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about
Dubbed "One of Texas' brightest stars" by legendary rapper The D.O.C., Bavu Blakes is the ultimate wordsmith. He’s an artist, broadcaster, writer and University of Texas at Austin journalism graduate so unique that he's the only man named Bavu -- meaning 'force' in Kiswahili -- in American history!
On The Cool, Bavu’s first single from what would've been his 2010 sophomore LP entitled "Too Selfish"... (shrug), is an upbeat, funky, get-up-out-of-your-seat type jam that combines the energy of a Red Bull chased by a 5-hour energy drink. Produced by Dallas-based producer Picnic Tyme (Cassette Union, Erykah Badu's Cannabinoids band, Devin the Dude, Naledge, Kid Cudi, Johnny Polygon, etc.), Bavu's flow makes this track leave you craving for more.
Equally adept at writing, performing and freestyling, Mr. Blakes offers both clarity and hype. While words and rhymes are clearly where his talents shine, he places equal importance on beats. By defining tracks in terms of mood, rhythm and melody, he makes the music sound better. Creating a sense of cohesion between the lyrics and beats, Bavu's music reveals this approach through clever, thought-provoking lyrics over diverse beats guaranteed to entice any listener's ear.
Bavu’s live band, dubbed the Extra Plairs, provides the live vibe and enthusiastic drumlines that hip-hop and dance music needs more of these days. His past collaborations include a diverse range of artists, from Strange Fruit Project to Paul Wall, and Bavu is a definitely force to be reckoned with in 2009 and beyond. A Scion Next Up finalist disqualified based on controversial lyrics for the song Black Gold, Bavu can hold his own with ANY emcee. Mr. Blakes is focused on success and married to his ‘keep ’em guessing’ originality On The Cool.
"Hip Hop... Bavu represents it as well as anybody...
there's not a better entertainer out there in the world of hip-hop."
-- Jeremy Miller, President of The Source magazine, 1991-2008
credits
released October 13, 2009
produced by Picnic for Picnic Tyme Productions
additional vocals by S'ence (hook) and Picnic (adlibs)
mixed by Picnic and Tim Curry
mastered by Tim Curry
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