I first discovered Bas back when J. Cole was starting to put him on the radar. I remember seeing his mixtape Quarter Water Raised Me Vol. 2 floating around online, and it clicked because Cole had just dropped “Cousins” on SoundCloud in 2013 — a track featuring Bas that also doubled as promotion for the mixtape. The way Bas slid over that beat made me want to hear more immediately. Once the mixtape officially dropped, I downloaded it to my laptop right away. One track that stood out instantly was Lit featuring J. Cole and KQuick. That record alone made me a fan, and honestly, the entire mixtape was on repeat for weeks.
Not long after, I had the privilege of seeing Bas live during Cole’s Dollar and a Dream Tour in 2013 at the House of Blues in Chicago. Watching him perform alongside Cole only confirmed what I already felt — this guy was the real deal. Then in 2014, Bas dropped his debut album Last Winter. Back when grabbing physical CDs was still a thing, I rushed to Best Buy and managed to snag a copy. I’ve been following him closely ever since — buying the records, listening, and sharing his music with anyone who’d listen.
Later, I dug into his background and learned something that tied everything together: Bas is the younger brother of Ibrahim Hamad, Cole’s longtime friend and manager. That connection made sense, but it also showed me something bigger — Cole didn’t co-sign Bas just because of family ties. He saw the potential. That was made clear in Cole’s LA Leakers freestyle when he said:
“Bas is next in line, and the test is time / Play the game right, he gon’ rest his mom / In the sands of Sudan where she rest her mind / And find peace, ’cause her son’ll be fine / He got the city on his back, and I got him on mine.”
Cole’s bars hit hard, but they also showed the genuine belief he had in Bas. That kind of support has always reflected back through Bas’s fans as well.
Over the years, Bas has carved out his own lane. He’s collaborated with the likes of J. Cole, JID, Lion Babe, FKJ, The Hics, and Ab-Soul, proving he’s not just a rapper but an artist who thrives in experimental sounds. One of my personal favorite collaborations is Risk with FKJ — a track that perfectly blends hip-hop and lush instrumentation. And while Bas has dropped strong projects across the board, my favorite to date is Milky Way. To me, it’s Bas at his most confident, most expansive, and most true to his artistry.
What I admire most about Bas is how he’s built a career rooted in consistency and authenticity. While some rappers chase trends, Bas has always leaned into crafting thoughtful, layered projects that grow with each release. His voice is smooth but commanding, his flow versatile, and his storytelling sharp — qualities that have allowed him to carve out his own lane on J. Cole’s Dreamville label.
Bas has become an essential piece of Dreamville’s rise over the last decade. His presence on the Revenge of the Dreamers compilations showed how naturally he could hold his own next to peers like JID, EarthGang, and Ari Lennox, while also providing a laid-back but confident energy that balances the roster. He isn’t just a supporting act — he’s one of the artists who helps define Dreamville’s sound.
Outside of the label, Bas has shown he’s unafraid to step outside traditional rap boundaries. Whether it’s blending soulful production with FKJ on Risk, exploring smoother yet bouncey tracks like Tribe with J. Cole, or delivering global vibes on Milky Way, Bas is constantly pushing himself into new spaces. That openness to experimentation is what makes him stand out, and it’s why he continues to resonate with fans who are looking for more than surface-level rap.
For me personally, Bas represents growth. I’ve seen him rise from mixtapes and early tour stops to becoming a respected figure in hip-hop. He’s not just J. Cole’s artist — he’s his own man, with his own voice, message, and journey. And every time he drops, you can feel the impact not only on Dreamville but on the culture at large.
Bas’s journey is far from over, and if his latest work is any indication, he’s only getting sharper with time. His recent project with The Hics feels like a natural evolution of his sound — smooth, soulful, and deeply textured, with a chemistry that highlights both his lyrical presence and The Hics’ atmospheric production. It’s proof that Bas continues to experiment, elevate, and connect with audiences in new ways while staying true to the artistry that first drew fans like me in back in the Quarter Water Raised Me days.
As hip-hop keeps shifting and reinventing itself, Bas stands out as an artist who’s playing the long game. He’s not chasing viral moments; he’s building a body of work that will age gracefully. That’s what makes him special. Whether it’s through Dreamville collaborations, international tours, or unexpected partnerships, Bas has already left a mark — and I’m certain the best is yet to come.
If you haven’t yet, check out his latest project with The Hics, Melanchronica on all streaming platforms.
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