A poet at heart with a passion for hip-hop, William Jaime “J-Biggs” Price has made a name for himself in the St. Louis underground music scene. With several mixtapes and two albums, he keeps himself busy performing and recording as a member of different groups and a solo act. Following the release of the latest project by his duo Solid, J-Biggs has lined up several shows including one this Saturday, June 19 at the Pageant.
Raised in a family involved with music and entertainment, it’s no surprise that J-Biggs and his younger brother Chip – who goes by the stage name “Space the Cashtranaut” – followed a similar path. The rhymes and beats circulating during his adolescence, symbolizing the beginning of hip-hop, also heavily influenced him.
“I was born in 1978, the year that hip-hop supposedly started with the Sugar Hill Gang,” said J-Biggs. “The first tape I remember picking out in the flea market was Kool Moe Dee How Ya Like Me Now. I went home and I would write down the lyrics to it, and I would remember them.”
After the tragic loss of his friend and influence, Kat Davis, J-Biggs was invited to perform with others at a memorial concert; he has been hooked on performing ever since.
“[Kat Davis] and his brother Jia were part of the legendary rap group Bits n Pieces. Jia asked me to go out on stage with him because he knew I basically knew all their lyrics, and not only was I a friend but I was a big fan. Afterwards we started recording together as The Committee,” J-Biggs explained.
The Committee includes artists Space the Cashtranaut, Jia Davis’ sister Toyy and Santone as well. Since its formation, The Committee has become a staple rap family in the St. Louis underground scene. Together and as respective solo acts, they have performed at numerous shows including this years’ first annual St. Louis Underground Music (S.L.U.M.) Festival.
J-Biggs also has his hand in the rap duo Solid, formed with longtime friend EazeAGenius. The two met in high school, and after being separated for a time, they reconnected and started writing music together. Their first project From Water to Ice was released in January and includes the single “Gotta Get It.” They describe themselves as not being old-school or new-school, but right on time.
J-Biggs takes pride in utilizing unique and versatile beats while giving his audience lyrics that deviate from mainstream hip-hop’s excessive sexual content. His messages range from political to simple, everyday life experiences. Though J-Biggs sees himself as distinct from any artist out now, he refuses to criticize what newcomers are doing in the rap game.
According to J-Biggs, “Our parents had stuff that they really weren’t getting with when we were coming up; it looked silly to them, like The Humpty Dance. So I don’t really get into critiquing the game like that because a lot of the artists are way younger than me. I’m 31-years-old, so for me to be criticizing a 17-year-olds’ opinions isn’t right.”
The show this Saturday will feature several members from The Committee as well as Hakeem da Dream, Will Victory and Legion Luciano. It will showcase J-Biggs’ new single “Hustle Grind,” in addition to music from Solid’s From Water to Ice project. The diversity in artists and J-Biggs’ energetic nature should make for an entertaining show.
“I want my music to motivate somebody out there who may have gone through similar experiences to me,” J-Biggs said. “I want them to understand that they aren’t the only ones going through that stuff. I feel like I open myself up; I’ll tell you I’m broke. I just want people to feel free to be themselves when they listen to my music.”
Loop Underground including J-Biggs will take place on Saturday, June 19 at the Pageant. Doors open at 8 p.m. and there is a $5 cover at the door. For more information, call (314) 726-6161. To download music by J-Biggs or Solid, visit www.thefrozenfoodsection.com.
