20 Questions with Steve Baumgardner

Copy Post Link

Steven Gerald Baumgardner II was born on Valentine’s Day, 1979. He’s lived in Savannah since age 20. Under the stage name Basik Lee, he’s the most prominent and consistent figure on the local hip hop scene. This award-winning DJ and break-dancing instructor helped found pioneering area music collective Dope Sandwich, and worked for half a decade with at-risk inner-city youth through A.W.O.L., Inc.

Best known to many as the MC and Host of the city’s original Hip-Hop Night showcase for local and touring talent (which ran every Tuesday at the beloved, now defunct Congress Street music club the Jinx for over 15 years before briefly resurfacing at the larger Victory North venue), he currently DJs at a variety of venues, performs hip-hop concerts of his own, serves as a live sound engineer for numerous area and touring acts, and —as frontman and guitarist for local band Ambrose— occasionally plays original, soul-oriented rock.

Steve is one of the hardest-working and most multifaceted performers and promoters in the area. He’s made —and continues to make— a massive contribution to both the diversity and the viability of Savannah’s underground music and culture scenes. He’s also a stand-up guy. Steve encourages folks to find his many albums at Basiklee.bandcamp.com and to keep up with his live performance schedule at Facebook.com/Mr.basiklee.

First record you bought with your own money?

“18th Letter” by Rakim.

First concert you bought a ticket to with your own money?

Still haven’t! Weirdly enough, I just keep getting lucky and either winning tickets or having some Six-Degrees-of-Separation hook-up…

One record you will never tire of hearing?

Stevie Wonder’s “Songs in the Key of Life.”

One song that always gets the crowd going when you spin vinyl?

DJ Kool’s “Let Me Clear My Throat.”

Worst injury you ever got break dancing?

I threw out my right knee and had to use crutches for two weeks.

Weirdest DJ gig you ever did?

I once DJ’d for two rival parties in the same night.

Worst straight job you’ve ever had?

Cleaning out a house after an eviction. There was a clothes dryer on the second floor that the tenants had decided to use as a bathroom.

One straight job you loved?

Working at the old Precinct Deli on Bull St.

Biggest misconception people seem to have about you?

That I’m Jamaican or Rasta. I am neither.

One musical artist who’s inspired you more than any other?

Nina Simone.

One famous band or group you wish you’d been a member of?

The Roots.

Most overrated hip hop artist?

Cardi B.

Most expensive article of clothing you’ve ever bought?

A $125 pair of Jordans when I was in high school. I don’t like to shop.

One talent you wish you had?

Parkour, because I’m afraid of heights.

One food you’ll always try at a restaurant?

Chicken… Yup.

Nicest gift anyone ever gave you?

A friend surprised me by making a shirt featuring a saying I yell out at Hip Hop Night. That was dope!

Ms. Pac-Man or Galaga?

Ms. Pac-Man.

De La Soul or A Tribe Called Quest?

A Tribe Called Quest.

Michael Jackson or Bill Cosby?

Michael Jackson.

First thing you’d do as Mayor of Savannah?

Change parking rules to function better for locals working downtown. The increase in tourist parking has become much more of a hassle for those in the service industry. If you want tourists to be happy, then the folks serving the tourists should be happy as well. I would also create clearer zoning laws regarding noise levels in the downtown area. I believe we have one of the greatest music communities in the country, and if the City would be willing to truly work more with the arts and music community —besides just SCAD— it would only get better.

 

Categories: Article

Tags: , #Georgia, #Savannah GA, #Savannah Tourism, #Visit Savannah, BREAKDANCER, DJ, local music scene, MUSICIAN, Savannah, Savannah Georgia, Steve Baumgardner