It all pretty much started in Austin, TX, where Minister Blakes got a broadcast journalism degree from the University of Texas, hosted a radio show on KAZI 88.7 FM and a TV show called “Smooth”, served as Urban Music Director of Music and Entertainment Television, rapped and sang on 15 vinyl records, performed at music festivals including Austin City Limits and South by Southwest, freelanced a bit for the Austin American-Statesman, taught an after-school program and kept busy.

Literally a legend in the Texas underground scene, the minister's studio collaborators include Grammy winning producers Symbolyc One (Kanye West/Beyonce/Jay-Z) and Adrian Quesada (Grupo Fantasma/Ocote Soul Sounds/Brownout/Echocentrics); blues guitarist/singer Gary Clark Jr. (Warner Bros.), who ?uestlove calls “the future”, and Houston rapper Paul Wall.

As a performer, MInister Blakes has shared the stage with Wynton Marsalis, Blackeyed Peas, The Roots, Snoop, Pharrell Williams, Luda, Busta, UGK, De La Soul, Anthony Hamilton and many more. As a journalist, Bavu has interviewed Pharrell Williams, Dallas Austin, Erykah Badu, Rakim, Common, Mary Mary and many more.

The upcoming SANCT EP produced by Reggie Coby of the League of Extraordinary G'z will be released digitally and physically (CD, vinyl) on April 3, 2012.