Kendrick Lamar has really been at the center of rap controversy in 2024. He was the consensus winner of the Drake battle, and now he’s set to perform at the Superbowl Halftime Show in 2025. It makes a lot of sense, frankly. Lamar is bigger than ever, having just scored the most significant single of his career. That hasn’t stop the rest of the rap community from criticizing his selection, though. Many have come out and stated that Lil Wayne should have been picked, given that his hometown of New Orleans is the location of the next Super Bowl. Big Boy is one of them.
The legendary radio host sat down with TMZ to discuss the controversial snubbing. Big Boy did not mince words when it came to his thoughts on the matter. He felt Lil Wayne should have been chosen to represent New Orleans. Furthermore, he thinks there’s some fishy things going on behind the scenes. He didn’t mention anybody by name, but JAY-Z and Roc Nation were ultimately the ones who made the final decision. “Something was done there,” Big Boy asserted. “I feel like there’s some people, getting back to the Super Bowl, saying, ‘There’s something there. There’s a reason why.’ And I don’t think people are so far off.”
The radio host also told TMZ that dismissed the notion that Lil Wayne is not relevant enough to play the Halftime Show. He pointed to Wayne’s legacy, his catalog, and the fact that he still appears on popular songs today. Furthermore, Wayne would have been able to call upon Young Money proteges like Drake and Nicki Minaj to make special appearances. “You don’t have to dig Wayne up,” Big Boy stated. “You don’t have to say, ‘Hey, remember Lil Wayne? Like, we need to get someone from New Orleans.’” The radio legend proceeded to dub Weezy the definitive New Orleans artist. “He’s that guy,” Big Boy said. “Young Money was that group.”
Big Boy’s sentiments have been shared by other big names like Master P and Cam’ron. The decision to go with Lamar, however, has fueled speculation that JAY-Z is less friendly with the Young Money camp than the public initially thought. By choosing Lamar, JAY-Z has slighted both Lil Wayne and Drake, who will undoubtedly be a focus of Lamar’s Super Bowl performance. It may have been inadvertent, but the fans have seen JAY-Z wield his power to throw digs at other artists. It’s not proven, but it’s definitely not out of the realm of possibility.
Shante Broadus says Snoop Dogg’s sense of humor set him apart when the two began dating. She recently reflected on falling in love with the legendary rapper during an interview on Big Boy TV. Snoop shared the clip on Instagram afterward with several loving emojis.
“He was funny… He still is,” Broadus said. She added that Snoop can get an “attitude” on occasion, but that, “It’s cool. I just tell him to shut the hell up and keep it pushing.” In the comments section of Snoop’s post, fans were loving the adorable moment. “She’s so smooth and gentle with convo….just like the Boss Lady she is,” one user wrote. Another fan added: “Humans not perfect but I love to see healthy black love.”
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 23: Shante Broadus and Snoop Dogg attend STARZ Series “BMF” World Premiere at Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood on September 23, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/FilmMagic)
Snoop previously discussed his marriage to Broadus while speaking at his Hollywood Walk of Fame Star ceremony, earlier this year. He explained that Charlie Wilson was instrumental in keeping him focused on his wife. “This man right here means the world to me, not just musically but personally,” he explained. “Especially when it comes to me and my wife because there were certain phases in my life where I felt like, ‘I should be by myself, I should do this alone.” He added that Wilson “was the only one man enough to pull me to the side and let me know, ‘Don’t blow a good thing. Get back home. You got the greatest woman in the world. You have a family.’” The two have been together for over 30 years.
In the realm of radio personalities, few names evoke as much reverence and respect as Big Boy. Known for his charismatic presence, quick wit, and unparalleled interviewing skills, Big Boy has solidified his status as a legendary figure in the entertainment industry. As of 2024, Celebrity Net Worth estimates Big Boy’s net worth at a staggering $9 million. Let’s delve into the factors that have contributed to his impressive financial standing.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 24: LL Cool J (L) and Big Boy attend the 2018 BET Awards at Microsoft Theater on June 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for BET)
Big Boy, whose real name is Kurt Alexander, began his journey in the radio industry in the early 1990s. His natural talent and magnetic personality quickly caught the attention of industry insiders, leading to his breakthrough as a radio host in Los Angeles. It was here that he earned the moniker “Big Boy” due to his imposing stature and larger-than-life presence on the airwaves.
His ability to connect with listeners on a personal level, combined with his sharp sense of humor, propelled him to stardom. Big Boy’s morning show became a staple for commuters and music enthusiasts alike, earning him widespread acclaim and a devoted fan base. Furthermore, his popularity continued to soar, paving the way for lucrative opportunities and endorsements.
Philanthropy & Community Engagement
<> on June 24, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images
Beyond his success in radio, Big Boy is also renowned for his philanthropic endeavors and commitment to giving back to his community. During his career, he has been actively involved in various charitable initiatives. Moreover, Big Boy’s philanthropy extends beyond mere financial contributions; he regularly volunteers his time and resources to uplift those in need. Whether hosting charity events, participating in mentorship programs, or advocating for marginalized communities, he remains dedicated to making a positive impact on society.
As one of the most influential voices in radio, Big Boy continues to dominate the airwaves with his unparalleled hosting abilities. His morning show remains a powerhouse in the industry, attracting top-tier guests and garnering high ratings year after year. Beyond radio, Big Boy has expanded his reach into television, appearing on various programs and serving as a cultural ambassador for hip-hop and urban culture.
In addition to his hosting duties, Big Boy has capitalized on his celebrity status through lucrative endorsement deals and brand partnerships. From clothing lines to beverage collaborations, his entrepreneurial ventures have further bolstered his financial portfolio, adding to his impressive net worth.
Conclusion
In 2024, Big Boy stands as a towering figure in the world of radio, admired for his talent, charisma, and philanthropy. With a net worth of $9 million, he has achieved remarkable success and solidified his legacy as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. From his humble beginnings to his current status as a cultural icon, Big Boy’s journey undoubtedly serves as an inspiration to aspiring broadcasters and entrepreneurs alike. As he continues to captivate audiences and make a difference in the community, his influence shows no signs of waning.
Following the release of Kanye West and Ty Dolla Sign’s new album, Vultures 1, the pair have been immersed in the promotional circuit for the album including a comprehensive and extensive conversation with Big Boy. They discussed topics ranging from their collaborative album to insights on the music industry, recent controversies and beyond. The interview between the Vultures 1 duo and the esteemed radio host lasted over an hour. Here are five of the biggest takeaways from the conversation.
Kanye West has previously openly embraced Christianity including in a previous interview with Big Boy. This has been evident in his music for decades. However, following the release of Vultures 1, Ye expressed conflicting sentiments. He mentioned having “issues with Jesus,” and asserted that the act of prayer is a significant source of contention for him.
“You know, I have my issues with Jesus. There’s a lot of stuff I went through that I prayed and I ain’t see Jesus show up… We’re so in this mentality that that’s all that needs to happen but we ain’t praying our way out of prison; we ain’t praying our way out the abortion clinics. We ain’t praying our way to get our land back that was always ours after gentrification after the Harlem Renaissance and Black Wall Street was burned to the ground. Them prayers ain’t working.”
Industry Blackball
Kanye West speaks on how he truly feels about ‘Vultures1’ going #1 on the Billboard hot 100 charts with Big Boy pic.twitter.com/kOB3UJLk3h
During his interview with Big Boy, Kanye brought up one of his most controversial moments — the 2009 VMAs. Ye took this moment to speak about the challenges he and Ty faced while creating this new album. Specifically, he mentioned reaching out to a select few individuals to inquire whether Universal Music Group was intentionally hindering the chart success of his music because of the incident. He shared his belief there has since been a conspiracy to stunt his commercial growth.
“When it went number one, I called up some people I know like ‘You think Universal was capping my albums ever since the Taylor Swift moment?’” he said. “‘And no one could deny that was happening. Just limit him. Turn it down, turn that boy down.’” Kanye also listed some of his most iconic records, expressing to Big Boy that their moderate success was quite a shock. “‘All Of The Lights’ is like number 28. ‘All Of The Lights?’ ‘Runaway,’ you know, ‘N***as in Paris’ was not a number one record.”
Kanye West has been embroiled in several controversies over the years that have become worse in recent times. The rapper has also received backlash from both the Black and Jewish communities. This scrutiny arises from various actions and behaviors, including his endorsement of former president Donald Trump and instances of antisemitic sentiments. Ye disclosed that he has been subjected to numerous threats and expressed surprise at his continued survival. “My life has been threatened,” he stated. “I wake up every day just surprised to be alive because of how many threats I’ve received. From political to Twitter commentary, to all that.”
Ty Prevents Vultures 1 From Getting The Donda Treatment
Speaking of making headlines for various controversies, Ye also lost several friends. Ty Dolla Sign, however, has long since stood by him. He spoke up and explained that despite everything that was going on with Ye, he didn’t hesitate to collaborate with him on Vultures 1. He also asserted his belief that Ye would regain public favor in due time.
More surprisingly, though, was Ty Dolla $ign’s ability to push back against some of Ye’s suggestions. During the conversation, Ye revealed that he attempted to make Vultures 1 entirely clean, similar to Donda. However, Ty Dolla $ign shut down that idea quickly.
Pioneering Two Decades Of Music
In one clip that undoubtedly shook up the internet, Ye told Big Boy that he invented every genre of music in the past 20 years. “I invented every style of music of the past 20 years, I created the genre, I created The Weeknd genre, Trav, Drake… Everybody,” he declared. “I’m gonna go ahead and say, with all love, Future and Thug also. Because the autotune album, 808s, if you think about it. Everybody think about Trav, Weeknd, and Drake, but no one thinks about Future and Thug also. Autotune album. Now everyone, they added what it was to it. But here’s a new genre. It’s called the ‘making your own money’ genre.” The claim ultimately had people talking including Boosie Badazz.
The Vultures 1 duo revealed that the album was the first of a trilogy collaboration between Ye and Ty Dolla Sign. Vultures 2 is set to be released in May, and Vultures 3 will follow sometime this year. Ty also hinted that the upcoming albums will have a different sound. Moreover, he encouraged fellow artists to be original with their work.
“That’s what the goal is for Vultures 2 and Vultures 3, always elevating,” Ty said. “Like if you ask me the question- what I think about music, I feel like I don’t wanna diss anybody, but at the same time, you n***as gotta get better. People always copy the next shit… Like 10 songs are the same thing of each different type of beat.”
