Pete & Bas Just Went Pop? The Truth Behind ‘Call Me Back’

If you had “Pete & Bas dropping a pop anthem” on your 2026 bingo card, go ahead and collect your winnings.

The South East London veterans are back with their latest single, ‘Call Me Back,’ and it’s causing a serious stir. Known for being the hardest “grandads” in the game, the duo is stepping away from the aggressive drill beats that made them viral sensations to experiment with a smoother, more melodic sound.

But if you think they’ve gone soft, you haven’t been paying attention.

Authenticity You Can’t Fake

Pete & Bas aren’t your typical influencers-turned-rappers. These guys are South London to the core. They’ve been “in and out of trouble since Black & White TV,” and the rumors of their connections to the Kray and Richardson families give them a level of street heritage that most rappers can only dream of.

When they rhyme about the “old days,” they aren’t talking about the 90s—they’re talking about an era of London history that’s mostly found in textbooks and crime documentaries. That lived-in grit is exactly why the industry took them seriously from day one.

The Biggest Co-Sign in the UK

A lot of people initially tuned in for the novelty, but they stayed for the bars. You don’t get a stamp of approval from the elite unless you can actually spit. Their list of supporters reads like a “Who’s Who” of British music:

• The Pioneers: Dizzee Rascal and D Double E.

• The Heavyweights: Giggs and Headie One.

• The Modern Kings: Dave and Mist.

When Giggs gives you the nod, you’re not a joke act. You’re a peer.

Breaking Down ‘Call Me Back’

So, what does a Pete & Bas “pop” song actually sound like?

It’s surprisingly catchy. ‘Call Me Back’ trades in the haunting minor keys of drill for a beat that feels more at home on a summer playlist. The hook is sticky, the production is crisp, and the lyrics—while still delivered in that iconic, gravelly South London accent—feel a bit more personal.

It’s a pivot that makes sense. After conquering the underground and proving they can out-rap people half their age, they’re showing they can play the radio game, too.

Why It Hits Different

The magic of Pete & Bas is that they don’t try to be young. They don’t use slang that doesn’t fit or try to dress like they’re 18. They are unapologetically themselves: two blokes who have seen it all, done most of it, and are now having the time of their lives on the charts.

The Verdict

‘Call Me Back’ is a bold move, but if anyone can pull off a genre-jump this late in the game, it’s these two. Whether you’re here for the history, the bars, or just the sheer madness of the journey, Pete & Bas remain the most interesting duo in the UK.