by Jason AnkenyFunk bassist Freekbass (formerly FreeBass) was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, where after graduating from the city's School for Creative and Performing Arts he joined a vibrant local music scene which in the past had given rise to the King Records label as well as funk legend Bootsy Collins. Recruited by P-Funk alumnus and onetime Bootsy's Rubber Band vocalist Gary "Mudbone" Cooper to record a track for a Jimi Hendrix tribute, Freekbass was introduced to Collins himself, who christened him with his stage name; in 1992, Freekbass formed the band SHAG with guitarist Chris Donnelly, debuting two years later with Bootsy Collins Presents SHAG Live. In 1998, Freekbass also issued his solo debut, Ultra-Violet Impact. Body Over Mind followed in summer 2001.\r