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Basboi Reflects on Life in 'Kasablanka' Album

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Rapper Basboi has released his second album, "Kasablanka," marking 10 years in the music industry.
  • The album features 15 tracks and showcases a more original and reflective version of the artist compared to his debut.
  • "Kasablanka" explores themes of metropolitan life, love, and nostalgia, set against the backdrop of Jakarta's urban landscape.

After a decade in the music scene, Indonesian rapper Basboi has unveiled his second album, "Kasablanka," released on June 5, 2026. This new project, featuring 15 tracks, follows his 2021 debut album, "Adulting For Dummies," and represents a more authentic and introspective phase of his career.

The first album was like my prayer to become Basboi, while Kasablanka is already being Basboi, both in terms of enjoyment and consequences.

— BasboiBasboi explaining the difference between his debut album and his latest release.

Basboi describes "Kasablanka" as a reflection of his journey and growth over the past 10 years. "The first album was like my prayer to become Basboi, while Kasablanka is already being Basboi, both in terms of enjoyment and consequences," he told Tempo. Unlike his debut, which aimed to introduce his musical identity, "Kasablanka" speaks to an audience already familiar with his work, expressing his authentic self.

The album draws inspiration from the urban environment of Jakarta, particularly the Kasablanka area, which Basboi calls home. He captures the multifaceted nature of the city, noting its blend of luxury and chaos. "Kasablanka, on one hand, is luxurious, but simultaneously squalid. The class is high, but life is very chaotic, and I am also afraid of that, which I pour into the song 'angin kencang' (strong wind)," he explained.

Now I'm talking to people who know, although people who don't know me will gradually know through the authentic expression in Kasablanka and can resonate with them.

— BasboiBasboi discussing his connection with his audience through the new album.

"Kasablanka" was produced in collaboration with Sony Music Publishing Indonesia and involved over 10 producers. Basboi typically creates the music and beats first, then crafts the lyrics. The album's tracklist includes songs like "GayA idup," "I <3 JKT," "kl bkn aq," and the title track "Kasablanka 03:00," exploring diverse narratives from love to nostalgia within a metropolitan context.

Kasablanka, on one hand, is luxurious, but simultaneously squalid. The class is high, but life is very chaotic, and I am also afraid of that, which I pour into the song 'angin kencang'.

— BasboiBasboi describing the inspiration behind the album's title track and its themes.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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