| After doing 4 years in a Texas State
prison, former Geto Boy, Big Mike, is back on the music scene
with his new album, Naw’lins Phats.
For those of u who don’t know the
story, Big Mike was locked down for allegedly burning down properties
that belonged to his former label, Rap-A-Lot. The gangland style
war that took place
between Big Mike and Rap-A-Lot was said to be over a $400,000
royalty dispute. The properties that Big Mike supposedly torched,
happened after his home had been sprayed with gunfire
and blown up. One record executive once said, “Big Mike
is the only person that could make me bring a gun to work.”
Big Mike has stated that he’s never started a fight, but
he’s not afraid to finish one or protect his own.
We had the opportunity to holla at Big
Mike about his new album, his old label, and his new beginning.
Check the interview with a southern pioneer, and a true lyrical
assassin.
What’s going on Mike ? I understand
u did a little time, now you’re out. What’s been happening
with u since you’ve been out ?
When I got home, I just spent some time with my family.
What’s the new cd called ?
It’s called Naw’lins Phats.
For those folks who don’t know about
Big Mike, give em a little history.
In 1990, I was part of the group, The
Convicts, on Rap-A-Lot Records. Shortly after that (I think it
was ‘93), I joined The Geto Boys. We did an album called,
Til Death Do Us Part. After that, I went solo and dropped my first
solo album in ‘94, entitled, Something Serious. Then I went
on to record like 3 more solo joints.
U were down with Dr. Dre and Suge Knight
at one time..... right ?
Yeah, at one time. It was shortly after
we had recorded The Convicts album. After they got the label up
and running, they liked the idea of having The Convicts on Deathrow.
So we shot out there and kicked it for awhile and was working
on a Convicts album. Things had kinda slowed
down for awhile out there and at the time, I had responsibilities.
So, it was important that I drop an album so I could start generating
some money. Things were just moving slow on our project, so I
got a call from some folks at Rap-A-Lot, sayin’ there was
a spot open in The Geto Boys because Willie D. left. They say
everybody was like...... Let’s get Mike to fill that position.
After thinking about it for a few months, I jumped on it.
Do u feel u get the recognition u deserve
when the greatest southern artists are being mentioned ? Because
u always seemed like that cat who always had something worthwhile
to say.
No, not really. I’ve seen magazines
that have talked about rap pioneers from the South, and at times,
I wasn’t even mentioned - the Geto Boys wasn’t even
mentioned. One special I saw on t.v., they were interviewing guys
I ain’t never even heard of before. U know what I mean ?
I think it’s a lot of these guys doin’ the interviews
and the documentaries. They haven’t done their research.
I don’t take it personally or nothing like that. But yeah,
a little bit more recognition could be given.
But I ain’t trippin’ cause I’m gone get it with
this new album. When this new album drops, it’s gone make
everybody have to go back and check out some of my old stuff.
Then cats gone start remembering.
Should your name be one of the names at
the top of the list when speaking of great artists from New Orleans
?
Oh yeah, people gone give it up. Know
what I mean ? Especially down here in Houston and New Orleans.
I think what hurt me was me having to leave the scene for a minute.
There was a rush
of new artists who came thru after that. If u go to the streets,
not other artists, but the real streets..... Ask em, they’ll
let u know who was puttin’ it down back then.
What kind of feel does your new album
have ?
Gutta - I’m gone always keep it
gutta. U can definitely hear some growth. I feel it’s my
best album to date.
There was some beef in the past with u
and Rap-A-Lot Records.... How’s that situation, now ?
I don’t hardly see those cats. I’ve
seen people who work for the company. As far as I’m concerned,
that’s old news. The past is the past. U know what I mean
? They know that I’m out. I be in places that they be in.
U know what I mean ? They know how to get at me. I put the past
in
the past. I don’t hold no grudges. I’m just proceeding
to the future. I can’t really speak for them, but I know
how I feel about the situation. It went down. It happened. Now
it’s over with. I’m just
tryin’ to keep it moving man.
U were kinda known for being rebellious
as an artist and real conscious. Is that still a part of what
u do ?
Exactly ! U know, I’m gone always
go against the grain.
Contact : The Courtney Barnes Group
Tel : (323) 466 - 9300
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