BIG GRAND INTERVIEW WITH STH
STH: Please tell us your name and how you came about this name.
My name is Big Grand. When I was growing up, I idolized a rapper named Grand Puba so when I first started rapping people called me Lil Poo. Around the same time, there was guy in my hood named, 50 Grand. So one day a friend of mines said, Hey Little Grand, shake my hand. After doing my own research on the word Grand, I appreciated its meaning and Grand stuck, after years passed and I grew up, Big came automatically.
STH: Where are you from?
I am from Brooklyn, NY. Born in Brownsville, Bklyn and Raised in East Flatbush, Bklyn.
STH: What influenced your decision to become an artist?
There were two people who influenced my decision to become an artist, my brother-whose rap name was JaySkI; he had a record deal in ’88 and the hip-hop duo- Smif-N-Wessun from the Boot Camp Clik.
STH: Who are some of your musical influences?
2 Pac and Biggie had a major influence on my new project called Avatar, hosted by DJ Magic to drop in early Aug; I had to take it back to the essence of hip-hop.
STH: How long have you been pursuing your dream of music?
My first mixtape dropped in 2003; however, I became more serious in my pursuit in 2009 when my daughter was born. I have been actively and seriously pursuing my dream of music for 3 years now.
STH: What are some of the challenges that you face in the business?
In the past, I have been faced with hate, blackballing just to name a few; I also continue to be severely stereotyped because of my associations. I had one incident where my ex mangers were scammed out of $10,000 from some guys from Wu Tang Clan after rejecting my advice to not get involved with them instead I was met with the words, “You don’t have a college degree”& “You don’t know what you’re talking about”. Some of the current challenges I face is getting everyone whom I work with to be on the same page at the same time; getting the right paperwork and protocol.. After being in the game for a while you develop the formula for success- if you have enough ambition and sometimes it’s a stressful process due to new technology new ways of conducting business. I have witnessed the transition from the essence of hip-hop to where it is now and it’s a total 360. Literally, the labels want more for less. So without knowledge of the industry, you can become lost in the sauce. The more successful you become, the more difficult it is to trust anyone in the business. Because after all, it’s nothing personal, “it’s just business”; and when they decide to snake you for everything you have, its due to a lack of knowledge.
My name is Big Grand. When I was growing up, I idolized a rapper named Grand Puba so when I first started rapping people called me Lil Poo. Around the same time, there was guy in my hood named, 50 Grand. So one day a friend of mines said, Hey Little Grand, shake my hand. After doing my own research on the word Grand, I appreciated its meaning and Grand stuck, after years passed and I grew up, Big came automatically.
STH: Where are you from?
I am from Brooklyn, NY. Born in Brownsville, Bklyn and Raised in East Flatbush, Bklyn.
STH: What influenced your decision to become an artist?
There were two people who influenced my decision to become an artist, my brother-whose rap name was JaySkI; he had a record deal in ’88 and the hip-hop duo- Smif-N-Wessun from the Boot Camp Clik.
STH: Who are some of your musical influences?
2 Pac and Biggie had a major influence on my new project called Avatar, hosted by DJ Magic to drop in early Aug; I had to take it back to the essence of hip-hop.
STH: How long have you been pursuing your dream of music?
My first mixtape dropped in 2003; however, I became more serious in my pursuit in 2009 when my daughter was born. I have been actively and seriously pursuing my dream of music for 3 years now.
STH: What are some of the challenges that you face in the business?
In the past, I have been faced with hate, blackballing just to name a few; I also continue to be severely stereotyped because of my associations. I had one incident where my ex mangers were scammed out of $10,000 from some guys from Wu Tang Clan after rejecting my advice to not get involved with them instead I was met with the words, “You don’t have a college degree”& “You don’t know what you’re talking about”. Some of the current challenges I face is getting everyone whom I work with to be on the same page at the same time; getting the right paperwork and protocol.. After being in the game for a while you develop the formula for success- if you have enough ambition and sometimes it’s a stressful process due to new technology new ways of conducting business. I have witnessed the transition from the essence of hip-hop to where it is now and it’s a total 360. Literally, the labels want more for less. So without knowledge of the industry, you can become lost in the sauce. The more successful you become, the more difficult it is to trust anyone in the business. Because after all, it’s nothing personal, “it’s just business”; and when they decide to snake you for everything you have, its due to a lack of knowledge.
STH: How do you overcome those challenges?
I just continue to believe in myself and keep cash first, that’s my entertainment group. PR Shay has a lot to do with me staying focused and in the public as well. I’m continually learning about this business, and I become more adamant with my decisions. Self determination and Self confidence is key. As years go by, I get better with seeing the real from the fake. Most importantly, I keep myself in constant elevation by keeping positive people around me.
STH: What are you currently working on?
As I said earlier, I am currently working on the final touches for my Avatar mixtape, All Blue Everything hosted by DJ Magic, produced by the Brook Brovas… expected to release early August 2012.
STH: Where can we hear your music?
You can find my music on Myspace, SoundCloud,Youtube, Reverbnation, WorldStarHipHop just to name a few- type in Big Grand; for some of my videos check out my blog at www.biggrandkc1.blogspot.com
STH: Where can we find you?
For all my true avatarians, you know where to find me but for those who are interested in supporting, you can follow the movement on twitter www.twitter.com/biggrandkc1 , my website is currently in the works, #TheBigGrandPicture at www.biggrandkc1.blogspot.com , instagram (big_grand), on Facebook www.facebook.com/biggrandkc1 and ustream www.ustream.tv/user/big_grand
I just continue to believe in myself and keep cash first, that’s my entertainment group. PR Shay has a lot to do with me staying focused and in the public as well. I’m continually learning about this business, and I become more adamant with my decisions. Self determination and Self confidence is key. As years go by, I get better with seeing the real from the fake. Most importantly, I keep myself in constant elevation by keeping positive people around me.
STH: What are you currently working on?
As I said earlier, I am currently working on the final touches for my Avatar mixtape, All Blue Everything hosted by DJ Magic, produced by the Brook Brovas… expected to release early August 2012.
STH: Where can we hear your music?
You can find my music on Myspace, SoundCloud,Youtube, Reverbnation, WorldStarHipHop just to name a few- type in Big Grand; for some of my videos check out my blog at www.biggrandkc1.blogspot.com
STH: Where can we find you?
For all my true avatarians, you know where to find me but for those who are interested in supporting, you can follow the movement on twitter www.twitter.com/biggrandkc1 , my website is currently in the works, #TheBigGrandPicture at www.biggrandkc1.blogspot.com , instagram (big_grand), on Facebook www.facebook.com/biggrandkc1 and ustream www.ustream.tv/user/big_grand
RSS Feed
