I was first introduced to Bavu Blakes when I was living in my buddy’s basement in St. Louis as an aspiring music producer. I was having my little brother mail me VHS cassettes of select cable tv programs from back home in Austin and randomly recorded at the end of one of those tapes, after an episode of Chappelle’s Show, Season One, was a music video from the now defunct Austin Music Network. Within seconds I was entranced by the footage of a slender emcee flowing without pause, with laser-sharp precision, in a boxing ring surrounded by break dancers. This dude was out of his mind – to the point of divine clarity. The bangin’ saxophone-laced beat and fluid raps (see “Bah-VOO” from Create and Hustle, 2002) had me jonesin’ for more. “This man is spittin’,” I turned and said to one of my crew with conviction.

Nowadays, ask anyone in Bavu Blakes’ home state of Texas to name the most prominent and respected underground hip-hop artists in recent history, and I would bet that Mr. Blakes’ name appears near the top of that list.

Proof that skill and uncompromising dedication still succeed in this world, Bavu has created a lane for himself through relentless hustle and grind in Austin and the greater South Coast; his handiest tool – an electric live show that positively charges the audience. The sound is soulfully cognizant and real, richly baritone and highlighted by quality arrangement and message, delivered poignantly as Poe. Like "water to your teacup,” Bavu’s insightful recital releases much goodness, promoting the function of a healthy soul.

Endorsed by the likes of legends D.O.C. and Bun B, Bavu has become one of our generation’s most impactful artists. Amongst both purists and partiers, Bavu commands respect with prolific delivery of innovative produce. In addition, Blakes’ art transcends bounds, he has collab’d with everyone from Paul Wall to Austin Mayor Will Wynn, and holds down a Program Director spot at Austin-based Music Entertainment Television (www.metelevision.com). And you speak of market factors…

Bavu is the truth, and I’ve got evidence to support my case: check out www.08issogreat.com, a phenomenon in which Blakes releases an exclusive, deft flow every week of the year 2008. Earlier this month, Bavu righteously (07/07) released the “Beat Up” freestyle, a glimpse into his craft, his stance on rap battles, and the suspect "tomboy" socialite behavior of certain participants in the game. Blakes puts his stamp on the track, laying out a truly complete thought, a skill many in the game struggle with.

Also recently released, the Exta Plair EP is a soulful concoction of lyrical ingenuity, feel-good musicianship, and laid-back southern swagger. Another highlight is the upcoming World Trade album, Channel One, with fellow Austin wordsmith Element 7D. The album heals and enlightens, and I know you’ll appreciate Element’s profoundly expressive production as much as I.

Providing even deeper insight, Bavu has gifted us a further definition of his worldview:

JK: Explain your fascination with noodling (a tradition in Oklahoma where people wade in river beds and catch giant catfish, using their fingers as bait).

BB: It’s a thriving culture, something that people have been doing for centuries, dedicating so much passion to it. I mean, it’s serious to them; people drown doing this… and lose limbs. It’s a thriving underground niche, very much like the various niches that define today’s music industry. One dude made a documentary on it and made it on Letterman, and he was considered a sellout! You can see the parallels with hip-hop or any craft for that matter.

JK: Your family is from Louisiana and Mississippi; you were born in DC and grew up in Garland (Dallas area). How did you break into the Austin music scene?

BB: I came to Austin to attend UT and started going to shows and open mic spots with my crew from Dallas who also went to UT. In those days I was doing it more or less for the fun of getting drunk and freestyling. As we got more into it, a random search for outlets led to opening up for traveling acts (Roots, etc) that performed on campus. Eventually, me, J and Sheldon (crew from Dallas) formed the group Realaktz and generated a buzz doing showcases around ‘96-‘97. From there, we founded Hip-Hop Humpday (a legendary, weekly hip-hop showcase in Austin) and it grew from there, just taking whatever shows we could.

Click here to see the conclusion of LA2DAY's exclusive interview with Bavu Blakes