Basta (rapper) Biography: Age, Wife, Net Worth, Songs, Height, Instagram, Children

Vasily Mikhaylovich Vakulenko, better known as Basta, is a Russian rapper, producer, radio and television host, and entrepreneur who gained widespread recognition following the release of his solo single “Moya Igra” in 1998.

He first emerged in the underground rap scene as part of the group Psycholyric (later renamed Kasta), and firmly established his reputation with a string of albums and his alter ego Noggano.

Profile

• Full name: Vasiliy Mikhaylovich Vakulenko
• Date of birth: 20 April 1980
• Age: 45 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Rostov-on-Don, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
• State of origin: Rostov Oblast, Russia
• Nationality: Russian
• Profession: Rapper, music producer, radio host, television presenter, actor, screenwriter, director, label co-owner
• Height: 5′ 8″ (173 cm)
• Hair color: Dark brown
• Parents: father (army officer)
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Elena Pinskaya
• Children: two daughters, Maria (b. December 3, 2009) and Vasilisa (b. January 21, 2013)
• Relationship status: Married
• Ethnicity: Russian with Ukrainian roots through grandparents
• Net worth: $4 million

Early Life and education

Vasily Mikhaylovich Vakulenko (45 years old) was born on 20 April 1980 in Rostov-on-Don to a father who served as an army officer.

Noticing his musical abilities early on, his parents enrolled him in a local music college, which he did not complete.

Raised with Ukrainian family roots on his grandparents’ side, he began writing rap lyrics around age 15 or 16.

He entered the underground rap scene by joining the group Psycholyric (later renamed Kasta) at 17, recording his first solo single “Moya Igra” in 1998.

Personal Life

Basta has been married to Elena Pinskaya since June 2009; they welcomed their first daughter Maria in December 2009 and their second, Vasilisa, in January 2013.

Career

Basta began his career in 1997 with Psycholyric, later Kasta. His breakout solo track “Moya Igra” dropped in 1998.

He formed the band Ulichnye Zvuki (Street Sounds) and in 2004 moved to Moscow after being discovered by Bogdan Titomir.

There he collaborated with Smoky Mo and Guf, appearing on Guf’s album “Gorod Dorog”.

In 2008 he adopted the alias Noggano, releasing “Noggano: The First” and “Noggano: Warm,” shifting into gangsta-rap parody.

Alongside Evgeny Antimoniy, he founded Gazgolder label in 2006, expanding into nightlife, fashion, production, and talent management.

In October 2019 he acquired FC SKA Rostov-on-Don and joined its restoration with Rostec.

He has also been a mentor on The Voice Russia and The Voice Kids, and hosted shows on Next FM and DFM.

Awards

• MTV Russia Hip-Hop Project Award for Best Hip Hop Project (2008)
• Viktoriya national music awards (eight wins)
• Nominations for MTV Europe Music Award for Best Russian Act (2013, 2016)

Net worth

Basta’s Current net worth is estimated at least $4 million.

Controversy

In 2016, fellow rapper Detsl sued him over insulting social-media remarks, resulting in a court-ordered payment of 50,000 rubles for defamation.

A later lawsuit required him to pay 350,000 rubles for another offensive comment.

In January 2023, Ukraine banned him entry and sanctioned him for his support of Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the 2022 invasion.

Social Media

• Instagram: @basta_russia (official)
• YouTube: Gazgolder official channel
• X: N/A

Filmography

• GazGolder (2014) – as Basta
• Sneakers (2016) – as Military Commissar
• vDud (TV Series, 2017) – Guest appearance
• Studio SOYUZ (TV Series, 2017) – Guest appearance
• Klubare (2018) – as Basta
• Ya sebya znayu! (TV Series, 2020) – Guest appearance
• Ya tebe ne veryu (TV Series, 2021) – Guest appearance
• Molodoy chelovek (Young Man) (2022) – as Interviewer
• Bitva pokoleniy (TV Series, 2022) – as Judge
• By the Way (TV Series, 2023) – Guest appearance
• Plaksa (TV Series, 2023) – Guest appearance
• Ivan Vasilievich menyaet vsyo (2023) – as Singer

Discography

• Basta 1 (2006)
• Basta 2 (2007)
• Noggano. Perviy (2008)
• Noggano. Vtoroi (Tyopliy) (2009)
• Basta 3 (2010)
• Basta/Guf (2010)
• N1nt3nd0 (2011)
• GlaZ (2011)
• Basta 4 (2013)
• TVA (2014)
• Basta/Smoky Mo (2015)
• Basta 5 (2016)
• Luxury (Lakshery) (2016)
• Papa na reive (2019)
• Gorilla Zippo, Vol.1 (2020)
• Basta 40 (2020)
• Ne tri (2020)
• Palec na otsechenie (2022)