A lot of the time, rappers focus on their own musical niche, as do most artists associated with any particular genre. Baby Bash, however, bucks the trend; in fact, he doesn't even want to get pigeonholed into any particular kind of music. "I don't try to do freestyle," he says. "I just try to make something that'll stick to the ribs." With all three of his albums so far riding on commercial success, it looks like he's doing just that.

Baby Bash: Chameleon of Rap

"I'm like a chameleon. I adapt to wherever I'm at."

A lot of the time, rappers focus on their own musical niche, as do most artists associated with any particular genre. Baby Bash, however, bucks the trend; in fact, he doesn't even want to get pigeonholed into any particular kind of music. "I don't try to do freestyle," he says. "I just try to make something that'll stick to the ribs." With all three of his albums so far riding on commercial success, it looks like he's doing just that.

Baby Bash, the Boy

He was born Ronnie Ray Bryant in Vallejo, California in 1975 to a Latina mother and an English father. Both parents, however, fell into trouble with heroin, and were incarcerated while Bryant was still very young. He did much of his growing up with relatives. "My Grandma Fuarez raised me," says the rapper.

While growing up, Bash was exposed to many influences. Basketball then was a big part of his life, and he says that there were some thoughts of turning it into a career later on. His relatives also let him listen to a wide range of musical styles and genres, which he says helped shape his own musical style later on in his career. He cites musical influences that go from Mac Dre to Tom Petty.

The choice between shooting hoops and a singing career was soon settled as he made a name for himself as a member of Potna Duece and Latino Velvet, music groups based in Vallejo. Repeated injury and a lack in height would also keep him from considering a pro basketball career. In 2000, he moved to Houston, Texas, drawn by the growing Latino rap scene, the cheaper living standards and the invitation of his friend South Park Mexican.

Baby Bash Goes Big Time

It was from Houston that Bryant finally began getting recognized as Baby Bash with the release of his 2001 debut album Savage Dreams under Dope House Records, a Houston-based independent label. The 19-track album earned him a lot of attention, particularly from scouts at Universal Records, which inked a deal with him that very same year. His major label debut, Tha' Smokin' Nephew, was released in 2003. This was followed up by another album, Super Saucy, in 2005.

Numerous collaborations with other artists on the hip-hop and R&B scene followed, and he is credited as a songwriter for the likes of Jennifer Hudson and Whitney Houston. Another studio album, Cyclone, was released in October 2007, and has since spawned three single releases on the market.

Did You Know That...

• ...he was originally known as Baby Beesh? His first nickname came from the Mitsubishi that he used to drive when he began his career. He changed his name to Baby Bash, however, when he moved to Texas.
• ...height was one of the deciding factors in career? Besides repeated injuries on the basketball court, he was also deemed too short to shoot hoops professionally.
• ...he's gone into film as well? He signed on to do Primos, a film about three Mexican cousins trying to make money in the city.

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