We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bigga Kook a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Bigga thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

By December 20, 2020

I had mentally and obstinately accepted my interest in my love for music and wanting to showcase my talents, yet I hadn’t come up with a name as of yet… I was still known as “Kookie”, a nickname chosen by my long time friend (Kevvo) and I. Not only was I posting rap vids, but dance challenges and learning how to content create as well, I also began writing poems and spoken words again (which is how I began rapping/writing in the 8th grade). However, the day I started to write again, I had fallen short of words and thoughts but built with anxiety. At that point, I reached out to another artist known as Alotta Billz, who literally talked me through my spiraling thoughts and helped me pinpoint my focus, I am ever-grateful for that talk. Unfortunately, after reigniting that spark I had felt I lost, I received a message saying my cousin Reenie had passed away, my last time seeing her was at my aunt’s (her mother) funeral months prior. As you could imagine, I of course went through many mood swings and was losing focus. If it wasn’t for the newly gained encouragement from my followers and supporters, I would have just lived life regularly and pivoted from the plans.

I continued to write and express my emotions in my notepad, eventually completing that spoken word and finishing it with my emotions about the news. Reenie has always been an Angel to me, and we would be up late having girl talks and going for strolls if ever we needed… she was my safe space as well and the loss was emotionally crippling. I was even more upset because of so much lost time. Somehow, I felt her energy encouraging me to continue my path, being that we used to have rap battles at her house and where we’re from (Morrisania Houses), so she knew this was something I loved more than I did lol. One night, sitting in my thoughts and prayers, I came up with the name “Bigga Kook”. Because I vowed to be a BIGGER Kook than who I used to be. I also owe a major thank you and salutations to OG Omyth for believing in me and always having those talks with me, he has really been one of my greatest inspirations. OG Omyth and K Most were the first to push me to my limits, lyrically and for that, I love them forever and a lifetime.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

What started as me just making reels on Instagram, eventually led to me going (almost) viral there after being tagged in Redman’s “80 Barz” challenge by my Aunt Mel. I participated and won the challenge, which was the 1st of 8 that I won.. but this had set the tone. I had now solidified my name is “Bigga Kook” in the music world and my city, becoming a full time performing artist, content creator and freelance ambassador. I have been recognized and saluted by some of the greats, such as Erick Sermon, Fredro Starr, Lady Of Rage, Ari Lennox and more. I have been seen on BET Jams alongside OG Omyth, K Most, Ricky Bats, Dyce Payso and Polar The Producer, shot by Inphamus Amadeuz. As my fan base grew and my talents were discovered, I started getting booked for song features, performances and brand marketing/promos, even performing for Power 105.1 and Hot 97 personalities like Ahmed, DJ Whutever and Krista B, I even had Whutever and Amadeus BPM singing my hit song “HELLLLOOOO” lol. I opened a lot of doors doing performances at a few of Yex and Tay’s NBG Concerts and Events as well, also you can find me in quite a few of Terrell Blair’s Military Grinds Concerts. Of course all of this is pretty time consuming, however, I made it my business to periodically communicate with my Wolves & MoonBabies directly and live on Instagram, where they came to find my words of encouragement or segments and convos to be uplifting/motivational. I am now known for almost all things/genres regarding Entertainment, including a little dance and comedy, just opening lanes of my own within the lanes… I’m Kookin’ lol. I have gone through so much, on and off the scenes, yet I’m most proud of my achievements, resilience and ability to be productive and pushing forward. Nobody knows what you go through as the face of your brand unless you tell them and even then, some won’t care. Seeing yourself overcome all of the obstacles, paying it forward, turning thoughts/doubts into reality is the most rewarding feeling and can help to inspire so many people to fulfill their destiny. What I will say is, be mindful of who you let in your space, discipline is a necessity and privacy is your friend. Make your plans and share them with nobody who isn’t necessary until necessary, it will protect your brand a great deal. And a gem for good energy, always be authentic. I have gotten everywhere I’ve been and am going by being myself. It’s okay to not be where you want to be, being who you are born to be will help you to obtain those things in due time, God makes no mistakes.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

As a creative, I feel as though most non-creatives still view our business as just another job, not realizing that we are the job and are wired a bit differently because it’s more of a lifestyle. While working a 9-5, there are set schedules, opposed to the lifestyle of a creative which is 24/7. Everything we do, we may tend to find inspiration for a new idea and will mentally be working on that while also dealing with what we consider “regular” life. Our reality is incorporated with our work which can sometimes be emotionally impactful. We either deal with things like the average person or non-creative, causing us to pivot from our crafts if we’re disciplined and over-thinkers (prioritizing reality) or try and find creative outlets, emotionally spiraling and pivoting from what we know as reality. Some non-creatives should also learn to compartmentalize the art from the artists, it would save them both some disappointment if they aren’t compatible energies.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

2024

I brought the New Year in crying and desperate to make some serious changes to successfully pursue my dreams and create the life I know I’m destined for. That came with heavy praying, sacrificing some activities like partying and performing, having strict dating rules and eventually a nonexistent dating life, change of occupational field, loss of “friends” and family members, creating plans for myself, even becoming a pescatarian, etc. While this year hasn’t been the most musically productive year for me, it’s been the best to me in every other aspect and will play a major role in my story, journey, growth and success. I am grateful for it all and these years have been tail pulling, yet imperative and I wouldn’t ask for a different life. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my life and journey as a creative, a huge thank you goes out to my Wolves & MoonBabies/all of my supporters … I appreciate you eternally. I am proud to say I’m entering 2025 with new investments made to better my crafts and prepare for a major comeback as a performing artist, I’m truly excited for it all. Before we conclude this interview, I would love to give a major shoutout and some love to my friend Cavasee-A, she is an amazing friend, supporter, Artist, DJ, Content Creator and Freelance Ambassador and I encourage everyone to tap into her work and story !

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealbiggakook/profilecard/?igsh=NXc5Nzk1N25yMGQ2
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AviE5uHE9/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@therealbiggakook?si=gVJPWQlJRJ-gJPGi
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/9UEDeqiUsnS2LXMV6
• Other: Please do visit my mother’s catering business at HaveItYourWrayCatering.Com as well as @Have.It.Your.Wray.Catering on Instagram, thank you for your love and support.

Image Credits

Minnie Morris, Erica Morris, Superstar Fredo, Kenneth Bess, Ellz Valentine