Bashy Biography

British MC Bashy started as an underground grime rapper that has transcended the genre by working with a variety of artists.

Early Life

Ashley Thomas was born in Chiswick, West London in 1985. He was passionate about music once he was sent to live in Dominica. Inspired by the street dancehall sounds he returned to England.

Career 

Under his childhood nickname, Bashy, he started recording demos with his cousin DJ Kid and the Live Link Crew. He enrolled in the renowned Brits School where acts like Amy Winehouse, Leona Lewis, and Kate Nash attended. Bashy studied for a BTEC in performing arts. While holding several jobs as a postman, bus driver, and sales assistant he released 2 mixtapes. Your Mum was first and served as a diss to fellow rapper Wiley, and Chupa Chups Assorted Flavours, which came attached with a free lollipop.

Success

Black Boys was a big hit in the underground scene, released in 2007. The track brought to the forefront the positive sides of the black community. In addition, he was the ambassador of the Stop the Knife campaign. Catch Me If You Can was the name of his debut album, issued in 2009. Bashy was nominated for two MOBO Awards as a result. Also an actor, he was cast in British movies like Shank, 4321, and The Veteran. He was a guest on Gorillaz track Plastic Beach.

Acting

Starting 2011 he focused mostly on acting. His first TV role was on the Emmy-winning series Black Mirror. Next was the critically acclaimed film My Brother the Devil. After several guest TV appearances, it was announced he will star in the lead role of the reboot of notorious series 24 as Isaac Carter.

Photo credit: Bashy