Biography
Big Mike is truly a musical genius of
Today. This 28 year old Rap artist and
producer defines the meaning of a real rhyme lyricist, the term called
Emcee. Hard punching 16s dropped on the wax, Big Mike is the next best Emcee in
South Africa, and the world.
Big
Mike, whose real name is Michael Sello
Mabusela hails from Meadowlands,
home of renowned Soweto artists. He
was born on the 1st of
December, 1984. The third of four children, Big Mike had a rich background in music arts. At the age of 12, Big Mike was already
performing his own written raps on numerous stages around his neighbourhood. He
had already gained a reputation in High School for battling rappers and being an
avid follower of the Hip Hop movement. Big Mike later studied music in college,
where he developed his music production skills. In 2003, he founded a Rap group
named 3RW (Third World Riders) which
was recognised on the Streets of Yeoville,
Berea, Hillbrow and Soweto as a force to be reckoned with.
They dropped their first single titled “Ghetto Life” and later dropped their debut track titled “Hell is Home”. The song was featured on a Hype Magazine CD, going on heavy circulation in 2004. Due to artistic differences, the
crew later split as some of the members went their separate ways. This did not
stop Big Mike, as he proved to be consistent in his rapping abilities as a Dope
Emcee.
He
then went to work with former Junior
from Boom Shaka, Bongani Fassie and Mizchif. His beat-making abilities gave Big Mike a name on the Underground Hip Hop scene. Big Mike has performed on various platforms,
some of which include campus tours at Wits
University, City Varsity, Monash, and so forth. He was eventually
crowned King of the Streets, having battled the likes of Joburg freestyle champ Adomus, Hip-phatic Thabz,
and AKA. He also performed at American
artist Wordsworth’s South African Show, moving crowds with his dope, street savvy 16s and freestyles.
He
began working with childhood friends such as Smokie Smo and Jay Boogie
on one of the first unreleased albums from Dungeon
Shack, titled “The Return of Crack”.
At this time, Big Mike was acquainted with Obakeng
Masilo, also known as OBK. In 2010, they formed the Rap duo named Magic Music. This collaboration
saw Big Mike and OBK drop their first co-produced
duo album named “First Realm” late
2010, which became very popular. Big Mike exhibits conscious themes in songs
such as “Raise Your Fists Up” and “Streets of Gold”. With intelligent
street rhymes and star-like qualities, Magic Music released their second
offering titled “Legendary Wordsmiths”.
This album featured some of South African Hip Hop’s rising stars such as Devious Dee, who has made his name on
the scene through D-shack (Dungeon
Shack) and Slaghuis fame. Big
Mike has also produced music for artists such Capital P, Neo Beats,
T.O.N.I.C and Verbal Akrobats to
name a few. He is known for hard drum
kicks & snares and tight beats.
With
such a profound influence on the Game, 2012
saw Big Mike work on his first solo
Mix-tape, which is titled “Biggin up
My Block”. The Mix-tape is a true masterpiece, as Big Mike reflects the new
dimensions in his lyrical content and musical ability. Big Mike is a polished and refined Hip Hop artist with a bright future. His music is truly the next level of Hip Hop that everyone has been anticipating.
For
a sample of Big Mike’s music, go to
the following links:
