116 Life Ep. 108: Elevating The Craft of Hip-Hop with nobigdyl.
In a recent episode of The 116 Life on Holy Culture Radio, hosts Meah Evans and Ace Harris sat down with the dynamic indie artist, nobigdyl., to explore his unique journey in the world of hip-hop. The hosts delved into the depths of his career, the craft of music, and the burgeoning renaissance of Christian hip-hop.
A Vibrant Beginning
The conversation kicked off with a trip down memory lane as nobigdyl. reminisced about his early days. He came from a musically rich background, with his uncle being a Grammy-winning drummer. Music was ingrained in him from a young age, from listening to jazz in clubs to performing spoken word poetry at nine years old. This foundation molded his unique style as he transitioned into the world of hip-hop.
Rising Through the Ranks
nobigdyl.’s journey is marked by persistence and evolving artistry. He detailed how he navigated the complexities of the music industry, from honing his craft at Middle Tennessee State University to interning with Reflect Media Group (RMG). Under the mentorship of established artists like Derek Minor, nobigdyl. was encouraged to pursue his artistic dreams without the safety net of a full-time role in the business side of music. This leap of faith led him to release a series of mixtapes, gradually building a dedicated fan base.
The Craft of Hip-Hop
Throughout the conversation, nobigdyl. emphasized the importance of craftsmanship in hip-hop. Whether it’s through writing structured and meaningful lyrics or delivering compelling performances, his dedication to authenticity and quality shines through. He explained how meticulous he is when preparing for a performance, ensuring that each show is an opportunity to connect with the audience through the raw energy of live music.
Holy Smoke Fest: A Celebration of Artistry
A significant part of nobigdyl.’s journey is the establishment of Holy Smoke Fest, a festival that he and his collective, Indie Tribe, created to highlight the excellence within the Christian hip-hop community. The festival has grown into a platform that showcases inspiring performances and fosters a sense of community. This year marks its fifth anniversary, and nobigdyl. expressed his vision of growing the festival into a larger gathering that celebrates the diversity and talent in the genre.
A Call to Creativity
As the discussion wrapped up, nobigdyl. spoke passionately about what he describes as a “renaissance” in Christian hip-hop. He believes that artists have a duty to honor their faith through high-quality art, reflecting the creativity of the greatest creator. This call to action is a reminder for artists to aim higher and push boundaries, ensuring that their work resonates powerfully with audiences both within and outside the Christian community.
In essence, the conversation with nobigdyl. on The 116 Life was not just a recounting of a career but a deeper exploration of the evolving landscape of hip-hop and the role of artists within it. With his unwavering commitment to his craft and community, nobigdyl. is a beacon for the next wave of artists seeking to leave a lasting impact.
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Welcome to
00:26 Introducing nobigdyl.
01:15 Early Days and Influences
03:41 The All For You Tour
05:06 Crafting Unique Live Shows
08:43 The Evolution of Hip Hop
11:51 Navigating the Streaming Era
18:09 Musical Beginnings and Inspirations
26:15 High School Dreams and College Plans
27:39 Discovering the Music Business
28:28 Interning and Mentorship
29:16 First Buzz and Career Decisions
30:04 Mixtapes and Early Success
31:25 Southern Word and Community Impact
32:29 Maintaining Artistic Integrity
36:36 Holy Smoke Festival
39:07 The Future of Holy Smoke
46:52 Craftsmanship in Hip Hop
53:20 The Renaissance of Christian Art
Related Radio Show: 116 Life
