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.
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Today’s Mixtape comes from the tag team of Equiknoxx Music and Kabaka Pyramid. Titled “Dubplates In Dub“, Kabaka pays tribute to the Jamaican Sound System culture by recording 6 original tracks and freestyles over Channel One instrumentals. Following in the same steps as the “Equiknoxx Introduces Masicka To King Tubby” mixtape, this is sure to bring the new and old generations together. With Kabaka’s lyrical prowess, this is sure to be an “accurate” project. Check out the mixtape below and share your thoughts in the comments section.
