We recently connected with Babah Fly and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Babah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
My creative journey started in the heart of Little Rock, Arkansas, where the intoxicating rhythmic beats of hip-hop resonated through arcades, school corridors and basketball courts. It all began during P.E. class, when we got a guest teacher visit from some b-boys from the Rock Steady Crew where I first embraced the art of b-boying. My passion didn’t go unnoticed during the class; I was soon invited to perform with these visiting teachers at our elementary school’s all-student assembly that day, marking my first taste of the spotlight.
The electrifying and magnetic energy of Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock” became my anthem, attracting me into the vibrant world of hip-hop culture. The local roller rink transformed into my training ground, where every Saturday night breakdance cyphers buzzed with energy. At just eight years old, my brother, cousin, and I clinched second place in a breakin’ contest—a testament to our dedication and flair. Icons like Run-DMC and Grandmaster Flash were my musical mentors, and I could effortlessly recite “The Rappin’ Duke,” showcasing my deepening connection to the culture.
Beyond dancing, I delved into beatboxing and experimented with scratching on turntables, captivated by the limitless avenues of expression hip-hop offered. As I transitioned into high school, my creativity found a new outlet: writing rap lyrics. The parking lot of The DMZ—a punk rock club that later evolved into the iconic Vino’s—became our stage. This venue was more than just a club; it was a melting pot of musical genres and a cradle for emerging talents, including bands like Evanescence .
By the end of high school, my performances had expanded to house parties and even my senior prom. My arsenal of equipment grew to include an Alesis drum machine, a Juno keyboard, a DJ mixer, and turntables, enabling me to craft and produce my own tracks.
The next chapter unfolded in Denver, Colorado, where I enrolled at Metropolitan State University. Studying under the esteemed jazz musician Ron Miles, I immersed myself in the intricacies of jazz, enriching my musical palette. Denver’s underground hip-hop scene welcomed me with open arms, leading to performances at various house parties in neiborhoods like 5 points and Capitol Hill. We would break into wharehouses in Denver where the graf writers would paint the walls while we set up sound systems with DJs and beat machines and have parties that lasted well into the night. The city’s graffiti and art scene, particularly at venues like Revoluciones, and the Mercury Cafe became integral to my artistic expression, allowing me to blend visual art with music.
From the spirited breakdance battles of Little Rock to the dynamic art galleries of Denver, my journey has been a tapestry woven with rhythm, resilience, and relentless passion. Each step, each beat, and each verse has shaped me into the artist I am today.
Babah , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Babah Fly. I’m an emcee, producer, educator, and cultural organizer based in Denver, Colorado, with deep roots in the foundational elements of hip-hop. My creative journey began in Little Rock, Arkansas, as a b-boy dancing during P.E. class and breakin’ at the local roller rink. I was just eight years old when my brother, cousin, and I placed second in a breakdance contest. That early love for movement, rhythm, and self-expression through Planet Rock and Run-DMC laid the foundation for a lifetime of artistry.
By high school, I was writing my own rhymes, beatboxing, scratching records, and performing at house parties and local clubs like The DMZ (later known as Vino’s). From there, my passion evolved into a full creative practice that includes boom-bap-inspired beat production (often using tools like the Pocket Operator KO-33), conscious lyricism, and live performance. My music blends 90s hip-hop roots with futuristic textures and political awareness. I consider myself a “verbal reiki spitter,” using wordplay to heal, empower, and wake up minds.
Beyond performance, I’m deeply involved in community work through Youth on Record and other platforms that uplift youth and emerging artists. I teach music production and hip-hop history, guide collaborative songwriting and recording sessions, and help young people find their voice through storytelling, rhythm, and activism. Whether it’s in the studio, the classroom, or onstage, my goal is always the same: to build bridges through culture, offer creative empowerment, and keep the spirit of hip-hop alive and evolving.
What sets me apart is the way I balance artistic authenticity with service. I’ve never chased trends or fame—I’ve always centered integrity, connection, and legacy. I offer not just music and performance, but workshops, mentorship, and community-based events that uplift underground voices and transform spaces into cyphers of possibility.
I’m most proud of how long I’ve stayed true to my craft and community. From hosting youth showcases at Civic Center Eats and Red Rocks to releasing my latest vinyl project Ape Shit, I’ve kept my art grounded in purpose. I want people to know that the Babah Fly brand is more than a name—it’s a frequency. It’s a living archive of movement, resistance, celebration, and soul.
Whether you’re booking me for a show, bringing me in for a workshop, or just vibing to my latest track, know that you’re engaging with decades of dedication and a commitment to truth, rhythm, and upliftment.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
I think Basquait said it best: Visual Art decorates space and Music decorates time. For society to support artists I would say that the best thing would be to have this understanding of the value of music and art in our lives.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I want to create an imersive and inspiring experience for people that experience my art.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.babahfly.com
- Instagram: @babahfly
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/babahflyjedi/
- Twitter: @babahfly
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/babahfly
- Other: https://babahfly.bancamp.com
Image Credits
babah fly