Adrian “Big A” Russell was born in 1981 back in Presidential Hills, North Jackson, Mississippi. Big A is one of six kids. He started rapping back at age 15 for his friends and family. “I can remember my mother telling me, “You need your education to make it in the streets,” says Big A. Instead Big A ignored his mother’s advice and focused on the streets. He joined a local Mississippi group called the Drummer Boys. The natives of his hometown, Presidential Hills, Mississippi, recognized their talents and helped fund the local release of their debut album. Big A gained a lot of exposure from the group, and to most was considered the standout star amongst the group.
The group went their separate ways and Big A went solo. He began building his fan base serving as the opening act for artist such as 5th Ward Webbie, Ghetto Twinzz, Rich Boy, Lil Boosie, UGK and many others. Big A was influenced by artists he grew up listening to such as; Run DMC, Snoop Dog and Juvenile. His sound has been compared to Texas artist Charlie Boy; however, Big A has his own style and sound. His motivation comes from his love of his father. Big A says that all of his success and all of his accomplishments would not be possible without him. “With my dad being sick with cancer, I feel I owe this to him. I wish to show him that I could turn the street life into something positive”. The streets coined “Big A” Mr. Pimpin for Life, because of his edgy street lyrical word play and content. His deep raspy big voice, harmonic hooks, and precise flow commands attention. Big A’s most rememberable moment was recording the song “No Money” with Pimp C. “Recording with him was really a moment in time for me”, says Big A.
In 2009, Big A signed a recording deal with indie label R&R Records based in Dallas, Texas. He moved to the “Big D” to pursue his music career full time. “I am blessed to be signed to a prestigious label such as R&R Records, where I have an experienced team of professional to take my career to the next level”, says Big A. His label mates are rappers D-Boe; King James II; and R&B Sensations J’Rod and Rico Sivad of Recognition, who recently got signed through R&R Records to a major recording deal with Capitol Records.
Big A recently finished the “2 Thousand Win” mixtape project with label mates D-Boe and King James II. The release is catching major attention and buzzing with the DJs, the streets and with Hip Hop fans from coast to coast. The effort has all the ingredients of a classic mixtape. It is filled with 19 extremely strong underground and classic cuts that will surely put the R&R Records crew on the Hip Hop map in a major way. They feel so strong about the mixtape, they could have had a well known DJ host it, but choose to not do what everyone else is doing and choose to let the music speak for itself. Some of Big A’s stand out songs on the mixtape is “We Coming”, “Nasty Song”, and “Supa Dupa Fly” featuring Rich Boy. His single “Don’t Believe Lies” is also featured on the “2 Thousand Win” mixtape.
Big A is ready for the world. He has some big things in store in the very near future. He is looking forward to attending award shows, touring and doing collaborations with some of music top entertainers. One day he hopes to win major music awards and have fans all over the world. Big A is gearing up for the release of his debut album later in 2010 on R&R Records. Fans can follow Big A on Twitter @bigadabossmane