Today we’d like to introduce you to Basik Lee.
Basik, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hi, my name is Steven Baumgardner. I go by Basik lee. I’m originally from New Jersey. I moved down to Savannah GA around 1999/2000 to come to SCAD (Savannah College of Art& Design). That’s where I met a group of friends that would eventually become my family in hip hop collectively known as Dope Sandwich.
It was a crew of DJs, emcees, breakers, and graf writers. All of us were from different parts of the world but we all connected to hip-hop as a culture. We created a label (Dope Sandwich Productions) in 2006 and toured the east coast for several years. When we first started, I was just getting my legs as a rapper.
I’ve written poetry since I can remember and have written a couple of raps for friends, but mainly I focused on singing and music production up to this point. My boys D (Zone D) & Jason (Crook) were always freestyling! Crook hosted a night with our homie Josh and threw parties just to show off their skills so… Of course, I jumped in the cipher!! Haha!
Around 2002, our friend Josh passed away and Crook, hurt from losing his best friend, moved back home. Josh was a dope-ass dude who kept pushing everybody to be better at their craft. It was something I truly admired about him. Shortly after his passing, we start hearing about a venue downtown called The Jinx that’s playing hip-hop on Tuesdays with two DJs scratching on turntables (D-Frost & Selvis) and two mics, so we start going there.
After a month or two people started hearing about it and the owner (Suzanne) thought it needed a host. I decided to step up so I could work on my craft and stage performance. It was DOPE and soon became one of the biggest nights in town that ran for 15 years at The Jinx before its closing in 2020.
Since then, I’ve become a better emcee, learned how to DJ and play the guitar, and have put out several albums. If it wasn’t for the lessons I learned over the years at The Jinx and touring with the crew I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now. I truly appreciate it!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s not always been a smooth road getting into the music scene here in Savannah, especially for hip-hop. There were, and still are at times, people who only link hip hop with violence. It made it hard to get gigs at live music venues that mainly played rock, blues, and cover bands for the most part.
The Jinx, which was a Punk/Metal bar and venue, was one of the only places downtowns we got that opportunity. I believe it’s because they understood the struggle hip-hop culture was having since they were going thru the same with the Metal and Punk scene in Savannah.
There I learned how to navigate the business side of the music game. Booking shows, merch sales, promoting, and networking. As the night got bigger other businesses caught wind of it and started asking for hip-hop shows at their venues. Done even tried to convince me to move the night to their spot.
Of course, I never did. The Jinx became a home for myself and the hip-hop culture in town. I’ve recently restarted the night at a new venture, Victory North. It’s a bigger venue and I’ve been having fun pushing the night to the next level. I hope to continue doing events around town and showing off the beautiful culture of hip hop here
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a: DJ, emcee, self-taught guitarist, singer/songwriter, event coordinator, sound guy, graphic designer, & b-boy,
I’ve been a DJ for 15 years and have won “Best DJ” in Connect Savannah magazine 10 of those years. I host Hip Hop Nite at the Jinx and on for 15 years. I have an acoustic album and several hip-hop albums out. I use to break dance on River Street for 8 years with my crew Chief Rockaz but now I teach youth breaking.
It’s hard to say what I specialize in. I don’t think of myself as a” jack of all trades”. I consider myself a Master of my crafts. I’ve worked hard to make a name for myself in every aspect of my art. If I had to tho, I would say I’m known for my work ethic. That’s what sets me apart.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The most important thing to my success is being true to myself. Honesty in the art is what connects us. It’s what makes people feel something. When I’m on a stage I give my all.
People see that and feel it. To be able to do that is incredible to me and keeps me driving for more. Kris me phishing to be my best self.
Contact Info:
- Website: Basiklee.bandcamp.com
- Instagram: @thebasiklee
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Mr.basiklee
Image Credits:
Sarah Cuda, Adriana Iris, Boatwright Sasha, and J Hauk
