Bashy Interview!

Bashy has become one of the UK’s best known Grime MC’s, not only has he rubbed M.I.C’s with the likes of Wiley and Ghettz, he has also dabbled in films and fashion, well that is the norm for an MC from North West London isn’t it? I caught up with Ashley ‘Bashy’ Thomas for a little chat about music, films and blogging?

SUPERSUPER: For those that don't know (like they've been under a rock for 5 years) who Bashy is, can you tell us?

BASHY: (Laughs) Under a rock, that’s funny. Boy I'm just a brudda from the ends who has a dream. I'm a street commentator, actor, music supervisor and I just try to do as much as possible, so by the end of the year I'll have some more titles for you.

SS: How different does Ashley Thomas compare to the MC and underground superstar, Bashy?

B*: Bashy is the alter ego that just doesn't give a shit, a guy who isn't ever going to hold his tongue for anyone. The performer who performs like no other artist, wears outrageous colours & isn't afraid. Bashy is here to leave a mark on the earth and be as innovative as he can. Ashley Thomas is the young man that went to your school, the actor, the music supervisor and the counter balance to Bashy. He is the thinker who reads and is interested in history and the arts & laws of attraction. Sounds like two different people innit? (Laughs) They are...

SS: Cliché question, but have to ask you, how did you get started in the music game?

B*: (Laughs) I always get this question all the time, I hate it. I started in the secondary school playground, battling and stuff. I did nuff house parties and raves, spitting normally and at times just clashing to prove how good I was. I then met Major Ace who was part of Pay As You Go and he put me onto the thriving East London pirate/developing grime scene. From there I just went from strength to strength.

SS: Some have criticised you in the past for doing Hip Hop tracks, why do you think that is?

B*: I do music. I'm a musician, to me it’s all the same, I've always represented grime to the fullest but embrace hip hop equally. I just love all different types of music and I love challenging myself. I don't watch what them kinda people who say those things, say...they're not important.

SS: Do you think Grime is DEAD?

B*: No way! Its growing everyday are you mad? Anyone who thinks it’s dead must be under the rock you was talking about earlier. The chart has seen success from a number of grime artists, so who ever thinks that should just SHULLUP!

SS: You were music co-ordinator for British teen hit movie Adulthood, what did your role entail and how was it for you?

B*: Yeah man that role was really motivating. Loved it! I was working with a exceptionally good team, it’s good when you have an opportunity to work with people who have the same ideals as you. Noel Clarke was cool and introduced me to Ian Neil who showed me the ins and outs of music supervising. I felt responsible for our scene, cos’ usually them kind of soundtracks don't reflect our scene properly so it was my job to make sure it did. The soundtrack is really good; there are a lot of big names on it. I'm the music supervisor for a new movie now called 'Freestyle' out in Autumn this year, it’s a story of basketball freestyling and love, so watch out for that one...

SS: You have had a few videos that have been along the lines of a little movie, including your latest one for the track RANSOM featuring Scorcher and Wretch 32, can you see yourself acting on a more serious level in the future?

B*: I mean yeah, I've always loved acting but the roles over here are too stereo typical or show Black Boys in an unintelligent manner. I went to the Brit School and studied theatre so it has always been my goal to get back into it properly. You will definitely see more of me on your screens acting. I'm the lead role in a play called 'Markus the Sadist' which goes on tour in September. Ransom is about just being creative with what you have. 70,000 views in under two weeks is a good look.

SS: You have always been known for rocking colourful garms and never leaving your house without the famous Chupa Chup lollies, you seemed to have got rid of all that, why is that?

B*: I still do that I've never stopped, I just stopped giving away free promo for certain companies, it's all about business, otherwise forget it, what’s the point. I'm still addicted to lollies and still love bright clothes. I'm on an Ashley Thomas tip at the moment that’s all.

SS: You have been sponsored if not asked to wear many streetwear designer’s brands, when you do your live show's etc, could you ever see yourself going into some form of modelling because you obviously like your garmentation?

B*: I never rule anything out so who knows, maybe! I'm only 5"11 though so I don't know. (Laughs). I'm putting my 'Bish Bash Bosh' line out in the summer so look out for it. It’s not just merchandise T-Shirts either; it's an actual fashion label, real high quality stuff, with good designs.

SS: Ok, so let's talk blogs, you have taken the blog world by storm recently with your www.itsbashy.wordpress.com website; do you feel that blogging is a good tool to keep people in the know of what's good?

B*: My blog is a madness, there I can express myself, it's just another outlet. I can't say everything I want through music so that's why I blog and Twitter, I love it. I'm not like the other blogger, I don't JUST post up videos. It's a good chance for people to see what I'm up to on a daily basis!

SS: Bashy’s future?

B*: What can I say man, Catch Me if you Can is out on June 1st, then I'm on my Tour, Bish Bash Bosh Jeans comes out in the summer. Keep your eyes open for Ransom, I'm going to be showing the universe all of my god given talents. Ragz 2 Richez / GGI

Catch Me If You Can - out now!

www.bashy.com

A version of this appeared in SUPERSUPER Magazine issue 17