BaSheBa Earth

BaSheBa Earth
Mothership (Arketype Records)
By Michael Roberts
Article Published Jul 20, 2006

Don't limit BaSheBa Earth by calling her a rapper. The woman born Portia Davis is also a fashion designer and a performance artist, not to mention a lyricist with a lot more on her mind than the average rhymer. Mothership runs on consciousness, and thanks to Davis's passion and commitment, the journey is well worth taking.

When the music calls for her to spit, as it does on "Different Type" and "Bladez of Tongue" -- the latter distinguished by an appearance from Public Enemy vet Chuck D -- Davis acquits herself well. But she's at her best on the likes of "Whats the Use," a track that lets her blend recitation with soulful vocalizing.

Ms. Earth's words, meanwhile, delve into unexpected subject areas; on "Mixed," for instance, she purrs about "a people together, creating unified wealth," plus "services" and "preventive care." It takes a lot of style to pull off something like that. Fortunately, she has plenty to spare. - Westword

"A truly dramatic point in the evening came when BaSheBa Earth took control of the microphone. Don't be afraid to say it: BaSheBa is fly...She runs the full spectrum of Mcing with the grace of dragonfly." - Elemental Magazine 1999

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Dec 21, 2006
Thanks to MTV, which is using Denver as a backdrop for the current installment of The Real World, our town will be seared into the public consciousness for the next several months. And with two of our most celebrated homegrown acts up for Grammy awards, it's safe to say that the national spotlight has never burned brighter or hotter on our fair city.

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Local year-end reviews

BaSheBa Earth, Mothership (Arketype Records). It's no surprise that BaSheBa Earth holds her own in a mike-to-mike showdown with Public Enemy's Chuck D on "Bladez of Tongue." She's an intelligent lyricist who knows there's a lot more to hip-hop than boasting about bling, and she verifies it on "Miked," a cut that's emblematic of her cool, conscious approach. -- Roberts


- Westword

Held every Sunday evening at Brooklyn’s YWCA and hosted by its founder, artist/DJ Ian Friday, the Tea Party tends to stand out from other open-mic spots. Perhaps it’s the feel of the spacious, candlelit old theater space it’s held in, or the heads who aren’t trying to have any worries as they dance to the bass of soulful house, classic soul and hip-hop pulsating throughout the place. Maybe it’s the Circle at the open mic’s start—where everyone joins to give thanks, shout-outs and positive energy. Performers such as Erykah Badu, Saul Williams, jessica Care moore, and BaSheBa Earth have blessed its mike with their performances.

“Performing [at the Tea Party], I felt that I was at home,” says Earth. “The vibration there is wonderful, and it allows artists to express and be themselves rather than compete with other poets to see who’s ‘the best.'"

And if one listens closely, a collective sigh of relief can also be heard from newcomers discovering refuge from spots overrun by psuedo-mack daddies and “yo, baby” types. “The Tea Party’s not made out of the regular ‘club/lounge’ mold,” says Friday. “We want people to talk to one another and meet others minus the ‘meat market’ atmosphere, and this environment supports that. The idea is about nurturing creativity—an exchange, if you will.” - Vonetta Booker for Tricene.com