In the world of hip-hop, few artists have managed to make a lasting impact like Big Neal. Born Patrick Jones, Big Neal is a rapper and songwriter from Albany, Georgia, who has been making waves in the music industry for years. With a career spanning over two decades, Big Neal has released several successful albums and has recently signed a major distribution deal with Roc Nation under Tony DeYoung Entertainment. In this exclusive interview with TheXXLMag, Big Neal opens up about his journey, his music, and his latest partnership.
Early Life and Career
TheXXLMag: Big Neal, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us today. Let’s start from the beginning. What sparked your interest in music, and how did you get started?
Big Neal: Man, music has always been a part of me. Growing up in Albany, Georgia, I was surrounded by different genres and styles. I think what really sparked my interest was listening to artists like OutKast and UGK. They were making music that was real, and it resonated with me. I started rapping in high school, doing talent shows and freestyle battles with my friends. From there, I just knew I wanted to pursue music full-time.
The Rise to Fame
TheXXLMag: Fast forward to the early 2000s, you started putting out demos and performing shows around the country. What was that like for you, and how did you manage to build such a loyal fanbase?
Big Neal: Man, those were some wild times. I was grinding hard, doing shows wherever I could, and putting out demos on cassettes. It was a different time back then, but it worked for me. I built my fanbase by being real with my music and connecting with people on a personal level. I think that’s what’s helped me sustain my career this long.
Signing with Roc Nation
TheXXLMag: Recently, you signed a major distribution deal with Roc Nation under Tony DeYoung Entertainment. Can you tell us more about this partnership and what it means for your career?
Big Neal: Yeah, man, I’m super excited about this deal. Working with Roc Nation and Tony DeYoung Entertainment is a dream come true. They believe in me and my music, and I’m looking forward to seeing where this partnership takes me. With their support, I’ll be able to reach a wider audience and take my career to the next level.
Future Plans
TheXXLMag: What’s next for Big Neal? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you can tell us about?
Big Neal: I’m always working on new music and collaborating with other artists. I’m excited about some projects I’m working on right now, but I’m not ready to announce anything just yet. Let’s just say I’m staying busy and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with my music.
TheXXLMag: Big Neal, thanks for sharing your story with us today. We’re excited to see what the future holds for you.
Big Neal: Thank you for having me, TheXXLMag. I appreciate the opportunity to share my journey with your readers.
Social Media Links
Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/album/5UsBpj4F9YQem9qd4cvfSR
Spotify Link 2- https://open.spotify.com/album/5f2b3WjSSTvU1MAd5OMkvr
YouTube- https://youtube.com/@bigmoney9732?feature=shared
@therealitzneal is my Instagram and my Tik Tok is @nofear864