B.A.S.K.O.

On the surface, B.A.S.K.O. appears to be a character out of a hip-hop graphic novel, a slick rapper with a stylish swagger and undeniable voice, but open the package and a multi-layered organization is revealed. Now celebrating the release of his first digital single "Featha N Da Fitted," B.A.S.K.O.'s debut CD titled 16-9-13-16 on So Fly Records is due for a 2009 release. B.A.S.K.O., which spells out 'Black American Still Kickin' On', is actually a modern Renaissance man, at the center of his three worlds: Music, Fashion and Record Company - all owned and operated by B.A.S.K.O. As the visionary behind the entire conglomerate. B.A.S.K.O. writes and performs his own music, has created a trendy fashion hat under the FashionFitted imprint and also runs his own independent label, So Fly Records.

Born Robert Miller in Rochester, New York with roots in South Carolina, B.A.S.K.O. knew at an early age that music and performing would be the conduit to launch the diverse career that he now enjoys. “I like to do all kinds of music and feel different things. I'm not afraid of my emotions. As a human being I owe it to myself to explore them. As an artist, it’s my obligation to share them. I remember my very first song was "Society Is Getting To Me" (a metaphor of memories about his own personal struggles and challenges on love, life and family)," recalled B.A.S.K.O. "It was amazing to me to see how much people could be affected by its raw emotion and the realness of the storytelling."

B.A.S.K.O. developed his songwriting skills for music from his desire to be heard. "Performing was always in my spirit. I was into comedy since the age of 8. I had this light in me and knew what people wanted to hear. More than anything else, though, I wanted to be a good human being. I never wanted to be a gangster or anything like that. I wanted to be a rapper, an artist and a performer."

B.A.S.K.O.’s 16-9-13-16 music debut is highlighted by the sizzling new single, "Featha N Da Fitted," a cleverly titled winner that stands behind his So Fly imprint, with an equally rhythmic, accompanying video. The new CD has a slew of sure hits, like the club banger, "I'm All That," "I Like The Way You Move," (a song that describes the anatomy of a woman from a man's perspective), "Keep Going," and the mid-tempo groove, "Get Her."

His music reflects the realities of what’s going on in today's world, wrapped around lyrics that tell a story that makes you want to dance and sometimes may want you to stop and think. It's a flight of fantasy, yet it's based on true-life happenings that touch the soul. As B.A.S.K.O. sums it up perfectly, "I like being imaginative, because what comes from the imagination is pure, it's art." In essence, 16-9-13-16 is music that is good for the heart, the spirit, and the mind.

Clearly a lyrical genius who writes from a deeper place than most, B.A.S.K.O. is also a talented performer who operates from what he calls 'The Know.' "It’s about following your passion in life and steering it in the right direction, staying focused and just 'knowing'. The job that I do now is my tomorrow. You’re acting out what you’re doing in your life, and people have to realize that we’re living in a powerful spiritual world."

A few years ago, B.A.S.K.O. met creative and business partners, Greg Shainman and Yusef Jackson, who saw and believed in his vision. Now, this dynamic trio is at the helm of the 'So Fly' movement. "The focus is not about me being the CEO of a label. The world is too big to be limited to just one thing. We're partners involved in each other’s mission in life. These are my brothers, and it’s important that we are all on the same vibe where our thinking is the same and we're working all our ideas into one plan. It’s a level playing field. It’s about doing something positive and constructive for your community. That's what I want to do with So Fly with a little bit of honest love," B.A.S.K.O. explains.

The fashion world will adore B.A.S.K.O.'s hats which is an extension of his music, and appropriately titled, first single and video presentation. Skillfully designed by B.A.S.K.O., the concept of a stylish feather is moved smartly as an integral part of each of the FeatherFitted™ hats. B.A.S.K.O. is as meticulous with his hats as he is his songs, each feather scrutinized with the same care and attention to detail given to a note or lyric. The record label's logo also happens to be a replica of B.A.S.K.O.'s signature hat - strategically marketed with a tempo that speaks to hip hop culture and beyond. Once you experience the entire package, it all makes sense and tastemakers will applaud it.

The 'So Fly' movement knows that it’s all about the certain way you 'fly'. When you are in 'The Know' - time can’t be wasted. Your agenda is about to unfold.