Badda Bling taking career in ‘stages’

Selector and media personality Badda Bling says that he hungers for the spotlight and wants to be remembered as a 'multi-entertainer'.

"I strongly believe anyone who wants to be called an entertainer should be capable of, or at least aspire to command more than one area in the field," he told THE STAR recently.

"My ultimate goal is to be considered an entertainer and a multifaceted one. So, if tomorrow I feel like get up and record, I go a studio or if I get an opportunity to go to Hollywood, Los Angeles and do a stand-up show or receive a movie script, I won't say no. I must be able to push myself and I think I'm hungry enough to take on the challenge. I stay hungry from start," said Badda Bling, who debuted as a clash selector on Di Unit Sound System.

For the past 15 years, he has worked hard to have his name etched into the seams of the industry as one of the most sought-out selectors on the sound clash scene, and as a host, coming from a humble beginning. He has become more determined to have a similar impact as a recording artiste. He was reassured by his friend Richie Five to give the 'artiste world' a try, noting that he had a talent for freestyling, as he does so all the time while on radio or on a stage. With only eight official tracks under his belt, Badda Bling said that his potential is greater than what persons have seen thus far.

He said, "Unlike a lot of my colleagues who get into the places or spaces that I work, I consider myself an outsider. Not from the traditional high school, I never had a hand in or a handout and I also was not raised in the city. Not that I view that as a negative on their part, but it reminds me that every time I go on a stage or on the radio, a lot is riding on where I want to be and I have to make sure I am great. So I am taking my career in strides." Some of his previous releases are Blueprint, Stay True and Focus.

While he pushes himself to the limit at times, Badda Bling does not want to rush his recording career. The single Stages, which was released in January, speaks to the aspiring entertainer's journey. It was produced by Raz Prime of Prime Time Music and is being distributed by Zojak Worldwide. Asked about the possibility of an artiste debut on a major stage, Badda Bling said he would like to work on his catalogue and focus on promoting the current song.

"I don't pressure myself to do music or a song every day; it is all dependent on the energy I am feeling. I guess it works for me and I can do it that way because I am dependent on music solely," he said. "I really want to have the legacy I'm creating to be taken seriously by my peers. Whatever I'm doing, I want it to be fun and educational, for me, for the consumers of my music and the industry."