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Bigg Robb

Bigg Robb, born Robert Smith on July 12, 1967, in , , is an African American singer, songwriter, producer, and former radio celebrated for his contributions to the music genre. With a career spanning over four decades, he has become a staple in the Southern soul scene, known for his high-energy performances and self-produced tracks that blend , , , and retro-soul elements. Smith's musical journey began in his youth as a on Cincinnati's WAIF 88.3 FM, where he adopted the moniker "Sugar Daddy from " and honed his skills in the local music community. In the 1980s, he connected with funk legends such as and , eventually joining the influential band Zapp during its mid-decade lineup, which exposed him to professional production and performance. Transitioning to a in the , Bigg Robb released his debut Bigg Robb Hits in 1997, marking his emergence as an independent artist focused on Southern soul's party-oriented sound. Throughout his solo tenure, Bigg Robb has maintained creative control as a self-sustaining , releasing numerous albums and singles that emphasize themes of romance, resilience, and good times, such as On My Own Again (2004) and Born Drunk (2019). His discography, which includes over a dozen full-length projects, has earned him a ranking among the top artists of the 21st century, with hits like "Looking for a Country Girl" and " Music" resonating in clubs and on airwaves across the American South and Midwest. By 2025, he continues to tour actively and release new material, including gospel-infused tracks like "Dear Lord," solidifying his enduring influence in contemporary and .

Early life

Childhood and family background

Robert Feggans, professionally known as Big Rob, was born on December 23, 1980, in the United States. Limited public information exists regarding his early childhood experiences or family structure, including details on parents' professions or any siblings. In his portrayal on the series Jonas, the character Big Rob is depicted with a niece named Kiara, who appears as a recurring family element, though this is a fictional representation rather than reflective of Feggans' real-life background.

Entry into security work

Robert Feggans, professionally known as Big Rob, entered the security field in the early 2000s through roles supporting entertainment productions and tours. His initial documented involvement came in 2000 as part of the additional crew for the television special , where he assisted with logistical and protective aspects of the event featuring . This early gig was followed by similar contributions in 2002 as additional crew on the set of the film , providing on-location support during production. These foundational positions in event and tour security allowed Feggans to develop expertise in personal protection within the high-stakes environment of the and industries, setting the stage for his subsequent work with major artists.

Professional career

Bodyguard roles with major artists

Robert Feggans, professionally known as Big Rob, began his prominent role as the primary for the in the late 2000s, serving as director of security for their management group, The Jonas Group. His responsibilities encompassed protecting the band during high-profile tours, such as the 2008 Burning Up Tour, where he coordinated venue security, oversaw travel logistics, and managed access to ensure safe movement amid large crowds. During the peak of the band's fame from 2007 to 2010, Feggans handled intense fan interactions at concerts, often navigating media scrums and enthusiastic audiences to shield the young performers from potential hazards. He has also recounted in radio interviews the "craziest" fan moments from shows, emphasizing the unpredictable energy of teen audiences during that era. Beyond the , Feggans took on assignments for other major artists. In the early , he provided security for , including during her live events and the 2002 film , where he managed on-set protection and tour logistics. He later worked with , offering security during her opening slots on tours in the late , such as those featured in the 2009 concert film Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience. Additionally, Feggans served as for during their activities in the 2010s. These assignments underscored his expertise in safeguarding artists amid the demands of global fame, from airport arrivals to sold-out arenas.

Transition to entertainment industry

Robert Feggans, known as Big Rob, began his entry into the entertainment industry through his role as a for high-profile celebrities, which provided initial opportunities for on-screen appearances in the early . While serving as security for , he secured his first theatrical credit with a cameo role in the 2002 film , where Spears starred as a lead actress. This appearance marked an informal pivot from behind-the-scenes protection to visible entertainment work, leveraging his physical presence and proximity to production sets. These early cameos arose directly from his bodyguard duties. Networking during tours and shoots with artists and producers facilitated recommendations for extras and minor roles, allowing Feggans to build connections without formal acting training. By the mid-2000s, such interactions had expanded his credits to include work on television productions like So You Think You Can Dance in 2005, where he contributed in a support capacity. A significant turning point occurred around 2008 when Feggans transitioned to the ' team as their primary , evolving his role into structured entertainment contributions. During this period, his rapport with the group led to a featured rap verse on their single "Burnin' Up," which topped the chart and included him in the accompanying . This collaboration, born from daily interactions on tour, prompted contract negotiations through the brothers' management, solidifying his shift to occasional performer and hypeman. By 2009, Feggans' involvement deepened with a recurring role as "Big Man," the band's fictionalized , in the series Jonas, representing a formal entry into on-camera work. This progression from protector to performer highlighted how his expertise and personality attracted producers seeking authentic, larger-than-life figures for entertainment projects. involvement emerged around this time to handle his growing media commitments, though he maintained a primary focus on personal . Feggans has maintained his association with the Jonas Brothers into the 2020s, participating in their tours such as The Tour in 2023 and the Jonas20 Tour in 2025, where he performed alongside them.

Media appearances

Television and film roles

Robert Feggans portrayed the character Big Man in the series Jonas (2009–2010), serving as the loyal to the Lucas brothers, fictionalized versions of the . In this recurring role, Big Man frequently interacts with the main cast during their adventures as secret agents, offering protection while injecting humor through his imposing stature and affable personality; for instance, he uses his size to shield the brothers from threats or awkward social situations, often leading to comedic moments that highlight his gentle nature. Notable episode arcs include "The Secret," where Big Man reveals his personal life, including a niece named Kiara and his hobby of taking classes, which provides lighthearted amid the brothers' escapades. His involvement extends to scenarios like helping the brothers evade conflicts, such as using himself as a human barrier against an angry Stella Malone, only to comically back out upon learning the full context. In film, Feggans made his debut with a in Crossroads (2002), where he appeared as security personnel for ' character, leveraging his real-life experience in a brief on-screen moment. Critics noted that Feggans' portrayal of Big Man in Jonas effectively utilized his physical size and calm demeanor to enhance the series' dynamic, providing reliable that balanced the teen comedy's high-energy antics with relatable, wholesome humor. The role was seen as a seamless extension of his background, contributing to the show's whimsical tone without overshadowing the young leads.

Music video and recording contributions

Robert Feggans, known as Big Rob, provided an uncredited rap on the Jonas Brothers' 2008 single "Burnin' Up" from their album . His contribution features a high-energy segment that follows the , with such as: "Give it up for Big Rob / Yo, we're burning up in this place tonight / 'Cause the brothers sing it live (and we're feeling right) / Get up and dance, don't try and fight it / Big Rob's for real (and that's no lie) / (and touch the floor) / We're gonna keep on burnin' up / More and more." This , delivered in a rhythmic, motivational style, contrasts the band's pop-rock verses and adds a streetwise flair, enhancing the song's party anthem vibe. The track peaked at number five on the and became one of the ' signature hits, with Big Rob's part often highlighted by fans as a memorable and authentic element that boosted its replay value during the late era. Big Rob also appeared in the music video for "Burnin' Up," portraying a commanding figure in the action-packed narrative where he interacts dynamically with the band amid explosive scenes and high-speed chases. His presence extended to the official video for "Bounce" (2010), a collaboration between the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato, where he featured alongside the artists in a playful, upbeat visual that complemented his role as their longtime protector turned on-screen personality. During live performances, Big Rob served as an on-stage hypeman for the , energizing crowds with his charismatic delivery of the "Burnin' Up" rap and ad-libs throughout their tours in the late . This role is prominently captured in the 2009 concert film Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience, where he performs the track live with the band, credited for vocals and contributing to the film's immersive depiction of their high-energy shows. As of 2025, Big Rob continues to join the on tour, including surprise appearances during their Five Albums. One Night. The World Tour extension, performing "Burnin' Up" in cities such as in August 2025 and in November 2025, generating viral fan reactions. Big Rob's musical involvement has left a lasting mark on Jonas Brothers fan culture, inspiring memes, parodies, and recreations of his distinctive rap style that evoke nostalgia for the band's early Disney-era heyday. Fans frequently reference his verse in online humor and fan edits, with his tour appearances—such as surprise reunions in 2019, 2023, and 2025—eliciting viral excitement and recreations that underscore his status as a beloved, larger-than-life figure in the fandom.

Personal life and legacy

Family and relationships

Robert Feggans, professionally known as Big Rob, has kept details about his largely private, with no or interviews disclosing information about his parents or siblings. In his acting role on the series Jonas (2010), Feggans portrayed Big Man, a character who has a niece named Kiara, introduced in the episode "The Secret," where she interacts with the main cast and uncovers a hidden relationship among the Lucas brothers. This fictional family element added a personal dimension to his on-screen persona, contrasting with the limited insights into his real-life relationships. Feggans has not shared public details about any marriages or long-term partners, and his demanding career as a , involving extensive travel with high-profile clients like the and , likely influenced the maintenance of such privacy.

Public persona and recent activities

Robert Feggans, known professionally as "Big Rob," developed his public persona in the late 2000s as the ' primary bodyguard, earning his nickname from his imposing stature and protective role during the band's rise to fame. His image blended physical intimidation with approachable humor and unwavering loyalty, making him a fan favorite among teenage audiences who saw him as an extension of the band's wholesome, high-energy vibe. Feggans frequently appeared in the brothers' music videos, such as the 2008 hit "Burnin' Up," where he delivered a memorable rap verse, and on their series J.O.N.A.S.!, portraying a similarly named character that amplified his celebrity-adjacent status. In a notable post-2010 comeback, Feggans reunited with the on their JONAS20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour, marking his first major stage appearances with the group in over a decade. The reunion began on August 10, 2025, at in , during the tour's opening night, where he joined the brothers for his signature rap in "Burnin' Up"—lines including "It’s been a while, I know / But I’m back in the game, though!"—prompting an explosive crowd reaction described as a "frenzy" with fans screaming and clips going on platforms. He reprised the performance at subsequent stops, including the August 21 show at in , the October 7 concert at in Kansas City, the October 17 date in Austin, and the October 19 event in , each time reigniting nostalgia and eliciting ecstatic responses from audiences who viewed it as a "legendary" throwback to the band's early days. Beyond the tour, Feggans made a surprise on August 16, 2025, at Bird & Betty's bar in , , joining onstage for an impromptu performance with a local band, further showcasing his enduring hype-man energy. While maintaining a relatively low public profile since the ' 2013 hiatus, Feggans has occasionally surfaced in media tied to the band, including a March 2025 radio interview reflecting on fan encounters from their peak years. As of November 2025, Feggans continues to make appearances on the ongoing JONAS20 tour, which is scheduled to conclude on December 22, 2025. Feggans' legacy as "Big Rob" has subtly shaped pop culture depictions of bodyguards in teen entertainment, portraying them not just as stoic enforcers but as charismatic, integral parts of an artist's inner circle—evident in his seamless transitions from security to on-screen and onstage collaborator. This archetype influenced subsequent media representations of protective figures in narratives, emphasizing loyalty and levity over mere intimidation.

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