Basta

Since 2017 Basta is banned for 3 years from entering Ukraine because of performing in Crimea after the 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea.

Vakulenko began to write and read rap at the age of 15–16, at 1997 participated in group Psycholyric, which later became known as Kasta, based on his initiative to rename the band. At 1998 he recorded his first solo single "Моя Игра" (Moya Igra/My Game). Then Basta assembled his own band, "Уличные Звуки" (Ulichnye Zvuki/Street Sounds). In 2004 he was noticed by Bogdan Titomir, who offered him to go to Moscow. In Moscow Basta met other performers Smoky Mo and Guf (future founder of the Centr). Later Basta participated in recording Guf's album "Город дорог" (Gorod Dorog/City of roads) and made together with him the cover of his first single "Моя Игра" (Moya Igra/My Game).

At 2008 Basta created the new stage name "Noggano" and recorded two albums "Ноггано первый" (Noggano. The First) and "Ноггано теплый" (Noggano. Warm) in parody style. The name "Noggano" is an allusion to the legendary revolver. Before that he was performing sad and sometimes romantic tracks, but since "Noggano" he created the new image of Gangsta rapper, singing obscene lyrics about criminals, sex and drugs in parody and grotesque style. He is calling "Noggano" his alter ego. Currently engaged in writing Basta release "Nagano 3" which is scheduled for release in 2016.

Since 2006 Basta and his business partner Yevgeny Antimoniy own the Gazgolder label, which includes music record label, the night club, producing center, management agency, talent agency, clothes shops, pubs, restaurants, vape shops, jewellery company.

Vasiliy Mikhaylovich Vakulenko (Russian: Василий Михайлович Вакуленко ; born 20 April 1980), better known by stage name Basta also known as Noggano is a Russian rapper, producer and radio host.