Basehead | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | dc Basehead, Basehead 2.0 |
| Origin | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Genres | Alternative rock, alternative hip hop |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Labels | Imago, Union of Vineyard Workers |
| Members | Michael Ivey Aaron Burroughs Brendan Ciotta |
| Past members | Bill Conway Keith Lofton Clarence "Citizen Cope" Greenwood Brian Hendrix Jay Nichols Aaron Burroughs |
| Website | baseheadmusic |
Basehead, also known as dc Basehead and Basehead 2.0, is an American alternative hip hop and rock group formed by Michael Ivey in 1992. Ivey serves as the group's songwriter and leader, performing vocals and various instruments. Basehead's 1992 debut album, Play with Toys, was recorded at Ivey's home with various studio musicians. Ivey formed a touring band for live performances, which contributed to Basehead's second album, Not in Kansas Anymore. The group's current lineup consists of Ivey, drummer Aaron Burroughs and bassist Brendan Ciotta.
Basehead has received praise for its distinctive sound and lyrics. The group's music incorporates elements of various genres, including blues, funk, hip hop and rock. The lyrics of Play with Toys and Not in Kansas Anymore focus on subjects such as alcohol and cannabis use, depression, philosophy, politics and relationships. Beginning with the 1996 release of Faith, the group's lyrics have focused primarily on Christian themes, which carried over to its albums In the Name of Jesus, dc Basehead and Rockalyptic Music.