In a world where music often serves as an escape, few artists harness its power quite like Big Ant. Hailing from Wichita, Kansas, Big Ant has navigated the rough waters of a challenging upbringing with a relentless drive to make his mark in the rap industry. With influences ranging from Eminem to a diverse array of west coast and midwest rappers, his sound is a reflection of his varied inspirations and personal battles.
In this exclusive interview, Big Ant opens up about his journey from a young rapper dreaming big in a small town to an artist on the brink of a breakthrough. We dive deep into his personal life, career evolution, and the inspiration behind his highly anticipated album, *Unchained*. Join us as we explore the highs and lows of Big Ant’s path, his unfiltered thoughts on mental health, and what he hopes listeners will take away from his latest work.
1. Can you tell us a bit about your background and where you grew up?
I grew up in Wichita Ks with a single mother. Had a rough upbringing but it made me who I am today.
2. Who were your biggest influences growing up, both in music and in life?
There is no question that my biggest influence in music has been Eminem, which you probably can tell from my style. I have also been influenced by a lot of west coast and midwest rappers such as Tupac, Tech N9ne, Brotha Lynch Hung, Luni Coleone, X Raided, Hopsin, Lil Wyte, Yelawolf, Jellyroll and the list goes on. I’ve always had a love for music.
3. How did your upbringing shape your music and your career?
I grew up with mostly rap music. One of the only white boys at school, it definitely was mostly all my friends would listen to. My uncle was also a big influence that got me into hard rap.
4. What was the turning point that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
This is all I’ve ever wanted to do since I was a kid. Ever since putting the pencil to paper at 7 years old, I knew right then I wanted to become a rapper.
5. How do you balance your personal life with your demanding music career?
It ain't easy. I’ve always been a grinder though. I’ll work a 12 hour shift at a factory then knock out some hours in the studio.
6. What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of music?
Have a love for Jiu Jitsu but haven't been able to train much lately. I also love spending time with my wife, kids, friends and family.
7. Who in your life has been the most supportive of your career?
My wife, friends, and family
8. What advice would you give to young aspiring artists looking up to you?
Keep believing in yourself. This is a long hard road that will be a lot of sleepless nights. If you truly believe in yourself then anything is possible.
9. How did you come up with your stage name, Big Ant?
Well my name is Anthony. People have always said I’m strong for my size, and growing up people have called me Lil Ant. One of my homies said nah you aint lil, you're gonna make it big, then Big Ant just stuck.
10. What was the first song you ever recorded, and how did it feel?
I went to an up and coming rappers studio named Lyrical Miracle. I laid my very first record down called “Everyday Hustle”. Him and his homie named Famous laid a verse and a hook down on it. Wish I still had that file, that was when I really became obsessed with recording.
11. Can you describe your creative process when writing and recording music?
I get inspiration from so many different places. Could be a life event, movie, song, or could just randomly hit me out of nowhere. I’ve always been very creative.
12. How has your music evolved since you first started?
I’ve been able to finetune my style and I’m constantly working on improving my craft. My flow, Lyrics, and overall skill continuously improves.
13. Who are some of the artists or producers you’ve enjoyed working with the most?
I’ve worked with a well known rapper from Wichita ks named Twansac, Swizz from Funk Volume, and a few big names that have yet to be released, so I’ll keep that a secret for now.
14. How do you stay motivated and inspired to keep creating new music?
Life. New things happen every single day. I don’t know how someone couldn’t be inspired unless they lived under a rock haha
15. What do you think sets you apart from other artists in the hip-hop scene?
My voice. I grew up with a speech impediment but I have never let that slow me down at all. I also feel my lyrics have more substance to them than what you're going to get on any radio station. I talk a lot about real life and real struggles, besides my horror stuff that will be coming out soon.
16. Can you share any challenges or obstacles you've faced in your career and how you overcame them?
Let’s see, I’ve always been one of the only white boys where I lived, with red hair, speech impediment, and rapped. My whole upbringing has been a struggle, but it ain't nothin to a fighter. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Life is short. Do it today not tomorrow.
17. What are your goals and aspirations for the future of your career?
Been talking to a couple labels so I’m interested in possibly getting signed if the deal is right. But right now I’m doing the independent thing. I would like to start doing shows. Just been trying to knock these albums out.
18. What inspired the title "Unchained" for your upcoming album?
Mental health mostly. I’ve dealt with my fair share of mental health which runs in my family. Just lost a homie to Suicide, and want to dedicate this album to him. I believe mental health is a disease that is often overlooked. I know we as men don’t like talking about our feelings. I hope this album shows other men or people in general that it’s okay to talk about. Don’t be afraid to get help.
19. Can you give us a sneak peek into the themes or concepts behind the album?
Most definitely. I’ve already released three singles that give a great insight to the theme of this album. You can find these songs on all platforms “Mental Pain”, “Parasite”, “Waste Of Time”.
20. How does "Unchained" differ from your previous projects?
My last project was just a mixtape of random tracks that I did just to give people a taste of what I’m capable of. This album “Unchained” has more of a theme behind it and I think will resonate with a lot of people.
21. Are there any collaborations or features on the album that you’re particularly excited about?
My homie that’s a lot like a brother named TheRealJ.T.W. He’s on the track “Mental Pain”. Man, we killed this one and truly sheds light on mental health. On a track called “Parasite” got a couple homies Basick, and Yo! Drello, who is also extremely talented. Another track I did called “Did Me Wrong” has my up and coming homie Gatz Da Wolfman that is also dope.
Not any extremely major artist on this project because I’m trying to shed some light on the up and comers that haven't quite got the credit that they deserve. But our time is coming, mark my words. Got some big features for other projects but I’ll leave that a mystery for now. Be looking out though.
22. What do you hope listeners take away from "Unchained" when they hear it?
That people do care about what you're going through. If you're battling anything from mental health, or any obstacle then I promise that there are brighter days ahead. Keep your head up, and stay pushing through it. We are all in this together.
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