|
Bigga Rankin (CRDJs Founder)
Every great army must have a leader. For the southern Rap movement, Bigga Rankin sits at the head of the round table. A destiny which has taken over two decades to manifest, Bigga Rankin is one of the most decorated record breakers in the music industry. His journey began in the early 80s, where Bigga electrified the Reggae clubs of Chicago with his influential voice and magnetic energy. These characteristics soon expanded into the realm of R&B and Hip Hop when Bigga moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1986. The founder and CEO of Cool Runnings DJs would forever leave his mark on the city as the #1 club promoter and radio personality. But local stardom wasn’t enough. Eventually he would be called to duty all across the U.S., even spreading his street gospel to the Caribbean, Mexico, and Island of Curacao.
Thousands of fans have danced to Bigga Rankin’s shows during BET’s Spring Bling, Black College Reunion (Daytona), Florida Football Classic (Orlando), Come Together Day (Jacksonville), Memorial Day Weekend in Miami, several Super Bowl events, and many more. He’s toured with Rap music’s biggest names including T.I., Young Jeezy, Juvenile, 8Ball & MJG, Lil Wayne, Trick Daddy, Lil John, Notorious B.I.G., Rick Ross, Wayne Wonder, and a host of others. Bigga Rankin’s trendsetting ear gave way to one of the most powerful mixtape explosions in the south: the Real Nigga Radio mixtape series. To date, RNR mixtapes have birthed a host of classic projects, including The Best of Young Jeezy, Gucci Mane’s Trap Money and From Zone 6 to Duval, Lil KeKe & Blood Raw’s My Testimony, 5 Deadly Venoms featuring Rich Boy, Plies, Yo Gotti, Trae, and Lil Boosie. But it was Yo Gotti’s Cocaine Muzik that catapulted Bigga Rankin to the top of the mixtape hosting chain. In just five days of being released, the project amassed over 10,000 downloads and continues growing to this day. As VP of the Hittmenn DJs, President of Slip-N-Slide Streets, CORE DJ member, Real Nigga Radio CEO, and several other affiliations, Bigga holds a lot of power in his hands. Not only does he use his credentials to break artists he believes in, he also gives back to the up-and-comers during his annual Diamond Awards (formerly known as The Ghetto Grammys). A highly anticipated ceremony, the Diamond Awards recognizes not only the biggest celebrities in the South, but also the people behind them. A proven A&R both regionally and nationally, Bigga Rankin has been awarded countless accolades including Ozone Magazines Entertainer of the Decade (2000), Upstart Record Pool’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2001), TJs DJs Tastemaker Award (2003), Seagrams Gin DJ of the Year (2004), Hood Magazine’s On-The-Grind Award (2005), Florida Entertainment Summit’s Record Breaker of the Year (2005), and TJs DJs Hustler Award (April, 2006). He’s graced the cover of OZONE Magazine twice, and has also appeared in The Source Magazine, Hood Magazine, The Hole, and several other publications. Though he has a resume many would consider beyond complete, there is still one goal Bigga Rankin has yet to attain: releasing a platinum artist. In 2008, Bigga Rankin was given the opportunity to achieve his dream when he was made the President of Big Spenda Entertainment. The Miami label is home to Papa Duck and Rarebreed, proven artists that Bigga stands behind 100%. In 2009 Def Jam affiliate and founder of Corporate Thugz Entertainment, rapper Young Jeezy, handpicked Bigga Rankin to head his growing label. With over 20 years of experience in the music business, Rankin began overseeing both talent recruitment and development as the head of A&R, as well as hold the official title of Vice President of CTE. With a lifetime of achievements behind him, and a legion of loyal soldiers, Bigga Rankin continues to conquer new territory. It is a legacy in the making, one of a true leader. |