Hailing from the vibrant streets of South London, Pete & Bas have become an unlikely phenomenon in the UK drill and grime scene. This dynamic duo, rumored to have been around since the post-war baby boom of the 1950s, have captivated audiences with their unique blend of old-school charm and modern-day rap. Their age often becomes a topic of fascination, leading many to ask: just how old are Pete & Bas?
While shrouded in a veil of playful mystery, Pete & Bas are undoubtedly not your average drill artists. Their distinctly Cockney personas and septuagenarian status immediately set them apart in a genre typically dominated by younger voices. Initially, some dismissed them as a novelty act, but Pete & Bas have proven their staying power, taking the UK music scene by storm and sparking widespread curiosity about their background and age.
The mystique surrounding Pete & Bas is part of their appeal, fueled by limited readily available information. This article aims to delve into the known details about Pete & Bas, explore the rumors surrounding them, and ultimately shed light on their remarkable journey to musical prominence, addressing the burning question of their age and much more.
Who Exactly are Pete & Bas? The Enigma of the Elder Statesmen of Grime
For some, Pete & Bas might appear as a carefully constructed gimmick designed for viral attention. This skepticism is understandable given the deliberate ambiguity surrounding their personal details. However, beneath the surface of carefully crafted personas, there are glimpses into their lives before their unexpected rise to fame. What we do know suggests ordinary backgrounds preceding their extraordinary musical journey.
Unmasking Bas: From Law Firm to Grime Rhymes
Bas’s background is perhaps the more publicly documented of the two. In interviews, he has recounted a diverse career path that included a period as a helicopter engineer in the Army, followed by a stint as a carpet salesman. Intriguingly, he later transitioned into the legal field, establishing his own law firm. Adding another layer to his multifaceted past, 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.
Beyond these professional pursuits, Bas’s musical inclinations extend to playing the piano on cruise ships, and he even released an album of piano music. It was through his piano teaching that Bas’s path intersected with Pete’s. He was giving lessons in the back of a corner shop called Sindhuworld, a location that would become central to their origin story.
Unveiling Pete: From Council Worker to Drill Pioneer
Before his musical partnership with Bas began in Sindhuworld, Pete’s professional life was rooted in public service. He worked for Westminster Council and also for the Royal Mail. Pete’s introduction to drill music was surprisingly through his granddaughter. She would listen to drill and grime radio stations in his car, initially to Pete’s annoyance. However, his initial frustration gave way to curiosity, and he eventually became intrigued by the genre, introducing it to Bas.
Inspired by artist recommendations from Bas’s granddaughter, Pete and Bas developed a genuine appreciation for UK drill, drawn to its lyrical complexity, raw beats, and narrative storytelling. In 2017, they officially joined forces as Pete & Bas, marking the beginning of their musical journey with their debut single, “Shut Ya Mouth.”
Pete & Bas: Navigating Rumors and Cultivating Mystery Around Their Age
The internet, particularly platforms like Reddit, is rife with speculation and rumors about Pete & Bas. This air of mystery seems to be intentionally cultivated, as Pete & Bas have indicated they prefer to keep some aspects of their background ambiguous.
Among the circulating rumors are claims that they don’t actually rap on their tracks, that they rely on ghostwriters, and, perhaps unsurprisingly given their age and genre, that they are not genuinely immersed in the “lifestyle” typically associated with drill and grime. The latter rumor, considering their age, might hold a degree of perceived truth, further fueling the question of “How Old Are Pete And Bas?”.
Bareknuckle Boxing, the Krays, and London Lore: Fact or Fiction?
One particularly intriguing rumor connects Pete & Bas to London’s criminal underworld history, specifically bareknuckle boxing and the infamous Kray twins. To assess this, it’s crucial to consider the time period and the London areas Pete & Bas are associated with. South London areas like Battersea, Brixton, and Peckham, along with the East End, have long been known for elevated crime rates dating back to the 1950s.
The rumor suggests potential exposure to the Richardson family and the Kray twins, figures synonymous with London’s gangland past. This gains a degree of plausibility from Bas’s own statement that his father ran a bareknuckle boxing ring.
However, beyond these intriguing rumors, Pete & Bas’s authenticity largely stems from their sound. They genuinely sound like seasoned Cockney Londoners who have authentically adopted the flow and lyrical style to tell their stories. Combined with their lyrical content, distinctive personal style, and growing popularity, it’s natural that inquisitive minds question the reality behind their persona, including their age.
Do Pete & Bas Pen Their Own Lyrics? The Slang and Storytelling
The question of songwriting authenticity is a recurring one for Pete & Bas. Skeptics wonder how they command such a grasp of contemporary slang, evidenced in lines like, “now, I don’t mean to be rude, but this party’s dead and I’m feeling wavey,” and “I came from dirt and it all got dirty 30s, 2-2s, and 4-4s.” This lyrical dexterity prompts questions about their sources of inspiration and knowledge of modern street vernacular.
However, a closer examination reveals that their lyrics are a clever fusion of contemporary street slang and traditional Cockney expressions. They masterfully blend old and new, creating a unique lyrical tapestry. Much of their content echoes the narratives and language of older London gangsters. The track “Old Estate” provides a prime example with the line, “Got an arsenal down in south, got a pig farm out in west, so just drop one text, fly down the M25 no stress,” referencing Guy Ritchie’s film “Snatch” and its gangster themes.
Grandchildren’s Input: Bridging the Generational Gap
Pete & Bas openly acknowledge that while they are the primary songwriters, they receive assistance from their grandchildren. This collaboration is particularly relevant in navigating the constantly evolving landscape of drill music and UK street slang. Acknowledging this intergenerational collaboration is sensible, especially considering their age, which circles back to the central question of “how old are Pete and Bas?”. Moreover, in today’s music industry, having a support team is commonplace for artists of all ages.
Ultimately, Pete & Bas offer entertainment and inject a refreshing dose of humor into the often-serious world of drill and grime. They are active performers, regularly touring and captivating audiences with high-energy live shows, proving age is no barrier to commanding a young and enthusiastic crowd. Their tour dates, including performances in March 2024, demonstrate their continued vitality and connection with fans.
Sindhuworld: The Unlikely Genesis of a Grime Duo
Sindhuworld, a seemingly ordinary corner shop in London, played an extraordinary role in the Pete & Bas story. Beyond selling everyday items, Sindhuworld cultivated a significant Instagram following through diverse content, from daily shop offerings to arm wrestling contests. Notably, it was also the location for a music video featuring the shop’s elderly clientele. Adding to its quirky history, Sindhuworld faced a temporary shutdown by trading standards for selling homemade “health juice” – Basil Juice – marketed on Instagram without proper labeling.
Despite its closure as a physical shop, Sindhuworld has transitioned into management and label services. Crucially, they are the driving force behind Pete & Bas, as well as other acts like The Northern Boys and The Snooker Team, showcasing their continued presence in the music scene.
Pete & Bas: Elevating Production and Expanding Reach
Pete & Bas’s rising popularity and sold-out shows have naturally led to increased budgets and higher production values. A pivotal moment in their ascent was their 2021 “Plugged In” performance with Fumez The Engineer. Their dynamic interplay, Pete’s distinctive raspy voice complementing Bas’s deeper tones, combined with Fumez’s remix of The Fugees’ “Ready or Not,” resonated widely and garnered significant attention.
This performance broadened their fanbase, particularly in the US. Prominent YouTube music reaction channels and personalities like Logan and Jake Paul reacted to and shared their music, introducing Pete & Bas to a global audience.
Unrivaled Energy and Endorsements: Pete & Bas’s Impact
Beyond production quality, Pete & Bas have maintained a prolific release schedule and an unmatched energy, amassing millions of views and streams. Their impact is recognized within the music industry, with endorsements from major UK artists including Jaykae, Mist, D Double E, Dizzee Rascal, Giggs, Headie One, and Dave.
Showcasing Versatility: From Grime to Drum & Bass
Capitalizing on their increased visibility since 2021, Pete & Bas have consistently released viral tracks and cultivated a strong social media presence. 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 impact on the UK drill and grime scene is undeniable. They are living proof that age is no barrier to pursuing passions and achieving success in unexpected arenas. Their energy and enthusiasm serve as an inspiration, leaving many to hope they possess similar vitality in their later years. While their exact age remains playfully concealed, Pete & Bas have definitively proven that age is just a number in the world of music, captivating audiences and leaving a unique mark on the UK grime scene.
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