You can’t talk about 90s hip-hop music without mentioning the iconic group Nappy Roots. Formed in 1995, the six-man group consisted of Fish Scales, Skinny DeVille, B. Stille, Ron Clutch, R. Prophet, and frontman Big V.
Nappy Roots is known for their unique style of music. Their lyrics often touched on their culture, social status, and life’s struggles within the urban communities in the South. Their music can be described as the perfect blend of hip-hop, blues, and funk. With hits like “Po’ Folks,” “Good Day,” “Awnaw,” and “Roun’ The Globe,” you can easily see why this double-platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated group is recognized as hip-hop legends.
The Fleet Mag had the opportunity to sit down with Big V of Nappy Roots to discuss his nearly three decades long career in the music industry, life as an entrepreneur, and future projects.
As a world-renowned group, Nappy Roots spent a lot of time on the road. Big V talked about the great artists he had the pleasure of touring with including Trick Daddy, 8 Ball & MJG, Trina, Lil Jon, and many more heavy hitters. Though Big V has always had a passion for music, he chose to take a break from the industry for several years to raise his kids as a single father. Now an empty nester, he is ready to get back on the grind and do what he loves, music.
Upon returning from his music hiatus, Big V noticed many changes in technology within the music business. To adapt, he’s implementing today’s new strategies into releasing his music, including providing qr codes for his fans to scan and instantly download his songs. Along with the new strategies, Big V and his team are networking and building relationships with the music industry movers and shakers, including the worldwide Fleet DJs.
Over the years, Big V has broadened his horizons and ventured into the world of entrepreneurship. Now the owner of a cannabis business, he is providing his customers with not one, but two great products, under his new pseudonym. “We are putting music with the cannabis, and with me having 11 million people that know me, I am reintroducing myself as Vito Banga not just Big V of Nappy Roots.”
Speaking of music, Big V told us he’s on a whole new vibe. “It’s a totally different sound, a different feel, but still the same me and a lot more.” He described his music as “a breath of fresh air.” He feels music should speak life, and not just be about the hard times. He went on to say, “Music is expression and a way to get through a hard day.”
Big V is hands-on when it comes to perfecting his craft. He now produces his own music along with Rico Wade, a producer whom worked with Nappy Roots. They are focused on creating a distinctive sound and brand, and he gives thanks to his amazing team for their consistent hard work on this musical journey.
When asked who he would like to collaborate with in the future, Big V had some interesting choices, Fleetwood Mac, Erykah Badu, King George, Le’Andria Johnson, Snoop Dogg, and The Game. Let’s all speak this into existence because Big V on a track with any of these artists is a guaranteed hit.
In closing, we discovered Big V is an accomplished actor and starred in four movies including, “Black and Blue Tears,” “Breakup Masters,” “The Business of Christmas 2, and “45 Seconds.” In addition, he is in the process of writing his own movie.
Big V has accomplished so much, and we can’t wait to see what he does next. He is multi-talented and everything he touches turns to gold, or shall I say, platinum. Even with his busy schedule, he still takes time to give back to the community through his non-profit organization, “Finding Your Youth.
Interview by: DJ Pynk Dyamond – Written by JP