King Biggs a.k.a. Julian Morrison, was born in St. Andrew, Jamaica. He is the Co-Founder of the Jamaican Hip Hop Label/Collective, Sons Of Liberty. Considered the “Mutant” of S.O.L., Biggs has been responsible for a number of S.O.L. releases since its inception in 2006 whether through his productions, or his lyrics. With the release of his upcoming project, “XXII” drawing near, 13th Street Promotions took the time out to have a chat with King Biggs to learn about his sound, his “XXII” project, and some of his favourite creations.
Who is King Biggs?
King Biggs is an artiste that produces and composes music as well who specializes in Hip Hop, Dancehall and Reggae Fusion. I always seek to break down rules and barriers but in such a way that paying homage to original elements is included. I believe that art is more innovation over imitation than the inverse.
As a Producer and Rapper, you tend to have more options when creating, describe your sound?
I mostly create Hip Hop, Dancehall and Reggae Fusion even though I’m not limited to that. I call my sound “Rich Noise” and it’s all about taking the main/traditional elements of each genre and bending them into something interesting. I really like to be surprised when I listen to music, so I aim to provide that for my listeners in different ways. My sound could be Pharrell inspired in one beat, Kanye in another with a Lee Perry sample in the background. All in all I leave my mark on everything I do, so it’s not typical or monotonous to the audience. That’s just whack!
Who are your influences?
My influences mostly stem from Hip Hop in the 90’s/00’s, Dancehall from that same era, Oldies ballads and Disco music. This includes Dr Dre, Dave Kelly, Gavin Blair (Gavsborg) from Equiknoxx Music, Timbaland, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Quincy Jones and Lee “Scratch” Perry. A lot of music was around me when I was developing because there was the radio on RJR all day, the loud Encava buses that drove pass St Richard’s every day and the people who blared their stereo systems when picking up younger siblings or children at the schools I attended. A childhood friend, Belinda Cousins also taught me a lot about music and gave me access to the work that should shape my identity today.
Continue reading “Interview: @KingBiggsSOL”
Pay Attention is a bi-monthly Hip Hop concert series that is held in Kingston Jamaica that promotes the Jamaican Hip Hop culture. This event featured many well known acts including Five Steez, Sly Rankin, Kabaka Pyramid and Acmatic. In efforts for upcoming or established acts to be a part of the movement there are certain guidelines that need to be met. Below and is a release that highlights all the requirements from a potential performer for the next and future Pay Attention events and activities including a cypher session and mixtape. Check out the release below and share your thoughts in the comments section.
On Saturday April 12, the Red Bones Blues Cafe was treated to some great poetry and music from some very talented people. Exodus Poetry Jamaica in association with 13thStreetPromotions staged the first of many in their “Open Mic” series dubbed “A Night Of Elevation“. Featuring the talents of Harold Davis, Ashley Davis, Kimberly Walsh and many more who stepped to the stage, this is another event that highlights the natural talent found on this great Island. With special thanks to Daniel Case Photography we get to see highlights of this great night. Check out the pics below and share your thoughts in the comments section.
