“Aly B pas Cardi B, il n'y a pas d'Offset, je l'ai perdu en chemin,” Paris-based Belgian rapper Aly Bass spits relentlessly on the savage “Ghost”. Across crunching guitars and bone-shattering bass, Aly fires off a ravaging testament of herself as an artist – she’s incomparable (she isn’t Cardi B, doesn’t need an Offset by her side), acid-tongued, and ready to hit some stratospheric heights all on her own this coming year.

Across 2019, Bass has been pummeling her growing fanbase with caustic tunes – the snow-dappled visuals and icy, biting lyricism of the most recent “Appel manqué” (“Missed Call”) is one particular landmark moment, while the offbeat and playful “Nouveaux Riches”, and the trap-heavy, provocative “97” are some of her short career-defining highlights. Her lyrics are ambitious, a searing statement of intent that zone in on her own hardships, ambitions, and worldview, her sound flecked with the aggressive, dirty rap stylings of Lil Kim and Trina. Her debut EP Jeu 2 Société, dropped in February, contributing to the expansive sounds of contemporary rap’s French-speaking new gen. 

Now, as part of Bershka’s country-hopping Onstage series spotlighting the most dynamic musical talent with Dazed, Aly Bass designs a merch collection that defines her fresh style. She joins Let’s Eat Grandma (representing London), RKOMI (for Milan), Ace Tee (for Berlin), and Nathy Peluso (for Barcelona).

France is the second biggest export of hip hop and rap besides the states, a hotbed for talented women MCs that have galvanised the genre – from the Cypriot-Parisian Diam’s who unpacked identity with her revolutionary game in the 00s, to the easy flows of Lala Ace. Today, the burgeoning, fresh rap sounds spring from Paris suburbs, Marseille clubs, and Lyon streets, with urgent voices like Aly Bass – with Paris her longterm base – leading the country’s new guard. 

Speaking with Dazed, Bass highlights a playful, unpretentious set of influences, from classic rap to Avril Lavigne, French dance producer Stromae, Young Thug, and French rapper Koba LaD. Despite her future-facing sound palette, her visual aesthetic is rooted in the glamour and irony of the 90s and early 00s, which plays out in her Bershka merch collab. The black mesh “Aly B***” shirt she designed references the era’s iconic graphic tees – think “F*** me I’m Famous” and “Dude, where’s my Dior?” – and the slinky silhouettes of pop starlets like Britney and Xtina.

To celebrate the collab and her upcoming Onstage showcase, Bass put together a bumping playlist of some of her fave party tunes, major influences, and press-repeat bangers – her own hit “Paris BX” makes an appearance, alongside DJ Khaled and Cardi B, Belgian rapper Hamza, and rising, Prince-approved hop-hop artist Danileigh. Keep your eyes peeled for the merch drop and our coverage of Aly Bass’ Onstage Paris gig later this month. In the meantime, hit play on her curated playlist below.