Growing up in Vallejo, Baby Bash took tremendous pride in his city's -- and the larger West Coast's -- powerful rap heritage. Even though he considers himself a product of Mac Dre, Ice Cube and E-40, little did Bash know that he would have gold singles, gold albums and platinum songwriting credits on his resume.

 

Despite the circumstances, Bash never allowed himself to get caught up in the world of bling and gangsters. Instead he stays true to his own personal style and love for music and words. "I'm no hard ass gangster wanting to step on toes and I'm no corny cat either," says Bash. "I'm a player and hustler and I love money and love women and love a good time."

 

Baby Bash's distinctive, all-encompassing style and his distinctive look make him a refreshingly original artist, someone who isn't easily categorized. "I don't really consider my music rap, hip-hop, pop or R&B," says Bash, who is now based in Houston. "It's just a fusion of everything, and you don't really know what it is, what I am. People don't even know what nationality I am, which I like. I'd rather be a little mystery than have all my business out."

 

Now, in 2007, history seems to be repeating itself. On the heels of the independent success of his "Mamacita" single -- a radio smash in Los Angeles and throughout Texas, among other major locales, in 2006 -- Baby Bash is gearing for the release of his first, yet to be titled, Arista Records album set for release this summer. The first single going to radio on May 28th is "Cyclone," featuring T-Pain and produced by Lil Jon.

 

Bash is working with longtime collaborators Happy Perez (Frankie J) and Ryan Tedder (Timbaland, Bubba Sparxxx). Working with Perez, in particular, holds a special significance for Bash. "It's my recipe, my formula," he says. "I've been using it ever since I met Happy Perez. He did 'Suga Suga,' 'Obsession.' Without him, there'd be no Baby Bash or Frankie J. Happy P is the one that made those beats that blew up for us."

 

Amazingly, Baby Bash considers his lengthy track record a mystery of sorts. "I'm still trying to figure out how I got here," he says. "I consider myself a regular dude who just happens to know how to do music."

 

And one who does it very well.