Big30
Big30, whose real name is Rodney Lamont Wright Jr., is an American rapper from Memphis, Tennessee, recognized for his drawling flow, blunt street lyrics, and affiliations with the local hip-hop scene.[1][2] Born in 1999, he began his music career around 2018 alongside close collaborator Pooh Shiesty, initially rapping for fun before gaining wider attention through features on tracks like Pooh Shiesty's platinum-certified "Neighbors" in 2021.[1][2][3] Big30's breakthrough came with his debut mixtape King of Killbranch in 2021, which showcased his gritty storytelling and earned him a spot in XXL's 2022 Freshman Class alongside artists like Nardo Wick and Doechii.[1][2][4] His style draws from Memphis trap influences, emphasizing authenticity and "street creativity" as he describes his contribution to hip-hop.[1] Notable singles from this period include "Allegations," which has amassed over 110 million YouTube views (as of November 2025), and "Free Shiest Life," highlighting his rapid rise in the Southern rap landscape.[1][5] Signed to Bread Gang Entertainment, N-Less Entertainment, and Interscope Records, Big30 has expanded his catalog with full-length albums Last Man Standing in 2022 and Still King in 2024.[1][2] He has collaborated with established names like Future on "Whatever Come With It," Gucci Mane on "Shit Crazy," and Moneybagg Yo on "Go!".[6][7][8] These projects and guest appearances, including on Juicy J and Wiz Khalifa's 2022 collaborative album Stoner's Night, have solidified his presence in mainstream hip-hop while maintaining ties to his Memphis roots and crew, including a 2025 reunion with Pooh Shiesty following the latter's prison release.[1][9][10]Early life and career beginnings
Early life in Memphis
Rodney Lamont Wright Jr., known professionally as Big30, was born on December 28, 1999, in Memphis, Tennessee.[11] He grew up in the city's challenging urban neighborhoods, where poverty, violence, and street life were prevalent, shaping his early worldview amid the city's gritty environment.[12] Memphis's notorious reputation for high crime rates and socioeconomic struggles provided the backdrop for his childhood, exposing him to the realities of local street culture from a young age.[13] Details on Big30's family background remain limited in public records, but he has spoken about the role his relatives played in his formative years. His father and cousins introduced him to Memphis's rich hip-hop heritage, playing artists like Yo Gotti, 8Ball & MJG, and Three 6 Mafia, which immersed him in the local sound and culture.[13] He is the only boy with two sisters and has referenced protective instincts toward them, recounting instances of standing up for them against bullies during his youth, including breaking his hand while defending one from someone who stole from their family.[14] His parents separated in 2006, but both ensured he was supported growing up. While specific parental influences or sibling dynamics are not extensively documented, Big30 has credited his family as a core motivating force in his life.[13] Big30 attended a local high school in Memphis but did not pursue higher education, instead becoming deeply influenced by the city's vibrant rap scene.[11] The pervasive presence of hip-hop in Memphis's streets and communities fostered his early connection to the genre, as he navigated the blend of artistic expression and survival in an environment rife with adversity. This exposure to local street culture and music ultimately served as an outlet for channeling his experiences.[12]Initial forays into music
Big30 made his entry into the Memphis rap scene in 2018, initially collaborating with longtime friend Pooh Shiesty on independent tracks and freestyles that circulated through local underground channels. Their first collaborative release, "Breaking News," featuring K Shiesty and Choppa Tee, premiered on YouTube on October 18, 2018, and rapidly accumulated 100,000 views within its initial month, marking an early indicator of grassroots appeal among Memphis listeners.[15][12] Building on this momentum, Big30 issued his debut solo single, "No Vouch," in July 2019, which propelled him further by reaching 2 million YouTube views in just one month and over 24 million views as of November 2025.[12][16] Additional independent efforts, such as "Perc Talk" and "Blrrrd," followed suit, each surpassing 9 million views by 2020 and helping to cultivate a dedicated local following through raw, unpolished deliveries characteristic of the era's DIY ethos. These early uploads, primarily distributed via YouTube and social platforms, highlighted his relentless style and contributed to buzz in Memphis circles.[12] As an emerging artist, Big30 navigated significant hurdles, including self-production and constrained resources typical of the independent grind in Memphis's saturated rap landscape. This period culminated in September 2019 when he signed with Moneybagg Yo's Bread Gang imprint, a pivotal endorsement that amplified his visibility through peer affiliations without immediate national exposure.[12]Formative influences and associations
Big30's musical development was profoundly shaped by the rich legacy of Memphis rap, drawing inspiration from pioneering artists who defined the city's sound. Growing up, he was exposed to the works of Yo Gotti, Three 6 Mafia, and 8Ball & MJG through his father and cousins, who played their tracks regularly and instilled an appreciation for the gritty, street-oriented narratives central to Southern hip-hop.[13][17] These influences emphasized raw lyricism and heavy bass production, elements that would later inform Big30's aggressive delivery and thematic focus on survival in Memphis's neighborhoods. Contemporaries like Moneybagg Yo also served as models, with Big30 citing his ability to blend trap introspection with commercial appeal as a benchmark for navigating the local scene.[12] A pivotal early association was with childhood friend Pooh Shiesty, with whom Big30 formed the Chopper Gang collective during their teenage years in South Memphis. The two met through shared neighborhood experiences and began rapping together around 2017, when Big30 was about 17; Shiesty mentored him on enhancing his flow and "saucing" beats in the studio, marking the start of their collaborative output.[12][13][17] Their initial joint work included the 2018 track "Breaking News" alongside K Shiesty and Choppa Tee, which quickly amassed over 100,000 YouTube views and established the group's presence in the Bluff City rap circuit—a loose network of emerging Memphis talents rooted in local trap aesthetics.[12] This partnership extended to tracks like "Neighborhood Heroes" (2020) with DeeMula, blending personal storytelling with high-energy production that resonated within their immediate community.[12] The Southern trap and drill subgenres played a crucial role in Big30's stylistic evolution, fusing Memphis's crunk-infused bounce with Chicago drill's ominous synths and rapid hi-hats to create a hybrid sound reflective of urban peril. This development was honed through immersion in the local environment, where trap's emphasis on hustle and drill's confrontational edge mirrored the realities of his upbringing in a high-crime area of the city.[12][13] Social media platforms, particularly YouTube and Instagram, were instrumental in solidifying Big30's initial circle, allowing him and Chopper Gang to share raw music videos filmed in familiar Memphis locales and gain organic traction. Videos like "No Vouch" (over 24 million views as of November 2025) and "Mista" showcased their unpolished authenticity, drawing in local fans and fostering connections within informal cyphers and block sessions that served as proving grounds for their skills before wider recognition.[12][16]Musical career
Rise to prominence
Big30's ascent to national recognition accelerated in early 2021 through his prominent feature on childhood friend Pooh Shiesty's single "Neighbors," building on their prior local collaborations in Memphis. Released on February 2, 2021, as the third single from Pooh Shiesty's debut mixtape Shiesty Season under Gucci Mane's 1017 Records, the track blended gritty street narratives with booming trap production, resonating widely with hip-hop audiences.[18] "Neighbors" achieved viral momentum shortly after release, with its official music video directed by Laka Films accumulating over 3 million views within days and continuing to drive buzz across platforms. The song peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week of February 20, 2021, while also reaching number 20 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, signaling Big30's breakthrough beyond regional fame. Streaming milestones further underscored its impact, surpassing 98 million plays on Spotify by late 2021 and earning platinum certification from the RIAA for over 1 million units sold in the U.S. Media coverage from outlets like Billboard emphasized the track's role in propelling both artists into mainstream conversations, highlighting Big30's raw delivery and the duo's authentic chemistry.[19][20][21] This success amplified discussions around Big30's industry affiliations, particularly his ties to Gucci Mane's influential 1017 Records circle via Pooh Shiesty, fostering speculation about expanded opportunities in Atlanta's trap ecosystem. In October 2021, Big30 formalized his growing profile by announcing a partnership with Interscope Records through his existing deal with Moneybagg Yo's Bread Gang Entertainment and N-Less Entertainment, positioning him for broader distribution and support.[22][23][24] The momentum from "Neighbors" translated to Big30's first major national performances, including a high-energy set at Rolling Loud Los Angeles in December 2021, where he debuted tracks to thousands of festivalgoers and solidified his presence on hip-hop's premier stages. These appearances marked a pivotal shift, transforming his local buzz into verifiable mainstream traction.[25]Breakthrough releases
Big30 released his debut mixtape, King of Killbranch, on September 2, 2021, through Bread Gang Entertainment and N-Less Entertainment.[26] The 19-track project debuted and peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking his first entry on the ranking and solidifying his commercial breakthrough.[26] Building on the momentum from his feature on Pooh Shiesty's "Neighbors" earlier that year, the mixtape showcased Big30's rising profile in Memphis rap.[27] The mixtape featured prominent collaborations with artists such as Lil Durk on "No Hospital Gang," Future on "Dyin' in Designer," and Pooh Shiesty on "Ashanti," among others including Moneybagg Yo, Quavo, and Yo Gotti.[28] These tracks emphasized Big30's raw delivery and thematic focus on street life, violence, loyalty, and the trappings of success in the Killbranch neighborhood, delivered over trap-influenced beats typical of Memphis sound.[29] Critics praised the project's unpretentious energy and Big30's confident presence, with outlets like Stereogum noting its "hard and unpretentious Memphis street-rap" vibe, while RapReviews highlighted his unapologetic boasts about wealth and jewelry.[29][30] Aggregate reviews on Album of the Year gave it a critic score of 65 out of 100 based on initial assessments, reflecting solid but not exceptional reception for its authentic grit.[31] Promotion for King of Killbranch relied heavily on visual content and digital engagement, including official music videos for standout tracks like "Backseat of the Rolls Truck" and "Too Official" featuring Yo Gotti, released via Big30's YouTube channel to amplify streaming numbers.[32] Social media campaigns on platforms like Instagram and Facebook urged fans to "run it up" with direct links to streaming services, fostering grassroots buzz in the hip-hop community.[33] These efforts, combined with features from established names, helped the mixtape gain traction beyond Memphis, establishing Big30 as a key figure in the city's rap scene.[34]Later albums and projects
Following the momentum from his earlier mixtape King of Killbranch, Big30 released his debut studio album Last Man Standing on September 30, 2022, via N-Less Entertainment, Bread Gang, and Interscope Records. The 16-track project features collaborations with artists such as Hotboii and Pooh Shiesty, delving into themes of resilience and survival in the face of street adversities and personal loss, as reflected in tracks like "Crying" and "Dead Guyz."[13][35] The album debuted at number 104 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a step toward broader commercial recognition while maintaining his raw, Memphis-rooted sound.[35] In December 2023, Big30 contributed significantly to the collaborative album We Connected, released through N Less Entertainment in partnership with Moneybagg Yo. This 28-track effort highlights label camaraderie, with Big30 delivering standout verses on songs like "Dare Pussy" and "Biggest Hoe," blending aggressive trap flows with introspective moments on loyalty and street dynamics. The project underscores his role within the Memphis rap collective, expanding his reach through shared production heavy on booming 808s and synth layers.[36][37] Big30 returned with Still King on May 17, 2024, a 17-track solo album via N Less Entertainment and Connect Music, featuring guests including Moneybagg Yo and serving as a testament to his enduring presence after a period of hiatus. The release emphasizes themes of resilience and street dominance, with updated production incorporating gritty trap drums, woozy synths, and more melodic hooks compared to his prior work, as heard in tracks like "State Property" and "Been a Threat." A deluxe edition followed on October 4, 2024, adding eight new songs with features from Lil Got It and Baby Slime, further showcasing his adaptability and label network.[38][39] Entering 2025, Big30 issued the single "Ion Play" on April 28, addressing themes of detachment and authenticity over a sparse, bass-driven beat. Later that year, he announced his first headline tour, the Still King Tour, kicking off in April with performances in cities including Nashville, St. Louis, and Houston, promoting his latest material and solidifying his live presence. These developments reflect an evolution in his production style toward greater melodic versatility while responding to career interruptions by reinforcing narratives of perseverance and control.[40][41][42]Artistic style and public image
Musical style and themes
Big30's musical style is deeply rooted in the Memphis rap scene, blending trap and drill elements with aggressive, relentless flows that emphasize gritty delivery and street authenticity. His sound often features heavy bass lines and auto-tuned vocals, creating a menacing, high-energy atmosphere typical of Southern hardcore rap. This approach draws from the raw energy of Memphis trap while incorporating drill's punchy rhythms and rapid-fire cadences, resulting in tracks that lock into beats with precision and adaptability.[43][12][44] Lyrically, Big30 explores themes of street survival, unwavering loyalty to his circle, and the harsh realities of violence, often drawing directly from his personal experiences in Memphis neighborhoods. His blunt, vivid wordplay conveys a sense of unapologetic bravado, focusing on credibility, wealth accumulation through hustle, and the consequences of betrayal, without veering into overly polished or metaphorical territory. These motifs underscore a narrative of resilience amid adversity, positioning his music as a raw chronicle of urban life.[45][30] Over time, Big30's production has evolved from the raw, unrefined energy of his early independent tracks around 2018 to more polished arrangements post-2021, incorporating cleaner mixes and layered instrumentation while retaining his core aggressive edge. This shift reflects growing label support and broader exposure, allowing for tighter flows and enhanced sonic depth without diluting the hardcore essence. Compared to peers like Pooh Shiesty, Big30 distinguishes himself through a cooler, more calculated ruthlessness in his delivery, prioritizing relentless bar construction over hype-driven theatrics.[12][30]Key collaborations and affiliations
Big30's closest professional and personal affiliation is with fellow Memphis rapper Pooh Shiesty, a childhood friend with whom he has collaborated extensively since the early days of his career, including multiple appearances on projects like Shiesty Season and King of Killbranch.[22][46] This partnership has positioned Big30 within the extended network of Gucci Mane's 1017 Records through Shiesty's signing to the label in 2020, though Big30 himself has not officially joined 1017 as of 2025, with any ties remaining unconfirmed and primarily collaborative.[26] Their relationship continued to influence his work, highlighted by an emotional reunion in October 2025 following Shiesty's release from prison.[47] In 2021, Big30 expanded his reach through high-profile features that bridged Memphis rap with broader Southern hip-hop circles, notably appearing on Gucci Mane's "Shit Crazy" from the album Ice Daddy, which showcased his aggressive flow alongside the veteran trap pioneer.[48][49] Similarly, his collaboration with Moneybagg Yo on "GO!" from A Gangsta's Pain highlighted their shared Memphis roots and propelled Big30's visibility on a major platform, given Moneybagg's established status.[50][51] These tracks, along with a feature alongside Lil Durk on "Miss My Glock 26" from his debut mixtape King of Killbranch, significantly boosted his exposure by connecting him to artists with national audiences and facilitating cross-regional buzz.[52][53] Big30's signing to Moneybagg Yo's Bread Gang Entertainment in partnership with N-Less Entertainment and Interscope Records in 2021 further solidified his place in the Memphis rap ecosystem, enabling distribution for projects like King of Killbranch and fostering ongoing ties within the local collective that includes figures like Pooh Shiesty and Moneybagg Yo.[26][24] This affiliation has amplified his role in the city's trap scene, where collaborations often reflect street-level alliances and contribute to the genre's gritty, unified sound.[22] Subsequent projects expanded these networks, including a feature on Juicy J and Wiz Khalifa's 2022 album Stoner's Night and collaborations on his 2024 album Still King with artists like Future and Gucci Mane, reinforcing his mainstream presence while maintaining Memphis ties.[9][1]Controversies
Feuds and rivalries
In June 2020, Big30 engaged in a brief but public feud with Gucci Mane after posting multiple Instagram photos from a single encounter with the Atlanta rapper, which included Pooh Shiesty. Gucci Mane responded directly on social media, accusing Big30 of exaggerating their interaction for clout by commenting, "Cap stop postin me dude we met just once."[54] The exchange drew coverage from hip-hop outlets, spotlighting dynamics between veteran artists and emerging Memphis talents, with fans reacting on platforms like Twitter to the perceived slight against Big30's authenticity.[54] The conflict resolved swiftly, leading to a collaboration on Gucci Mane's "1017 Freestyle" in October 2020, which also featured Pooh Shiesty and Foogiano as part of the So Icy Gang, Vol. 1 compilation. They further solidified their reconciliation with the joint track "Shit Crazy" in April 2021, from Gucci Mane's Ice Daddy project.[49] In 2024, Big30 became embroiled in a feud with Moneybagg Yo, his former label head at N-Less Entertainment. A leaked diss track from Moneybagg Yo in May criticized Big30's music and opportunities, prompting Big30 to respond with disses and announce his departure from the label.[55] Beyond this, Big30 has navigated intra-Memphis tensions typical of the city's competitive rap scene, though specific rivalries remain sparsely documented in major media. His close association with Pooh Shiesty helped amplify his profile amid such conflicts, positioning him within broader networks like Gucci Mane's 1017 Records circle.[56]Legal issues and arrests
In January 2018, Wright was arrested for firing a gun into an apartment building in Memphis; the charge was resolved with community service and later expunged.[57] In October 2020, Big30, whose real name is Rodney Lamont Wright Jr., was arrested in Brookside, Alabama, during a traffic stop while traveling from Atlanta to Memphis. Authorities charged him with first-degree felony possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon, after discovering approximately $17,000 in cash, a loaded Glock 40 handgun, individually packaged marijuana intended for sale, and controlled substances including promethazine and codeine in the vehicle.[58][59][60] Public records on the court proceedings remain limited, with Wright reportedly released on bond shortly after the arrest, but no detailed outcomes or sentencing information has been widely reported as of 2025. Additional charges were initially pending, potentially including those related to the controlled substances, though updates on resolutions are incomplete in available sources.[61][57] The incident had a limited direct impact on Wright's career trajectory, as he continued to release music, including his debut studio album Last Man Standing in 2022, without evident delays in major projects; however, it may have imposed temporary travel restrictions or heightened scrutiny amid his rising prominence.[57] This arrest reflects a pattern in Wright's legal encounters tied to his Memphis upbringing in a high-crime environment, where themes of street life, drug involvement, and firearm possession frequently appear in his lyrics and public narrative. No other significant arrests have been documented through 2025, underscoring the 2020 event as his primary legal issue during his ascent in the rap industry.[58]Discography
Studio albums
Big30's debut studio album, Last Man Standing, was released on September 30, 2022, through N-Less Entertainment, Bread Gang, and Interscope Records.[62] The project comprises 16 tracks on its standard edition, showcasing a polished evolution from his mixtape origins with trap-influenced beats and introspective lyrics on street life and resilience.[63] Lead singles "Stand On Business," "Celine Frames," and "No Love" were released in advance, highlighting his signature drawling flow and aggressive delivery.[64] The album debuted and peaked at number 104 on the US Billboard 200 chart.[65] His follow-up studio album, Still King, arrived on May 17, 2024, under N-Less Entertainment.[66] Featuring 17 tracks, it was primarily produced by ZBoy The Man and other collaborators, emphasizing hard-hitting Memphis trap production with themes of dominance and survival.[67] Notable guest appearances include Fredo Bang on "Head Tap" and K Carbon on "Don't Talk," adding layers to the album's collaborative energy.[68] Commercially, Still King generated significant streaming activity within hip-hop audiences, leading to a deluxe edition on October 4, 2024, that expanded the tracklist to 25 songs with additional features from artists like Lil Gotit and Baby Slime.[39] As of November 2025, Big30 has not announced or released a third studio album, though he has continued issuing singles.[22] His studio discography reflects a progression toward more structured, label-backed releases compared to his earlier independent mixtapes, prioritizing expansive tracklists and strategic features to broaden his appeal.[43]Mixtapes and EPs
Big30's debut mixtape, King of Killbranch, released on September 2, 2021, through N-Less Entertainment and Bread Gang Entertainment, marked his entry into major rap releases with 15 tracks emphasizing raw Memphis trap energy and street narratives.[69] The project featured prominent guests including Lil Durk on "Miss My Glock 26," Future on "Whatever Come With It," Quavo on "SRT," Moneybagg Yo and Big Homiie G on "Red Key," Pooh Shiesty on "No Competition," Yo Gotti on "Too Official," and Offset on "M30," showcasing his affiliations within the Southern rap scene.[70] It debuted at number 13 on the Billboard 200 chart, highlighting its commercial breakthrough amid Big30's rising profile.[26] Prior to King of Killbranch, Big30 released independent singles like "Blrrrrdddd" in 2019 and "Opp Pacc" in 2020, which built his local buzz through digital platforms but did not constitute full EPs or mixtapes.[71] These early drops were self-released and focused on viral freestyles and collaborations, such as with Pooh Shiesty on tracks like "Hell Night," reflecting a grassroots approach before formal projects.[71] In 2023, Big30 contributed to the compilation We Connected, a 28-track collective effort with Moneybagg Yo and N Less Entertainment artists like Dee Mula and Pooh Shiesty, released on December 8 via N-Less and Bread Gang.[36] Distributed digitally like a mixtape, it emphasized volume and ensemble features over singular artistry, differing from Big30's solo studio albums by prioritizing label roster showcases and unpolished group dynamics.[72] No additional standalone EPs or mixtapes followed before 2022, as Big30 shifted toward album formats post-incarceration.Singles as lead artist
Big30 has released numerous singles as the lead artist, frequently drawing from his Memphis trap roots and affiliations with Bread Gang Entertainment. These tracks often serve as promotional vehicles for his albums or standalone releases, emphasizing street narratives, loyalty, and confrontational themes. Early in his career, "Allegations" featuring Pooh Shiesty, released on July 10, 2020, marked a pivotal moment, amassing over 65 million Spotify streams and establishing his collaborative dynamic with the rapper.[73] In 2021, Big30's collaborative single "Go!" with Moneybagg Yo, issued on April 14 as a lead track for Moneybagg Yo's album A Gangsta's Pain, achieved commercial success by peaking at number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100.[74] The song, certified Platinum by the RIAA in recognition of one million units sold or streamed in the United States, has surpassed 38 million streams on Spotify, highlighting its enduring popularity in the hip-hop landscape.[75] Later that year, "Mista," a solo single from his debut album King of Killbranch, further exemplified his raw delivery over trap beats, contributing to the project's top 20 debut on the Billboard 200. "Protest," released on February 1, 2022, as a lead single ahead of his sophomore album [Last Man Standing](/page/Last Man Standing), addressed social and personal struggles with over 5.5 million Spotify streams to date. Other notable lead singles from [Last Man Standing](/page/Last Man Standing) include "Dead Guyz," which reinforced his aggressive style and helped the album reach number 104 on the Billboard 200. More recent releases, such as "Sang to Em" in 2024 from the Still King era, continue to build on his catalog, blending melodic elements with hard-hitting lyrics for streaming platforms. In 2025, Big30 released additional singles including "Ion Play," "News Gang," and "Patrick Ewing," maintaining his output amid no new album announcement.[22]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions (US Hot 100) | Certifications (RIAA) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Allegations" (feat. Pooh Shiesty) | 2020 | — | — | Non-album single |
| "Go!" (with Moneybagg Yo) | 2021 | 52 | Platinum | A Gangsta's Pain |
| "Mista" | 2021 | — | — | King of Killbranch |
| "Protest" | 2022 | — | — | Last Man Standing |
| "Ion Play" | 2025 | — | — | Non-album single |