Hailing from the vibrant streets of South London, Pete & Bas have carved a unique space in the UK drill and grime scene. This dynamic duo, rumored to have witnessed the post-war baby boom firsthand, are generating significant buzz. Their age alone sets them apart – they predate hip-hop itself!
Pete & Bas defy expectations at every turn. Dismissing them at first glance would be a mistake. These septuagenarian Cockney gentlemen have taken the UK’s drill and grime scene by storm, leaving audiences both intrigued and entertained.
Their rise to fame is shrouded in rumors and controversy. This article delves into the enigma surrounding Pete & Bas, aiming to separate fact from fiction and explore the burning question on many minds: are Pete & Bas real gangsters? We’ll investigate the whispers, examine their backgrounds, and shed light on their captivating journey to the forefront of UK music.
Who Exactly Are Pete & Bas? Beyond the Persona
Skepticism surrounds Pete & Bas, with some dismissing them as a mere novelty act designed for viral attention. This perception is partly fueled by the deliberate lack of readily available information about their pasts. However, beneath the mystique, we find glimpses of ordinary lives lived before their unexpected foray into musical stardom.
Bas: From Law Firms to Lyrical Flows
Bas’s background is surprisingly diverse. In past interviews, he has recounted a period of service in the Army as a helicopter engineer, followed by a career as a carpet salesman. This took an unexpected turn when he established his own law firm, showcasing a sharp intellect and entrepreneurial spirit. Adding another layer to his multifaceted history, Bas also dabbled in amateur acting, with appearances in several short films. This acting background has occasionally been used by critics attempting to downplay their authenticity, but it arguably contributes to their compelling stage presence.
Further enriching his artistic resume, Bas spent time as a pianist on cruise ships, even releasing an album of piano compositions. It was his musical talent that serendipitously led him to Pete. They met while Bas was teaching piano in the back of a corner shop named Sindhuworld – a location that would become central to their origin story.
Pete: From Council Work to Drill Discovery
Before his musical partnership with Bas, Pete’s professional life was rooted in public service. He worked for Westminster Council and the Royal Mail, roles far removed from the world of drill music. Ironically, it was Pete who first encountered drill, thanks to his granddaughter’s radio habits. Initially frustrated by the genre’s sound, he eventually grew curious and began to appreciate its nuances.
This newfound interest led Pete to introduce drill music to Bas. Inspired by artist recommendations from Bas’s granddaughter, the pair developed a genuine appreciation for UK drill’s lyrical complexity, gritty beats, and narrative depth. In 2017, Pete & Bas officially formed, marking the start of their musical journey with the release of their debut single, “Shut Ya Mouth.”
Unraveling the Rumors: Gangster Life and Musical Authenticity
The internet, particularly platforms like Reddit, is rife with speculation surrounding Pete & Bas. This air of mystery seems to be deliberately cultivated by the duo, who have indicated they prefer to keep some aspects of their lives enigmatic.
Common rumors include accusations that they don’t actually rap themselves, rely on ghostwriters, and, given the often-gritty themes of drill and grime, that they are simply “not about that life.” The latter rumor, concerning their supposed gangster connections, is particularly intriguing given their age and demeanor.
The Kray Twins Connection: London’s Underworld and Family Ties
To understand the gangster rumors, it’s crucial to consider the historical context of Pete & Bas’s upbringing and the areas of London they are associated with. South London areas like Battersea, alongside the East End districts including Brixton and Peckham, have long been known for high crime rates, dating back to the mid-20th century.
One persistent rumor links the duo to notorious figures like the Richardson Gang and the Kray twins. While direct involvement is unconfirmed, there might be a degree of proximity to this world. Bas has mentioned that his father ran a bareknuckle boxing ring, potentially placing their family within the fringes of London’s underworld.
However, it’s also important to consider that Pete & Bas authentically sound like seasoned Cockney men from London’s working-class neighborhoods. Their accents, slang, and storytelling resonate with a certain authenticity, even if it’s a carefully constructed persona. This, combined with their lyrical content and distinctive style, naturally leads to questions about their credibility and past experiences.
Do Pete & Bas Pen Their Own Lyrics? Street Slang and Cockney Wit
For the most part, the answer appears to be yes. Pete & Bas maintain that they write their own lyrics, although they acknowledge receiving input from their grandchildren, particularly regarding contemporary slang. This collaboration makes sense, bridging the generational gap and ensuring their lyrics remain current and relevant.
The question of how they master modern slang arises due to lyrics incorporating phrases like “feeling wavey” and references to “dirty 30s, 2-2s, and 4-4s.” However, a closer look reveals a clever blend of modern street slang with classic Cockney vernacular and references.
Their lyrical content often mirrors the narratives of old-school London gangsters. The track “Old Estate,” with lines like “Got an arsenal down in south, got a pig farm out in west,” directly evokes the gangster themes popularized in films like Guy Ritchie’s “Snatch.” This fusion of old and new, real and perceived, is a key element of their appeal.
Grandchildren as Creative Collaborators
Pete & Bas openly admit to receiving assistance from their grandchildren in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of drill music and UK street slang. This collaboration is not unusual in the music industry; many popular artists rely on teams to stay ahead of trends and maintain relevance. It highlights their adaptability and willingness to embrace new influences while staying true to their core identities.
Ultimately, Pete & Bas offer entertainment and a refreshing comedic twist within the often-serious world of drill and grime. They tour and perform live, consistently energizing crowds with their infectious enthusiasm, sharp lyrics, and dynamic stage presence. Their live performances in March 2024 and beyond continue to demonstrate their enduring appeal and ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
Sindhuworld: The Corner Shop Crucible of Creativity
Sindhuworld, a seemingly ordinary corner shop in London, played an extraordinary role in the Pete & Bas story. Beyond selling everyday items, Sindhuworld cultivated a strong Instagram presence with diverse content, including arm wrestling contests and even a music video featuring elderly customers. Ironically, their foray into homemade “health juice,” marketed as “Basil Juice” (featuring Bas on the label), led to a run-in with trading standards.
Despite the closure of the physical shop, Sindhuworld has evolved into a management and label services company. They are the driving force behind Pete & Bas, as well as other unique acts like The Northern Boys (another group of rapping pensioners) and The Snooker Team (a collaboration between Pete & Bas and The Northern Boys). Sindhuworld represents the unexpected and unconventional path that Pete & Bas have taken.
Production Value and Mainstream Recognition
The increasing popularity of Pete & Bas, marked by sold-out shows and growing mainstream attention, has naturally led to higher production values and collaborations. A turning point arrived in 2021 with their electrifying “Plugged In” performance with Fumez The Engineer. Pete’s raspy vocals and Bas’s deep voice, combined with Fumez’s remix of The Fugees’ “Ready or Not,” captivated audiences and generated widespread disbelief and admiration.
This performance broadened their fanbase, particularly in the US, where prominent YouTube music reaction channels and influencers like Logan and Jake Paul reacted to and shared their music, exposing them to a massive new audience.
Pete & Bas: Unrivaled Energy and Endorsements
Beyond polished production, Pete & Bas’s consistent output and energetic performances have been crucial to their success. They have amassed millions of views and streams, proving their staying power and widespread appeal. Their impact is recognized throughout the UK music scene, with endorsements from major artists like Jaykae, Mist, D Double E, Dizzee Rascal, Giggs, Headie One, and Dave.
Versatility and Genre-Bending
Building on their momentum from 2021, Pete & Bas have consistently released viral tracks and cultivated a strong social media following. Demonstrating their versatility, they ventured into drum & bass in late 2023, collaborating with Vibe Chemistry on “Baddest” alongside Jaykae, Grima X Azza, and P Money.
Regardless of personal opinions, Pete & Bas’s undeniable impact on the UK drill and grime scene is clear. They are living life to the fullest, proving that age is no barrier to creativity and success. While the question of whether Pete & Bas are real gangsters in the traditional sense remains playfully ambiguous, they have undoubtedly become ‘gangsters’ in the music world – disrupting expectations, defying conventions, and conquering the scene with their unique brand of Cockney charm and lyrical prowess.
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