FBE Big John is an essential piece to the heart and soul that is the North Carolina music community. In our conversation, I found everything from his adoption from Russia to being in a band, becoming a DJ, and being associated with NOAHH and In Tha Fest to be highly entertaining and interesting. Once again, if you are interested in anything related to North Carolina or music, FBE Big John is a person to study. Enjoy our conversation below.
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Harrison Freeman: First and foremost, I want to welcome you to our pages. I consider it an absolute privilege to be able to conduct this interview with you. If you don’t mind, introduce yourself to our readers.
FBE Big John: My name is FBE Big John, I’m a DJ and host for In Tha Fest. Thank you for having me today on your platform.
Harrison Freeman: Of course, thank you for being here. Where are you based out of?
FBE Big John: I was originally adopted from Russia and came to America in 1999. But I’ve been in Greenville since then besides some time I spent up north for college.
Harrison Freeman: Do you remember anything from that transition? If so, what was that like for you personally?
FBE Big John: I don’t remember really coming to America, but I have this feeling of being different and knowing I’m made for something that is bigger than me. I really feel like I’m living the American Dream.
Harrison Freeman: So, with that being said, let’s talk about Greenville. How was life growing up there? What does Greenville mean to you?
FBE Big John: Greenville was really a stepping stone for me. When I left home to college to go to West Virginia I got to reinvent myself and I came up with “Big John,” my best self. In Greenville I had just gone with the motions and did what everyone else did around me. Since being a DJ I see Raleigh and Winston Salem as my homes personally. Home is where my passion takes me honestly.
Harrison Freeman: Would you say Greenville lives up to the reputation it’s built? Did that “party lifestyle” have anything to do with finding your desire to DJ? If not, how did that come about?
FBE Big John: I mean growing up I was focussed on athletics. But since being a DJ at the bar 519 I party like 3-4 days of the week. I also go to the strip club maybe 2 nights a week. So yes I do agree since becoming a DJ I do partake in the party lifestyle. But honestly when I was in the band “Spare Change” I was already the party person in the band
Harrison Freeman: Could you elaborate what that was like being in Spare Change? What Role did you play?
FBE Big John: Well for two and a half years I was doing shows with the band every weekend no real weekends off for two years straight. I was running the lights and setting up and tearing down the stage every show. 1st one in, last one out type of time. I learned so much about what a show needed to be and I think it’s translated perfectly into what I bring to In Tha Fest
Harrison Freeman: I see, so would you say that having a determined mindset that’s ready for the grind is essential to being a successful DJ?
FBE Big John: If you really want something in life you have to go get it. Because no one will give it to you. I had never DJed a show before Summer In Tha Carolinas and NOAHH gave me a chance and I haven’t turned back. Without him there would be no me. I was given sets like TiaCorine, SauxePaxk TB Tribute, Belis and I knew I had to be as great as they were. Being a DJ you are the artists right hand man, back them up no matter what. Give them the energy they want the crowd to give them. It starts with me being on stage hyping them up and then it’s my job to make sure the crowd feels the energy you are giving.
Harrison Freeman: How did you meet NOAHH? Were you nervous for your first set?
FBE Big John: Well when I was trying to navigate and find my way into the North Carolina music scene. A great mentor of mind told me I should start a podcast and interview the people I wanted to be around and be friends with. I had started the pocast, “Small Talk,” and NOAHH at that time had just dropped NOAHH’s Ark and he came down to Greenville with Cloudy Nueve’s mom and girlfriend and owie. From there he started talking about Summer In Tha Carolinas and I was sold on it from there. Hearing his passion inspired me to dive all the way in and give all my energy and talents to the state and community I now work for. Was I nervous of course I was. I had been given my own sets on top of artists sets and I came up with the idea instead of just playing the songs, bring the artists out to perform them on one stage together. I showed up to Moore square park with 10 special guests. I still think back to those sets and see them as elite. I brought out all of winston salem and I’m not from there. I was doing things 1st time DJs were not doing.
Harrison Freeman: Man that is incredible. It’s amazing to see the impact you have on North Carolina and the music scene.
Harrison Freeman: Were there any setbacks or trials that had you, maybe not question your purpose, but slowed you down? If so, how did you overcome those odds?
FBE Big John: Uhhh that’s a great question. I deal with that alot honestly around this time of year when less shows are happening. But a great example was when I went to LA with NOAHH last year, really locked in with Sad Frosty and he was impressed and wanted to bring me on tour this year with him and DC the Don. Fast forward a month later he ends up passing and the plans we had fell apart. Rest in Peace to him and I think about the love he showed me all the time. At 26 now just finding a gig or a group of people that I can work for so I can provide for myself. My parents just turned 70 and there is just this huge pressure to make the dream become a future if you get what I mean. I’m blessed though, I’ve only taken one month off to do no shows in the past year and that was my own choice.
Harrison Freeman: RIP for sure. It’s often very overwhelming to think about how many people pass away within this community. There are several reasons that result in these numbers. Do you think that is something that just comes with the territory or do you think there is a way to stop it? What can people like me and you do to help?
FBE Big John: With that being said Rest in Peace to Cloudy Nueve, SauxePaxk TB, LeakSaucey and Jaah SLT. All great artists from our community. It really becomes our job to check in on the people we love and care about. We never know what tomorrow brings and they might not be here with us. That’s why I treat every set like it’s my last. I’m here to give my passion and talents every show. That’s how I treat it. Telling everyone I love them and that I support them because you never know if they hear that enough.
Harrison Freeman: I completely agree. I want to take this moment to share my condolences with you, our readers and families impacted by these tragedies. I want you to know that what you’re doing matters. This also goes for everyone reading as well. What you do matters. You matter.
Harrison Freeman: On a lighter note, what has been your favorite moments of being a DJ?
FBE Big John: I think my crown achievement has been closing in on 300 different artists that I’ve DJed for in the past year and a half. I don’t see anyone with those numbers. My favorite moments have been getting to DJ and Host 1NightinLA fest last December. Djing part of BIGBABYGUCCI tour. DJing for NOAHH all over the place and being such a role player for In Tha Fest. but most importantly is meeting so many like minded people that help me understand my value in this community. I’ve always felt like an outsider until now. Also getting to work on my debut album has been a very fulfilling journey this year.
Harrison Freeman: You’ve definitely made your mark. That’s something no one can take away from you. Do you want to share a little about your debut album and what that’s been like?
FBE Big John: The Family Road Trip is the title of it and the whole basis is that I’ve been on this journey around the state and I get to showcase the family I’ve made in the past year. Having 30 plus artists involved and it’s been all out of love for me and what I do. In September when I celebrated my birthday I had 20 artists come to Oak City Studio in Wake Forest and we made 8 songs that fast. People from Charlotte, Winston, Raleigh and Greenville made this journey to come celebrate with me. But the album will be like a radio transmission and have skits but myself and other influencers that I love. So when you play the album it feels like an experience. Shoutout to thatshitsoundlikerob for helping me bring my dream to life. Without oak city or FBE I wouldn’t have even tried to do an album. But I feel like What I’m doing is different than what DJ Khaled or the other DJs are doing in the mainstream.
Harrison Freeman: I can 100% say you have a spark in you that’s different than others just by this conversation.
Harrison Freeman: Of course, you have the notorious FBE logo tat on you stomach. What does it stand for? What is it?
FBE Big John: FBE!! Family Before Everything. Since I was adopted I really felt like I got to choose my own family. I put it on my stomach just to remind myself. When I started FBE with Konsume Us it was Fat Boy Entertainment. But when we added Cole Sipe and AK we really became a family and they helped change the motto and embodiment of FBE. Everything has a deeper meaning with everything I do. FBE is a family made up of me, Konsume Us, Cole Sipe, AK, Madison Burch, Imani and Joe Joe
Harrison Freeman: All very talented individuals. What are some things you’re looking forward too when it comes to your future as an artist?
FBE Big John: I wanna DJ at Rolling Loud, I wanna be someone’s tour DJ. I want to be a road warrior. I wanna help make InThaFest be as big as dreamville fest. I’m shooting for the stars with my career. It’s an honor to have so many people intrigued with what I’m doing and trying to achieve.
Harrison Freeman: I truly believe those things are achievable, especially for someone like you, man.
Harrison Freeman: For my last question, do you have any words for the readers?
FBE Big John: Thank you I appreciate that so much. Can’t wait to meet you Thursday and let you experience what I do. Would love to have you on stage with me for a few sets.
FBE Big John: To close out I would like to thank everyone that has played a role in my career. If you have a dream, chase it. Don’t let it die. Nothing is impossible. Support your friends and they will support you. _____________________
Here are some examples of what FBE Big John brings to the table.
Here you can find FBE Big John’s social media.
