PROFILE: Big B’s experimental approach to music creation is freeing and his new album, “Wellness Check” is one hip hop and reggae fans will love
Photo courtesy of Regime Music Group
Daily Reggae caught up with Big B to learn about the artist’s exciting new music mixing together hip hop and reggae, and new album “Wellness Check” due out July 26!
What’s good Big B?! We have been vibing to your new music and are so excited for your upcoming album! Tell us about the creative process on your album, “Wellness Check” due out this month - how did you mix it up?
With long time music mates Johnny Baldaray & Jared Palazzalo (also known as the music production duo TAVALANE) the mission was simple when we set aside dates in late 2022 to rent a house in Joshua Tree for a week.
With only a few unrehearsed song ideas, a hefty ration of food & drink and a minimal recording setup, we went into the songwriting process with no intentions only relying on our common trust with each other to experiment and have fun. The house, completely isolated in the elements, allowed us to completely immerse ourselves in the process.
Your new single out today features Killer Mike. We understand this came out of a custom motorcycle build you and Carey Hart did for him and he promised to give you a verse on a collaboration. Can you tell us about that experience?"
It’s true I got to know Mike while Carey and I were building his custom Indian motorcycle. We just hit it off and became friends. And through our conversations about bike building, music, and life, he offered to return the favor and throw down a verse when ever I was ready for him. I honestly never expected him to really follow through with his growing success and busy schedule in the lead up to his new album.
In early Spring of 2023, we had just built up an initial edit of ‘Pretend’ and I knew I had to share the tune with Mike knowing he could relate to the lyrics and subject matter being a similar age sharing similar interests of music, fashion and culture from the same generation growing up. I was completely surprised to hear his response of approval that he was pumped on the song idea excited to create something different with me.
Even with his album ‘Michael’ becoming rap album of the year and winning all of those well deserved Grammys, he still dropped the verse that absolutely heightened this song showing true testament to his character. Mike is as solid as they come and I can’t thank him enough for making this song with us… I just hope he knows that when his vocal stem folder arrived in my inbox, I had that same internal glow and smile ear to ear as he did when he finally got that custom Batman Indian Challenger delivered!
