BASER

---

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Greetings Universal Beings, I am Baser, the toy eraser, train defacer and straight no chaser.

Is there a story behind your name?

As a kid growing up in NOLA, we ribbed a lot mean clowning each other verbally. It was like a tough love thing and very common in New Orleans. We always lived in the Ninth Ward, which was very hard edged and impoverished. I saw style wars in 84 and loved the dance, the music and the writing. Out of respect to Phase 2 I adopted Base2. I wrote that and LSD71 for a brief period and in my toy state I thought I was breaking ground. Truly I wasn’t and luckily learned really early, as I saw way better writers amongst us in The Big Easy. As a result of that when I would pull up to the block some of the homies would be like " Here come dat Baser lookin mofo”. 

That was their way of clowning me for being Lil. It rang a bell in my head and I actually liked it and it has remained the same since.

Not many people know you’re one of the breakers on “Hey DJ” by A Lighter Shade of Brown, can you still bust some moves?

That was a great time. 1990s on South Beach in Miami. I actually can still get loose but don’t practice and am a bit rusty and dusty. That video was directed by Ratner and we had mad fun. They actually told Jr. and myself to look Old School and we were like, do you see what we already have on. Track suits shell toes and so forth. We laughed and rocked it. Was mad fun! Edec Kvee Meta 4 Ence Seam and a lot South Beach Bboys and writers were present.

Let’s get back to graff and take it way back, what year and where did you begin painting?

I started writing in New Orleans in the Mid 80s after seeing Style Wars and seeing City cats write their handles. Eg.Ninth Ward Nay 

Why graffiti, was there a style or artist that inspired you at the time?

As a youth the city performers dancers and musicians were very influential because they did all their biz in the streets. Artistically a lot of NYC writers influenced me due to the flavor and hardcore feel of painting the side of a train with style and attitude that would carry your name from place to place.

You’re from some legendary crews, some you started and some you were asked to join. What’s important to you in a crew?

That’s very humbling and a huge part of my existence this whole ride. 

Crew ..Create Real Experiences Within.

I’ve always been humbled by the love and camaraderie that I’ve experienced. A young toy from the Lower 9th ward with no history. To be accepted and vowed for by such greatness has meant the world to me. My mission has always been to add value and make my brothers proud. I wouldn't have made it or attempted it without my crews Familia and friends.

What gets your wood hard, steel or concreate and why?

Clearly, I love the expression of the artform and the culture.  Originally and foremost have always loved the stain on a train carrying thy name.

Is there a different approach between the two? 

Not necessarily, I treat em the same. Have fun, stay fresh and stay Hater Proof

 You’ve moved around the country; do you have a favorite spot to paint and/or spot trains?

Southeast has been my stomping grounds, but I have been blessed to have received love and painted on all coasts. That means a lot to me.

I hear most train writers prefer Rust-Oleum paint, what’s your preference?

Rusto reigns Supreme. If and when it’s not available any brand will do the do. It’s all about the fun and memories. 

School the masses on the different train carts, which type get your blood flowing? 

Again, I’m not picky or favorable.  Any car with Steel Wheels is a good car. If I could only pick one the rest of my career it would be a Gondola.

Are there any rules when it comes to painting trains?

Rules to the game ... Writers are Shady

What’s the farthest one of your painted trains has been spotted?

All States, All North Amerikkka, Canada and Mexico included.

Any opinion on all the graff on the internet?

No Comment

I just saw “Rolling Like Thunder”, you’re a big part of the documentary, anything that you want to add that maybe you forgot then?

I spoke from my heart and approached it as a means to enlighten others that may have dealt with and made the mistakes I did. It’s a catch 22, a lot of people are gonna not like it for so and so reason. I knew that from the get go. I chose to go this route

because the opportunity availed itself and I’ve suffered a lot. Clearly if the Lord called me prior to it no one can tell my story like I can. Sacha Jenkins is a Visionary and someone I’ve always believed in he was the mastermind behind it.

Any advice to the future train writers?

Be Safe. Be respectful. Be Easy

Any shoutouts you’d like to give?

All praise due to our Ancestors! Mad Love to all our Families, Crews, Friends and our Fallen Soldiers.

#oilerparasiempre! KoolAid! Tase Felos! RealTM!  DJ Leacy! Aone! Rival! Y Muchos mas.