Big Boy Records
Independent Southern hip hop label founded in late 1992.
Big Boy Records got its start in late 1992. The founders were Charles "Big Boy" Temple, Robert "Big Rob" Shaw, and producer Leroy "Precise" Edwards. During the early 1990s, the label played a major role in Southern hip hop, but its prominence faded after Master P's No Limit Records and Birdman's Cash Money Records rose to fame later in the decade.
The label's first artist was New Orleans rapper Sporty T, whose real name is Terence Vine. He had helped start The Ninja Crew, one of the early recorded rap groups from New Orleans. In the early 1990s, after hearing early bounce hits, Sporty T moved in that direction. Big Boy's debut single was "Sporty Talkin' Sporty," a bounce track with an unusually heavy sound. It sold 4,000 copies, prompting Big Boy to look for more talent. That same year, the label signed Partners-N-Crime, a duo from Hollygrove, New Orleans. Their 1994 single "Ride It, Roll It" became an instant hit, and their debut album *Partners-N-Crime* dropped months later. Also in 1994, G-Slimm's *Fours Deuces & Trays* gained regional attention. But the label's first major breakthrough came from Mystikal, a Gulf War veteran from the 12th Ward. He had previously performed with Parkway Pumpin. Big Boy poached him, released "I'm Not That Nigga" and a self-titled debut that sold 300,000 copies. With that success, Big Boy produced most of its promotional videos afterward. The label began to fall apart after Mystikal and Fiend signed with No Limit and G-Slimm died. In 1997, Shaw left to start South Coast Music, and Partners-N-Crime followed him there that same year. Edwards also left in 1997 to launch Upper Level Records, signing The Ghetto Twiinz in a joint venture with Rap-A-Lot. In 2004, Big Boy put out a greatest hits compilation covering 1992 to 2000. Charles "Big Boy" Temple died in 2015.
Notable artists included Mystikal, Ghetto Twiinz, Partners-N-Crime, Black Menace, and Fiend.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1992
- Founder
- Charles "Big Boy" Temple; Robert "Big Rob" Shaw"; Leroy "Precise" Edwards
- Genre
- Hip hop, R&B
- Country
- United States
- Location
- Kenner, Louisiana, U.S.
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Big Boy Records' first signee was pioneering New Orleans rapper Sporty T, a former member of The Ninja Crew. The label's first single, "Sporty Talkin' Sporty," was a bounce track with an uncharacteristically heavy sound, selling 4,000 copies. That same year, Big Boy signed the duo Partners-N-Crime from Hollygrove, whose 1994 single "Ride It, Roll It" became an instant hit, followed by their debut album *Partners-N-Crime*. Later that year, G-Slimm's album *Fours Deuces & Trays* gained regional attention. The label's first huge success came from Mystikal, a Gulf War veteran from the 12th Ward, who had previously performed with Parkway Pumpin. Big Boy released "I'm Not That Nigga" and Mystikal's self-titled debut, which sold 300,000 copies. Bolstered by this windfall, Big Boy made most of their promotional videos in the wake.
Reader's Guide
Big Boy Records played a key role in the early 1990s Southern hip hop scene, particularly in New Orleans, before being overshadowed by larger regional labels like No Limit and Cash Money. The label launched the careers of Mystikal, who later found mainstream success, and Partners-N-Crime, while also releasing notable work by G-Slimm and Fiend. Its decline began after Mystikal and Fiend signed with No Limit, the death of G-Slimm, and the departure of co-founders Shaw and Edwards to start their own labels. By 1997, the label had effectively dissolved. In 2004, a greatest hits compilation was released covering 1992 to 2000. Charles "Big Boy" Temple died in 2015.
Did You Know?
- The label's first signee was Sporty T, a former member of The Ninja Crew, one of New Orleans' early rap groups to record.
- Mystikal, the label's first huge success, was a recently returned Gulf War veteran.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Big Boy Records?
Big Boy Records was an independent New Orleans–based hip-hop label specializing in Southern hip hop and bounce music. It was launched in late 1992 and remained active until it went defunct in the late 1990s.
Who founded Big Boy Records?
The label was co-founded by Charles "Big Boy" Temple, Robert "Big Rob" Shaw, and producer Leroy "Precise" Edwards in late 1992.
Which artists were signed to Big Boy Records?
Its first signing was Sporty T (Terence Vine), a New Orleans rapper who had helped form the early group The Ninja Crew. The roster also included Mystikal, Ghetto Twiinz, Partners-N-Crime, Black Menace, and Fiend.
Why did Big Boy Records shut down?
The label lost its competitive edge in the mid-to-late 1990s as Master P's No Limit Records and Birdman's Cash Money Records dominated the Southern rap landscape. By the end of that decade, Big Boy Records had ceased operations.
Why is Big Boy Records important to Southern hip-hop history?
It was one of the first independent outfits to put New Orleans bounce and local rap on commercial record in the early 1990s, helping define the city's sound before the genre broke nationally. Artists it developed went on to shape the broader Southern hip-hop identity.
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