the other under the cover of the night. The lyrics suggest that the person being called is willing to go to great lengths for the other, even going as far as leaving their previous lover behind. The mention of "usherin' a new life" hints at a fresh start or new beginnings in this secret relationship. Despite the secrecy and hidden nature of their connection, there is a sense of trust and reliability between the two individuals, with the reassurance that they can always count on each other in times of need.
The chorus of the song delves into the intimate and physical aspect of their relationship, with references to spending weekends together and engaging in private, unspoken activities. The lyrics express a desire for discretion and confidentiality, emphasizing the importance of keeping their interactions confidential and away from prying eyes. The mention of getting lost in the silence suggests a deep connection and understanding between the two individuals, where words are not always needed to convey their emotions and desires.
As the lyrics progress, there is a plea for trust and loyalty between the two individuals, with a repeated refrain of "Give your words you won't tell anybody." This secretive and exclusive nature of their relationship is underscored by the vow to keep their interactions private and to hold onto the moments they share without revealing them to the outside world. The repeated assurances of not disclosing their private affairs to anyone highlight the intimacy and trust that exist between them, creating a sense of closeness and connection that is meant to be safeguarded and cherished.
Overall, the lyrics of "Testify" by Bas paint a picture of a hidden and passionate relationship between two individuals who find solace and companionship in each other's presence. The song captures the essence of secrecy, intimacy, and trust within this clandestine love affair, showcasing the deep bond and understanding that exists between the two protagonists. Through its evocative verses and poignant chorus, the song delves into the complexities of hidden romance, where unspoken words and shared moments speak volumes about the deep connection and emotional intimacy shared between the two individuals.
Lyrics ยฉ Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Abbas Hamad, Amanpreet Sahota, Charlie Miles, Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro, Isaiah Nkhalo Zuza, Mohamed Hamad
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@RoselineMashiya-gs6yr
Sha sha deserved raise south Africa ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐ฟ๐ฆ
@thubelihlegracenyoni5987
She is from Zimbabwe
@crosstear3502
๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ผ
@w.a.l6518
โ@@thubelihlegracenyoni5987 based in South Africa
@dopeboyswag4670
Oksalayo asibeni happy๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ผ
@frankeazy7310
Bas reaching out to South Africa is dope , yall better love this shit i know i did
@herberttsingano2245
But Sha Sha is Zimbabwean
@luckywckenzie
Came for Sha sha and found Bas โค
Sending love from South Africa!!
@maisharamoshaba9573
Sha Sha is immaculate ๐ฟ๐ฆ๐ฅ
@rich8666
That nigga bas coming back ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ