By: Ian Shaiyen, Morehouse College student
The Atlanta Hawks recently hosted a fireside chat between Big Boi and Brigitte M. Killings, managing director at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Held at State Farm Arena, the fireside chat was part of the Atlanta Hawks’ “HBCU Night,” an annual event that honors African Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Delving into the connections between entrepreneurship and hip-hop, Big Boi and Killings’ conversation was also in partnership with The Hip Hop Museum and explored the importance of community and creating generational wealth.
Every journey has a beginning, and the story of Big Boi is no exception. Speaking to an audience that included HBCU students and graduates, the rapper spoke candidly about his upbringing and his early relationship with hip-hop.
“I think the first time I was exposed to it, my dad was in the Marines; he came home one year. He had a Camaro with a tea-top eye rock. He was playing Run DMC, and in that moment I was like; ‘I love this,’” Big Boi said.
This early introduction was crucial for the young artist and played a pivotal role in developing his diverse taste. His musical influences are wide and expansive, ranging from British Art Rock to Caribbean Reggae.
“I have two top artists, Kate Bush and Bob Marley,” he said. “I was influenced by everything, from the Isley brothers to the Rolling Stones. You know we listen to everything, it’s about the creation. So to make something new, I was looking forward to doing something better than me.”
Big Boi also shared how HBCUs played a role during the early days of OutKast as he, and collaborator André 3000, were making a name for themselves during the ’90s. The award-winning group often performed at HBCU homecomings while rising in the music industry.
Innovation has always been at the heart of Big Boi’s journey. The iconic OutKast is viewed by many as the greatest rap group in hip-hop history. Their 2003 album “Speakerboxx/The Love Below” featured a litany of musical influences from around the world, and stands as the best-selling rap album of all time, with over 13 million units sold.
These days, Big Boi is focusing on entrepreneurship, and ensuring a legacy for his children. When asked about his motivations to continually succeed, the rapper discussed the importance of family.
“We came from nothing, and to kind of grind it out and make a life with my family and extended family, it’s about generational wealth and I just want them to continue to do what I’m doing when I’m not here,” Big Boi said.
“I’m showing them how to do certain things, like my son Bamboo, he works with me on the Airbnbs,” Big Boi said. “My other son, Cross, is getting his business degree. Now my daughter, Jordan, she’s a child psychologist, she’s worked with autistic kids and she graduated from Auburn University.”
According to Big Boi, the key to enduring generational wealth is patience and intention.
“It’s one thing for them to have me as a dad, and it’s another thing to be able to say, ‘yes, this is what I’ve accomplished but this is how I can help you to accomplish it as well,’ by pouring into them,” Big Boi said.