No. 7 Lil Baby

Atlanta’s hip hop scene has been a breeding ground for talent, consistently producing artists who have redefined the genre and left an indelible mark on the music industry. From trap music to chart-topping hits, Atlanta has been at the forefront of hip hop culture. Here, we celebrate Lil Baby, one of the Top 10 Kings of Atlanta Hip-Hop who have helped shape the city’s vibrant music landscape.

Lil Baby received the Jul-Aug 2023 Cover Issue because we appreciate his ability to tell real-life stories in his colorful and industrious style, great charm and charisma, steadfast ability to not waver in the face of adversities, respect for commonality, and partiality. After all, he’s our favorite rapper, being Atlanta based, nationally, or internationally.

Lil Baby emerged as a breakout star in the Atlanta hip hop scene in the late 2010s. His melodic trap sound, coupled with introspective and gritty lyrics, have resonated with a new generation of hip hop fans. Lil Baby’s impressive rise to fame, with hits like “Drip Too Hard” and “The Bigger Picture,” has solidified his status as one of Atlanta’s rising stars. His ability to deliver captivating storytelling and emotional depth sets him apart from his peers.

Lil Baby has not only helped to shaped the city’s music landscape but have also made a significant impact on the genre as a whole. Through his unique style, innovative sound, and captivating performances, he has helped to elevate Atlanta’s hip hop scene to global recognition, solidifying the city’s status as a powerhouse in the music industry.

The Music That Made Lil Baby Who He Is

Lil Baby’s rise to stardom can be attributed to several standout songs that have solidified his status as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

One of the songs that propelled Lil Baby to stardom is “Drip Too Hard,” a collaboration with fellow rapper Gunna. Released in 2018, the track showcases Lil Baby’s melodic flow and infectious energy. The catchy chorus and memorable verses captivated listeners and introduced them to his unique style, leading to widespread acclaim and commercial success.

Another notable song that contributed to Lil Baby’s rise is “Yes Indeed,” a collaboration with Canadian rapper Drake. This high-energy track, released in 2018, showcased Lil Baby’s ability to hold his own alongside one of the industry’s biggest names. The song’s catchy hooks, clever wordplay, and Lil Baby’s confident delivery propelled it to the top of the charts, further solidifying his presence in the music industry.

“Freestyle” is yet another song that played a pivotal role in Lil Baby’s ascent to stardom. Released in 2017, the track highlights his lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities. With its introspective lyrics and raw emotion, “Freestyle” resonated with audiences and showcased Lil Baby’s ability to connect with listeners on a deeper level.

Additionally, “Woah” became a massive hit for Lil Baby. Released in 2019, the song features a captivating beat, infectious hooks, and Lil Baby’s trademark flow. The track’s popularity further cemented his status as a rising star and introduced his music to an even broader audience.

These songs, along with many others in Lil Baby’s discography, have helped him carve out a unique space in the hip-hop landscape. With his distinctive style, captivating storytelling, and ability to connect with listeners, Lil Baby has undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the industry. As he continues to release new music and push creative boundaries, there’s no doubt that his star will continue to shine brightly in the years to come.

Life and Time of Lil Baby: From the Streets to Superstardom

Dominique Armani Jones, professionally known as Lil Baby, has rapidly emerged as one of the most prominent and influential figures in contemporary hip-hop. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, Lil Baby’s journey from a troubled past to becoming a chart-topping artist is nothing short of remarkable. This comprehensive article delves into the life and times of Lil Baby, tracing his extraordinary rise in the music industry, his impact on the rap landscape, and his ongoing legacy.

Lil Baby was born on December 3, 1994, and grew up in the rough neighborhoods of Atlanta. Like many aspiring artists, he faced significant challenges and obstacles growing up, including involvement in street activities and multiple encounters with the law. However, it was during a prison sentence that Lil Baby discovered his passion for music and began honing his skills as a rapper.

Lil Baby’s breakthrough came in 2017 when he released his debut mixtape, “Perfect Timing.” The project gained traction and caught the attention of Quality Control Music, a renowned label responsible for launching the careers of artists like Migos and Lil Yachty. Recognizing his raw talent and authenticity, Quality Control signed Lil Baby, catapulting him into the spotlight.

In 2018, Lil Baby released his debut studio album, “Harder Than Ever,” which showcased his unique blend of melodic hooks and hard-hitting trap beats. The album featured hits like “Yes Indeed” featuring Drake, which became a chart-topping success. Lil Baby’s ability to seamlessly switch between introspective storytelling and infectious anthems resonated with audiences, propelling him to newfound fame.

As Lil Baby’s career progressed, his growth as an artist became increasingly evident. He continued to release successful projects such as “Street Gossip” (2018) and “My Turn” (2020), both of which solidified his position as a leading force in hip-hop. Lil Baby’s versatility shines through as he seamlessly navigates between introspective tracks that reflect his personal experiences and energetic bangers that dominate the airwaves.

Lil Baby’s lyrical content often delves into the challenges he faced growing up, the perils of street life, and the importance of hustling and maintaining resilience. His ability to convey vulnerability and authenticity has resonated with fans worldwide, making him a relatable figure in the rap game.

Beyond his music, Lil Baby has used his platform to address social issues and advocate for change. He released the powerful single “The Bigger Picture” in response to the police brutality protests that swept the nation in 2020. The song addresses racial inequality, police violence, and the need for societal reform. Lil Baby’s willingness to speak out and use his platform for social awareness has earned him respect and admiration from both fans and peers.

Lil Baby has expanded his influence beyond music, venturing into various business endeavors. He has launched his own record label, 4PF (Four Pockets Full), which serves as a platform to nurture and promote emerging talent. Additionally, Lil Baby has collaborated with major brands, such as Nike and Puma, solidifying his presence in the fashion world.

Collaborations have played a significant role in Lil Baby’s success as well. He has worked with a diverse range of artists, including Drake, Lil Wayne, and Gunna, among others. These collaborations have not only expanded his fan base but have also showcased his ability to adapt to different styles and genres.

Lil Baby’s journey from the streets of Atlanta to becoming a rap superstar is a testament to his resilience, talent, and unwavering dedication. His ability to authentically convey his experiences and emotions through his music has resonated with millions of fans worldwide.

As Lil Baby continues to evolve as an artist, his impact on the rap industry and popular culture remains undeniable. From his powerful lyricism to his social consciousness, he has become a voice for a generation. Lil Baby’s legacy as a storyteller, trendsetter, and influential figure in hip-hop is solidified, and his ongoing success will undoubtedly shape the future of the genre for years to come.

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Everybody in hip-hop knows who Big Tigger is, and if he or she does not know, he or she has been sleeping under a rock for the past 15 years. Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan was the host way back when “Rap City: Tha Basement” brought us the hottest hip-hop artists who were relevant then. Tigger was and is a staple at BET (the only national African American cable network), hosting shows like BET’s number one music show “106 and Park,” “BET Style,” “BET Uncut,” and most recently, the “BET Awards 2012 Post Show.” Tigger has also had a wealth of successes as a host and DJ in radio and syndication. He has deejayed at WPGC (95.5) in Washington, D.C. and 92 Q in Baltimore, Md., as well as Power 105.1 (New York’s Hip-Hop & R&B Station) and now V103, “The People’s Station,” in Atlanta, Ga.

Being from B-More (Baltimore), I remembered how Tigger use to rock at WPGC and 92 Q. Working at two of the top radio stations in the region, man, the brother use to pull out all the stops. I remembered one night I was listening to one of his mixes, and I kid you not. This kat was hitting so hard that I pulled my little blue 1987 Toyota Camry to the side of the road, got out, and started dancing my ass off on the edge of the road. Lol!

I have had an affinity for Big Tigger since then, but the deal was sealed when the crew and I met him during Ne-Yo’s Malibu Red event in the “A” (Atlanta) last summer. You know, sometimes people get a little fake when they are in the spotlight. However, you could tell this brother was genuine. He was not aware of who we were, yet he still gave us the time of day. He was cool, really down-to-earth, and just funny as hell. Moreover, that is why I gave Big Tigger the cover, not because he is Big Tigger (well, a little bit), but because at the end of the day he remains true to who he is, and he is not bad on the eyes. You know I cannot have no “Mitch” on the cover.

Now, I had the opportunity to interview him personally and just to bullet-point without giving up all the details… I asked him to give me five things he would tell an artist to look out for if they are trying to get into the biz, and he said, “Get a good lawyer/manager cuz these dudes is shady!” Now that is all five things right there. Lol! It is that real! My interpretation is that no matter what, at the end of the day, it is about getting and keeping your business tight; nothing else matters. So it is true; some of these dudes and chicks out here are wicked. You gotta “keep ya game up!”

So during the interview, Big Tigger talked about the type of woman he likes; of course, we had to get that in for the ladies and those haters out there. He also talked about his passion and love for his work, his style of deejaying, his most memorable experience as a DJ, his favorite nightclubs, and what he has coming up for 2014.

Most people can explain explicitly what their love or passion is for why they do what they do. For example, a dancer could say, “When I dance, I transcend into my state of euphoria.” What experience do you feel when you’re at the height of your game (artistry)?

Tigger: There’s no better feeling than when you are in the zone, and whatever you say or play puts other people into their zone! Whether I am Deejaying or hosting, it is incredible to know whatever you do makes an impact in someone’s daily life!

How would you describe your style of deejaying?

Tigger: In a word, flexible! I can spin at clubs, NBA games, bah mitzvahs, on air, or at weddings. I can mix old-school hip-hop and r&b, pop, EDM, and trap music, and nobody will be mad at it. I can turn up in the club or keep it sexy!

So how’s the love life? What’s your type? What piques your interest?

Tigger: Love life is awesome! A woman of class, intelligence, drive, goals, inner and outer beauty, and a humorous/silly side to her are all desired qualities in a woman. I love a flexible woman who can turn up in hood environments and navigate corporate events. Add “lady in the street and a freak in the bed, ” and you have perfection!

Would you still do it if you were not paid to DJ or create music?

Tigger: I would. I have been deejaying since age 15! I do not get paid for my podcasts, but I love doing them. I have done 49 FREE podcasts (available on iTunes) in the last two years and 2.9 million downloads later, and I am still excited every time I drop a new one!

Sometimes entertainers create a persona that’s not their true self. What elements make up who you are, and are the persona and you as a person one within the same?

Tigger: I have been blessed to be very successful while being myself. Big Tigger is my more outgoing side, but it is still the real me. I am kind of quiet when not out in public.

Was there ever a time when you doubted who you were or what you wanted before your current successes?

Tigger: I never doubted who I was. I still have doubts about the future from time to time about everything. It is human nature.

What is your most memorable experience while deejaying at nightclubs and events?

Tigger: I opened for Kid Capri at the NBA Players’ official ball when All-Star was in D.C. with Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Dr. J, and others in the building, and I smashed! It was dope to have Magic Johnson come up to me and say, “Boy, you were rocking!” Also, back in the days when No Limit was crazy, I Deejayed a homecoming party in Virginia State, and when I dropped “Make Me Say Uhhhhh” after about three other No Limit joints, the illest fight broke out cuz people got too damn hyped! They almost threw a dude from the 2nd floor!

Of all the acts you have worked with, who is the most enlightening about artistry?

Tigger: I haven’t Deejayed for many artists, but I recorded, shot a video, and performed on tour with R. Kelly! Amazing to watch him work on four songs at once!

Tell us about your upcoming projects.

Tigger: I am re-launching my website BigTigger.com and started my new Big Tigger Foundation! The Big Tigger Celebrity Classic began in June 2014, and this time it is in Atlanta for its 10th year! I am the new official DJ of the Atlanta Hawks, and I have some other things in development, but can’t let that out yet!

What is your perception of the progression of dance and electronic music in North America? Where do you see it in the next five or ten years?

Tigger: EDM is HUGE! I am good at it but wish I was exceptional at it… I see DJs spinning in front of 10,000 to 30,000 in stadiums and wish I could get down like that. If I applied myself, I could get to that level, but I am not passionate about it like Hip Hop & R&B! I think it is here to stay but will evolve as it already has with Trap-House, etc.

Remixes and nightclub appearances are the bread and butter for any DJ. Also, successful remixes help build a DJ’s status and provide more work and opportunities. Which of your projects would you say was the most successful (in overhaul experience), and what was the most important lesson learned from that project?

Tigger: I would say the five years I spent as DJ for the Washington Wizards! It gave me exposure to different groups of people and corporations! That exposure allowed me to spin for the Redskins, Maryland Terps, Kentucky Wildcats, Macy’s, and others. Corporate checks are awesome!

What are your top-7 party venues?

Tigger: In no specific order: Reign in Atlanta, Bamboo in Miami, Park in DC, Beamers/Prive in Dallas, LIV in Miami, Dream in Miami, and Rehab in Vegas.

What would you tell them if you could mentor any young man or woman out there wanting to get into the music business?

Tigger: Get a good lawyer/manager cuz these dudes are shady!

Connect with Big Tigger:
Twitter: @BigTiggerShow Facebook: BigTiggerShow Instagram: @BigTiggerShow Podomatic: BigTiggerShow

Interview By Patrick Kelly | Twitter: @PrettyboyPK
Photo By: Insana Collins

Russell Taylor Wins First Ever Crowd-sourced Spot for December 2013!  VH1’s esteemed “You Oughta Know” music discovery franchise extends its diverse roster of emerging musical talent into the new year with the addition of independent soul singer Russell Taylor (December 2013). Russell Taylor, will benefit from a month long TV, web, mobile and social awareness campaign and will join the ranks of famous “You Oughta Know” alumni including Adele, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Lorde, The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons and many more.

Russell Taylor becomes the first to win the coveted “You Oughta Know” distinction after beating over four hundred competitors in VH1’s first ever crowd-sourced contest on artists.VH1.com, VH1’s music discovery site.  Taylor, a native of New York, will be deemed VH1’s “You Oughta Know” artist for the month of December 2013. Taylor has recently completed his independently produced album, “War of Hearts.” The second single, “Electric,” will be released in December ahead of the album’s January 2014 launch.  “We couldn’t be happier with these outstanding additions to the franchise,” said Rick Krim, EVP Music and Talent Programming, VH1. “As an emerging artist with diverse musical influences and incredible talent, Russell Taylor is the embodiment of what the ‘You Oughta Know’ franchise is all about.” Russell Taylor, will benefit from significant cross-platform promotion via frequent music video plays, a custom promo spot, interviews on VH1’s music-oriented Tuner blog, VH1’s Top 20 Countdown, mention on VH1’s morning show “Big Morning Buzz Live” and much more.

 The announcement follows on the heels of VH1’s inaugural “You Oughta Know Concert” special, which aired on Thursday, November 21 and has been streamed almost 200,000 times via web and VH1’s digital app. The concert featured performances by past and present VH1 “You Oughta Know” artists including Haim , Johnny Swim, Lorde, Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sandé, Matt Nathanson and The Lumineers.   Since its launch in 2005, VH1’s “You Oughta Know” franchise has introduced promising new artists on the rise and served as a barometer for what and who’s hot in music today.   Many “You Oughta Know” artists have gone on to win industry awards and accolades including “Best New Artist” Grammy Awards and nominations. This highly acclaimed franchise has helped break artists such as Adele, Ed Sheeran, Foster the People, Gotye, The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, The Civil Wars and many, many more.

 ABOUT RUSSELL TAYLOR: Real artistry is about peeling back the layers of your soul and allowing the creative truth to take form. Russell Taylor taps into that creative space and unlocks a masterpiece in his latest musical offering, War of Hearts, on his own Indigo Blue label. Far from a novice in the music game, Russell – a self-professed nomad – has poured out his heart and soul on the world stages, including stops in London, Amsterdam and Paris as well as famed stateside venues from The Mint and The Roxy in Los Angeles to SOB’s and Joe’s Pub in New York.  Through his travels, Russell has created a fan base as diverse as his multi-genre catalog of recordings.  Russell’s previous offerings Somewhere In Between (2007), Confessional (a soundtrack), and ‘must have records’ (2010) are sprinkled with gentle gems like the alluring “2B Loved” and the stripped down, acoustic brilliance of “All Said & Done” to the sexually charged “Hands 2 Myself” and the military cadence of “Fair Game,” and have satisfied the appetites of music lovers the world over.   Additionally, Russell has shared the stage with major artists from Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott and India Arie, to legends Isaac Hayes and Patti LaBelle; an amazing fete for an independent artist. Collaborating with Nicholas Ryan Grant and Salakida Kali, the Needlz  (Lil’ Wayne, Bruno Mars, Swizz Beats) produced track “Foolish Heart” examines the joys and pains of a tumultuous love affair. “Love is pleasure. Love is pain. Without the fire, It don’t feel the same.” Grammy-winning super producer Needlz captured the soul of this angelic track. This ‘multi-genre-influenced’ soul-singer embraces the beautiful imperfections of his voice. “I have a pretty good range,” admits Russell. “It’s gravelly and [in the past] I didn’t like the sound of that. But the producers that I am working on with this album were like, ‘That’s what makes your voice beautiful. It’s dope!  Push it! It’s genuine and authentic,” Russell’s creativity is not just relegated the musical genre; The Great White Way has called as well.  Russell makes his Broadway directorial debut in Gems for one night only, November 8. 2012. This multi-hyphenate has also directed plays including For Colored Girls (New School University) as well mentoring urban youths of color in the arts.  Real and honest are the elements that define the essence of War of Hearts and Russell has created the album he was born to make.

 Source:

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“>Ra-Fael Blanco – 2R’s  Entertainment & Media PR

Grammy award winning producer Magnedo7 releases his first single “Employer,” a hot club banger off his upcoming album “Ignorant Bliss.” The single features an up-and-coming, Jamaican born, reggae artist by the name Stylz, whose also a part of Magnedo7’s camp.

Michael Crawford known as “Magnedo7” was born November 7, 1983 in Winston Salem, NC. His love for music came at an early age and his musical gifts and abilities were prevalent by the age of 2. In Middle School he started writing and producing. He formed various groups; Gospel and Hip Hop.

Michael holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Science from NC A&T University in 2007 with a concentration in classical piano. He is an accomplished pianist, bassist, guitar, organist and composer. Music has afforded him opportunities to travel both in the states and abroad.

Michael’s first break in the music industry came with his production; “Blow the Band”, on Jim Jones’ Album. His producer credits have since grown including, Jay-Z, Currency, Royce Da 5’9”, Tre Da Truth, Bonecrusher, 50 Cent, Ice Cube, E Ness (Making the Band), Twista, (Sony/BME/Columbia/Koch) Young Buck, Hot Rod (G-Unit/Interscope), the legendary Camp Lo (Motown), and Eminem (Shady-Aftermath/Interscope), which won Best Rap Album of the year at the 53rd Grammy Awards 2010.

Michael won his first Grammy for the production on Eminem’s album in 2011. Many industry insiders have called his production style “The Next Sound In Music.” His musical style is versatile and ranges from every genre including pop, rock, hip hop and r&b.

“Michael is one of the hardest working producers you will ever meet. He credits his success to his faith in God & this quote “Consistency, Persistence, and Stability are the keys to Success!” -M.C.

Listen to “Employer”