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.
paper cuts
Bas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Made my mistakes, you know how it goes
Yeah, I've been told
"You got what it takes to be great"
Nigga, you dumb?
Paper cuts from all of the paper that's under my thumb
Countin' up, shit, I remember days when a nigga had none of those
I live with mine, it's do or die
Bitch, is you dumb?
Paper cuts from all of the paper that's under my thumb
Countin' up, shit, I remember days when a nigga had none of those
Now we up, got some regrets and I don't remember none of those
I live with mine, it's do or die, yeah
Don't let me get too ahead of me, niggas'll never get close
Hop in the new 911, the Phantom, I had to get ghost
Pockets on swole, racks and racks on poles
Wishes was full of some shit that I wanted, I had to get (wanted, I had to get)
Never make deals with the devil, the devil be dealin' them souls
I ain't no thief, I jump on the scene, I'm stealin' the show
I am OT, just for the week, like fifty a show
Yeah, I suppose
Made my mistakes, you know how it goes
Yeah, I've been told
"You got what it takes to be great"
Nigga, you dumb?
Paper cuts from all of the paper that's under my thumb
Countin' up, shit, I remember days when a nigga had none of those
Now we up, got some regrets and I don't remember none of those
I live with mine, it's do or die
Bitch, is you dumb?
Paper cuts from all of the paper that's under my thumb
Countin' up, shit, I remember days when a nigga had none of those
Now we up, got some regrets and I don't remember none of those
I live with mine, it's do or die, yeah
Glacier on my wrist feel like the North Pole
Duckin' for the Tom, I feel like Brady
And I'm fightin' back, I feel like Tyson
I bet you don't know a nigga that feel like me
Glacier on my wrist feel like the North Pole
Duckin' for the Tom, I feel like Brady (Brady)
And I'm fightin' back, I feel like Tyson
I bet you don't know a nigga (nigga, you dumb?)
You will never hear from me again, give me five hundred million
And you will never hear from me again (nigga, you won't)
You will never hear from me again, let me take my children
And you will never hear from me, never hear from me, uh
See, I'm headstrong, kept on through the fall
Stepped on all them niggas tryna dim my light, dim my light
See, I'm headstrong, kept on through the fall
Stepped on all them niggas tryna dim my light (yeah), dim my light
Yeah, I suppose
Made my mistakes, you know how it goes
Yeah, I've been told
"You got what it takes to be great"
Nigga, you dumb?
Paper cuts from all of the paper that's under my thumb
Countin' up, shit, I remember days when a nigga had none of those
Now we up, got some regrets and I don't remember none of those
I live with mine, it's do or die
Bitch, is you dumb?
Paper cuts from all of the paper that's under my thumb
Countin' up, shit, I remember days when a nigga had none of those
Now we up, got some regrets and I don't remember none of those
I live with mine, it's do or die, yeah
The lyrics in Bas's song "Paper Cuts" delve into themes of growth, success, and resilience. The opening lines suggest a recognition of past mistakes and a familiarity with the journey of overcoming them. The repetition of the phrase "Yeah, I suppose" signifies a reflective and introspective tone. The following line, "Made my mistakes, you know how it goes," acknowledges that everyone has experienced their fair share of errors and setbacks.
The lyrics continue with the affirmation that the singer has been told they possess the qualities necessary to achieve greatness. The usage of the phrase "You got what it takes to be great" highlights a sense of self-belief and confidence in their abilities. This line can be interpreted as a reminder to embrace their potential and persevere in their pursuit of success.
The mention of "paper cuts" represents the persistent effort put into acquiring wealth and success. It symbolizes the challenges and sacrifices made along the way. The line "Paper cuts from all of the paper that's under my thumb" alludes to the hard work and dedication required to count up money and achieve financial stability. The contrast between past struggles and present abundance is emphasized, as the lyrics recall the days when the singer had none of those resources.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of regrets. The line "Now we up, got some regrets and I don't remember none of those" suggests that even though there may be some regrets in their journey, the singer chooses not to dwell on them. They have learned to live with their mistakes and view them as opportunities for growth instead of dwelling on past missteps.
The following verses depict a sense of accomplishment and the desire to distance oneself from negative influences. The references to the luxury vehicles and the idea of getting "ghost" represent the singer's urge to escape from the toxicity of previous experiences and move forward. The lines "Never make deals with the devil, the devil be dealin' them souls / I ain't no thief, I jump on the scene, I'm stealin' the show" highlight the importance of maintaining integrity and relying on their own talents rather than compromising their values.
The recurring question "Nigga, you dumb?" can be interpreted as a rhetorical question aimed at those who fail to recognize the singer's growth and accomplishments. The lyrics emphasize the drastic change in circumstances, from having nothing to counting up riches. This emphasizes the idea that hard work and determination can lead to significant transformations.
The final verse introduces the metaphor of a "glacier on my wrist" that symbolizes the singer's wealth and success. It's a representation of their ability to withstand challenges and persist, just like a glacier against the elements. The references to Tom Brady and Mike Tyson imply that the singer feels like they are battling against obstacles, fighting to maintain their position and success.
In conclusion, Bas's "Paper Cuts" is a reflective song that explores themes of growth, success, and resilience. The lyrics acknowledge previous mistakes and setbacks but also convey a sense of confidence and determination to overcome obstacles. The song encourages listeners to embrace their potential, work hard, and persevere in the pursuit of greatness, all while maintaining integrity and not letting regrets hold them back.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, I suppose
I acknowledge and agree
Made my mistakes, you know how it goes
I have experienced failures and errors before, as you understand
Yeah, I've been told
Yes, I have been advised
"You got what it takes to be great"
"You possess the necessary qualities to achieve greatness"
Nigga, you dumb?
Are you foolish, my friend?
Paper cuts from all of the paper that's under my thumb
I have accumulated wealth and success, to the point where handling money causes minor inconveniences
Countin' up, shit, I remember days when a nigga had none of those
Counting my riches now, I recall the times when I had none of such
Now we up, got some regrets and I don't remember none of those
Now that we have achieved success, there are some things I regret, but I choose to forget them
I live with mine, it's do or die
I accept and bear the consequences of my actions, it's a matter of life or death
Bitch, is you dumb?
Are you foolish, my lady?
Glacier on my wrist feel like the North Pole
The icy diamond on my wrist gives me the sensation of being in the North Pole
Duckin' for the Tom, I feel like Brady
Evading the opposition, I feel like the quarterback Tom Brady
And I'm fightin' back, I feel like Tyson
I am resisting and fighting back, reminiscent of boxer Mike Tyson
I bet you don't know a nigga that feel like me
I am certain that you have never encountered someone who feels the way I do
You will never hear from me again, give me five hundred million
If you provide me with five hundred million dollars, I will disappear from your life entirely
And you will never hear from me again
Furthermore, you will never receive any communication from me in the future
Let me take my children
Allow me to protect and care for my offspring
See, I'm headstrong, kept on through the fall
You see, I am determined and persistent, even in times of adversity
Stepped on all them niggas tryna dim my light, dim my light
I have overcome and outshined those who tried to diminish my success and potential
Yeah, I suppose
I acknowledge and agree
Made my mistakes, you know how it goes
I have experienced failures and errors before, as you understand
Yeah, I've been told
Yes, I have been advised
"You got what it takes to be great"
"You possess the necessary qualities to achieve greatness"
Nigga, you dumb?
Are you foolish, my friend?
Paper cuts from all of the paper that's under my thumb
I have accumulated wealth and success, to the point where handling money causes minor inconveniences
Countin' up, shit, I remember days when a nigga had none of those
Counting my riches now, I recall the times when I had none of such
Now we up, got some regrets and I don't remember none of those
Now that we have achieved success, there are some things I regret, but I choose to forget them
I live with mine, it's do or die
I accept and bear the consequences of my actions, it's a matter of life or death
Bitch, is you dumb?
Are you foolish, my lady?
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Abbas Hamad, Jermaine Cole, Gay Vaquer, Jane Vaquer, Lydia Kitto, Terry Watson, Voshon Vernon, Zachary Webster
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@GreazyChoirBoi
I dont care what nobody say. Bas and Cole the best rap duo.
@thygreatmark
that might be true
@philliptaylor9342
One of The Best not The Best
@cringegod4.030
@@philliptaylor9342 be careful some j cole dick riders may start calling you a hater
@smallbiggies_
They really should do a duo album like Drake & 21 Savage
@mabokuseimela3510
"Never make deals with the devil, the devil be dealing in souls."🤯🔥🙆🏽♂️
@WrestlingIsReal649
I need a cole and bas album let’s go 🔥🔥🔥
@kingaxxidnt2484
The hook is smooth ASF the light sing rappin is a vibe and I like how cole followed through with what bas did kept it clean groovy
@darealdenzelwashingtonjr1455
It's call flow 😅
@boyofficial_
Bas & J Cole on the same track will always be absolutely insane 🔥🔥🔥