With too much rap genius to fit under one hat, Vasiliy Vakulenko, aka Basta, left his old persona behind and emerged as Noggano in 2008. Gone were the emotional, reflective verses—enter window-rattling beats and gangsta rap bravado rooted in verses that cut both ways. With every rhyme, Noggano simultaneously glorifies and critiques the glitz, glamour, obscenity and criminal amorality found in hip-hop braggadocio. A next-level rhyme slayer with trademark wit and superior production skills, Noggano stands alone with his sharp, self-aware indictment of rap culture—one that keeps heads nodding.