As his new record "NUGGET VOLUME I" is being launched to the whole world, latin-rooted american bear rapper BIGG NUGG talk with us in his first interview for a spanish media.... Keep it real!
First of all, let us congrat you for the artwork that your are doing: finding a queer music artist that developes his work seriously, with integrity and a personal discurse far away from the usual "queer showbussiness" ( we're thinking on pre-fab products as Bear Force One and so...) is really not easy right now. How did you realise that music, and more especificly hip-hop, were your way to speak your mind out to the world?Thanks for the acknowledgment of my hard work! Well, I would definitely say that my music is nothing pre-fab like Bear Force One. I am doing "out"hiphop, and we are our own underground scene. I have been performing music in bands since back in high school. I had recorded three albums with my band before we even graduated high school. It was during these studio sessions, on old school boards and reels, that I learned many of my production tricks. Many people do not realize that I am also a audio engineer. I record all of my vocals, and currently I am working with another Columbus "out" hip hop artist named Unecc (pronounced Unique). I also work on Johnny Dangerous' new album "White Hot" more specifically his hit singles "Dirty Is The New Black" and "Take Ur Man".
I find hiphop is easy for me because I know that as long as I am true to myself, that other people will relate to my music. And so far this has held true. I am gay and I'm going to rap about it. Its my life, and thats all I can talk about. I don't have "bling" or drive fancy cars. I smoke, drink and party with my friends. So that is what I write about.
You belong to that "Gay hip-hop" scene in the States. As far as we know (otherwise, let us know) such a thing as a "gay hip-hop" scene just simply does not exist in Europe ( and even less here at Spain). Can we tell us more about it, how and when did it started, and what kind of artists can we find among your music fellas?Man......there is quite a scene with some great artists over in the Europe/UK !! MC Envy, Q Boy, Mz Fontaine, Chewey, Gay Fight Club and the list goes on. But I do not think they get much visibility other than the Pride circuit. Q Boy does a bunch of stuff for the BBC fighting queer hate, and that is dope. So that's that on the UK scene.
Over here is the US the "Out" hiphop scene has been going on for over 10 years. Its always been really underground. Different artists clicking together because we all knew it had to be done. I have been in the scene since 2004. I started as a fan, that figured it was time do this myself. I wasnt really impressed by too many of the artists at the time, so I figured I would jump in the pool. And I am glad I did at that time. I was able to get all of my popularity without needing a video documentary in my credits. My success is self driven and my fans make me who I am.
The artists from over here in the states I think you should check out are Johnny Dangerous, Unecc, Deadlee,Tori Fixx, Soce and Last Offence. But those are the artists I am feeling the most right now (not trying to leave anyone out)....but you could just go to
www. outhiphop. com to check out even more "Out" hiphoppers!
This month you're releasing your new album, "Volume One". What do you whant to achieve with this record? What is the message that you're sending to the people that pump it up with your tracks?Nugget Volume One is about peace, positivity, and making the most of your life. This album is definitely geared towards people that like to dance. Almost all of the beats are club beats that BANG is speakers! I wanted people to have a fun record to listen to over and over again. This album took me a year and a half to complete because I made sure I had the best album possible to release as my sophomore effort. And I believe I achieved that goal. The album is coming on CD and DVD. The DVD includes footage from Mondo Homo Atlanta '08, the full album, Bonus tracks, and more!
Having a look at your pictures everybody can see that you're not only a "bear" but a really CUTE one LOL :) Are you deeply into the bear scene? When did you started to define yourself as a "bear", and what do you think that "being a bear" means to oneself's identity?Yes I would have to say that I am. And I embrace it. Sometimes it works against me, because other "sub" cultures in the gay community tend to only book artists from their "groups". So that sucks. But that is also fine with me. I love my big, furry men...so who better to perform for! I am willing to put on a show for anyone gay, straight, bear, lesbian, purple or green. I just want to be able to get my message out there.
I think being a bear is being a man and embracing yourself without needing anyone's approval on our appearance. We are big, small, tall, short, chubs, superchubs, muscle bears, otters, daddies, and so much more. But most of all we are all confident in our own skin. And we do not have to be a "femme" (not that there is anything wrong with that...do your thing) to be a gay man.
A lot of bear guys see themselves as "perfect macho men", almost straight men than incidentally happen to have sex with other men. Do you think that the bear scene should be identified with some kind of "natural masculinity", knowing that even that "natural condition" is just another cultural invention? Do you agree with the rejection that some part of the bear community shows against all that smell like fairy,queer,etc?I think that alot of the bear scene is men that wouldn't have come out of the closet without a bear scene, that they identified with. Not all bears are the most masculine men. Masculine looking, maybe. But there are also alot of big girls out there too. So I dont think they necessarily reject the feminine aspect of the gay community, but that is not what they choose for themselves.
Do you remember when you started dating boys? We'd like to know what kind of feelings and expectations you had in that period when you start to have relationships, sex, plans, dissapontments.... Tell us a little bit about this.Oh yea. I had always fooled around with friends as a kid. Then I got caught having sex with my best friend by his dad, when we were 16. That totally sucked. Both of our parents sent us to counseling, and that sucked. But luckily I had a counselor that realized I was a normal gay young man, and told my parents that I was perfectly fine. So I had to deal with that whole "outing" issue back in high school. But it made me stronger, because I knew I was gay, and I went on with my life.
I officially came out at age 26 to all of my friends and family. They all knew what was up long before, so it was no surprise. They figured if I was this good looking, and never had girlfriends...then something was up! haha.
Another personal one: are you pro-gay marriage? Would you marry with your boyfriend?
Oh yes of course. I would marry my partner if it were legal. But at the same time, I don't need their approval to be committed. After all straight marriage has become more novelty than anything these days, with the current divorce rate. So.... I am content, "married" or not.
We really have a thing for male undies. How is your favorite underwear?Ooooh...so am I!! I like Go Softwear, Jockeys, white Hanes mid rise briefs, and assorted colored jocks!
And finally, do you already know any dates for your 2009 European Tour?? We'd love to see ya here in Spain...... I am looking for places! I would certainly make it there, if I am booked. Get me the hook up! Holla at your boy!
Thanks a lot y buena suerte, compadre!!!!Peace, Love and Positivity
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