WWW.ONTHAREALMAG.COMOTR: Can you introduce yourself? Big Mike: Well, people who don't know should be few. My name is Big Mike, native of New Orleans, Louisiana - from a neighborhood called "Gert Town." I started my career with the Convicts. Me & 3-2 was signed with Rap-A-Lot Records. Then I joined the Geto Boys & recorded the classic "’Til Death Do us Part." After that I dropped my first solo album called "Something Serious," which had the hit single "Playa Playa," plus numerous other tracks.
OTR: What was it like growing up there for you? Big Mike: Back then in the 70’s, when I was growing up, it was lovely. It was a neighborhood where everybody knew each other, cause’ families had been there for a long time. It was still gutter to the fullest – don’t get me wrong – but everybody was familiar with each other. So it was cool growing up in Gert Town.
OTR: It’s been awhile since you were on the scene – where you been? Big Mike: The reason why you haven't seen me is cause’ I was serving a 7 year sentence, but only served 4 years. Right now I’m just happy to be home.
OTR: What were some of the things you learned while you were in prison? Big Mike: When you are in prison it takes constant readjustment to survive. I’m talkin’ bout’ a mental readjustment. So dealing with that kind of adversity, I found out how strong of a person I am and how strong I can be through the teachings of Jesus Christ – my relationship to God and to my family has grown stronger due to my time in prison. My value system has been rearranged and I learned to stay sucker free and always be thankful.
OTR: Let’s rewind things for a minute – so how did you become a member of the Geto Boys?Big Mike: After I finished the Convicts album in 1990 I was invited to L.A. – actually to go & sign with Death Row Records. I was out there for 6 months to a year recording a new Convicts album. Durin’ that time I got called from Rap-A-Lot’s office & they said that Willie-D left the group. They were looking for a new member & my name kept coming up. They offered the position & I thought about it for a couple months. At the time Death Row was moving real slow & I thought it would be in my best interest at the time to be heard. So I came back & recorded the Geto Boys, ‘Til Death Do us Part in 1993.
OTR: Why didn’t the Death Row situation work out?Big Mike: I can’t really say, and I really don’t understand all the dynamics of what happened, but it seemed like things started to slow down when we got there. We started working on our album, then all of the sudden things slowed down a little bit. Our project was pushed back a couple of times, so I didn’t think it was really going to happen in the time frame that I expected.
OTR: So when was the last time you talked to ScarFace & Bushwick Bill? Big Mike: Bushwick was probably like 4 months ago. Face, since I been home, we haven't crossed paths yet.
OTR: So what your plans right now? Big Mike: I got my new album in stores called "Keep it Playa."
OTR: Who produced the Album? Big Mike: Myself, Slash, Cranky, Chemical, & J-Wood
OTR: So what was the meaning behind the song "Forever young," off your new cd? Big Mike: That song is a special Dedication to where I grew up at. I wrote the song while I was on lock. I was thinking about the good times growin’ up in New Orleans. But at the time of the release I decided to let that song point to Hurricane Katrina, cause’ you know I felt for the victims of Katrina who lost so much. But, when they hear the song, I don’t want to put them back in the same feelin’ of despair – I want people to remember when it was blossoming. I'm tryin’ to bring back the good times.
OTR: What Beefs you? Big Mike: The South got the spotlight right now due to the ground work that the cats like myself, Scarface, Willie D, Bushwick Bill, UGK, 8Ball & MJG laid. Basically that groundwork was made early in the game & now the new cats are able to enjoy their freedom. I don't think they’re really taking advantage of the situation. When I listen to their music it sound routine. Used to be when someone did something good, the moment it was fresh nobody else copied. Now everybody followin’ trends. Now they want to follow the next person. The people that here now should be in the state of mind to step their game up and take it beyond. I feel that the artists of today is really not studyin’ their craft & growing.
OTR: Any Last words? Big Mike: Go get the album.
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