After the huge success of Ur Mum Vol. 1 2007 marked the return of the UK's most charismatic street artist. Bashy is back with his new offering The Chupa Chups Mixtape-Assorted Flavours. The mix tape has already gathered crazy media attention and sold a thousand copies on the first day of street release with no push from a major record label.

Well known for his classic battles with Wiley and Ghetto, Bashy is arguably the UK street's most controversial artist, his words demonstrate his ability to captivate listeners, telling them about his Ragz 2 Richez conquest and chronicles relating to the harsh reality of London city life.  

Bashy's debut album will be released early this year, with the first single Black Boys which was released in October 2007 and caused quite a stir on the radio waves.

EUT: Ur Mum was quite successful but do you hope your new mix tape will be noticed in the mainstream?

Bashy: The Chupa Chups mix tape was out and sold just under 6,000 [units]. Each time I release I hope to improve.

EUT: What kind of tracks can we expect?

Bashy: Definitely a range of different styles. It's me street commentating over 'nuff different genres.

EUT: Black Boys is probably the first conscious song I've heard from you. Was it specifically recorded for Black History Month?

Bashy: Black Boys was my debut single but it wasn't done for black history month. BHM was just seemed like the perfect time to release it. I've done other conscious songs before it's just that this is the first song that people have really taken notice of.

EUT: Why did you want to do a song like Black Boys?

Bashy: The Black Community is missing The 'B' and The 'Comm' so we 'lack unity'. My track was an attempt to restore it. I just hate the fact that the negative side of us is always shown in the media, negativity over saturates the place. Why not praise each others' achievements and be positive?

EUT: You mention a lot of black role models in the song. Who have been your role models throughout life?

Bashy: Any man who is righteous, an achiever and who looks after his family. Someone who sets a positive example makes a good role model.

EUT: There have been a few remixes with some pretty high profile artists doing their bit. How does that feel?

Bashy: Overwhelming. I'm just honored to be on tracks with people who I grew up listening to like Swiss and Miss Dynamite.

EUT: You've battled a few people in the past. Who's next or would you say you're past all that now?

Bashy: I've passed it as in left it all behind because it's a waste of time, but I'm never past it.

EUT: I heard you went to BRIT school. Are you hoping to break into acting?

Bashy: Leona Lewis, Amy Winehouse, Kate Nash, Adele, Katie Melua, Chris Dixon, Troy Glasgow, Ace n Vis and Floetry all went there as well. I was the lead in 'Mind Blowing Decisions' at Hackney Empire, written by Victor Romero. I love acting just as much as music.

EUT: How important do you think the internet has been to your promotion?

Bashy: It's very essential. You can't survive without it in the current climate. MySpace and Facebook are nuts. YouTube.com is mad; I received over half a million hits for the Black Boys video. You can't beat that kind of free exposure.

EUT: What do you want to accomplish in 2008?

Bashy: Everything my potential indicates. My album Catch Me If You Can will change the game. Ragz 2 Richez Bitch…go get it! Represent yourself, don't be naughty, boys and girls (laughs).

www.myspace.com/bashystar

Rashmi Shastri – Feb 2008