Big Rome has forged for himself a reputation as being one of the underground’s finest narrators, earning the name of “The Arkansas Boss”. His rap style unapologetically is able to fuel a late night party, or equally set forth a moody night of contemplation. Latest release, ‘Who I Am’, serves as his manifesto – and he establishes a bold declaration of greatness, while exploring just how the experiences that scarred his past have continued to shape who he currently is.
He’s been part of the underground music scene for over 15 years, working his way up from a mixtape artist to founding his own independent label in 2011. The grind has seen him earn global radio spins, placements in TV, films, and video games, and even an IMEA Song of the Year award. His latest EP feels like his journal, with each of the five tracks encapsulating his trials, tribulations, and triumphs.
Featured in the award-winning Showtime original series, ‘House of Lies’, ‘Who I Am’ has so far seen more than 10 thousand streams, while also climbing the indie and top airplay charts. Big Rome lays his story out, bare for everyone to see, with his words sliding with ease over a dramatic trap beat.
Cleverly framing the track as if Big Rome was letting it all out on a therapist’s couch, reflecting on his journey and putting all the pieces together like a puzzle, all while resilience and empowerment manage to shine their way through the cracks in the hip hop soundscape. As Big Rome speaks, he works out who he is, and proclaims his truth: “This is who I am…You can’t change it”.
The music video for ‘Who I Am’ is filled with all the grit and realness we’d expect from someone who is baring it all. He takes us to the streets that he calls home, rapping, “Every rapper ain’t no hood star let’s get that understood,”, before asserting, “Big Rome be the truth cause I’m really from the hood…” With a raw and untameable cinematic style perfectly mirroring the unfiltered-ness of the song itself, it’s as if every frame is amplified with power, even intimidation – but undeniably with confidence. All the while, Big Rome carries himself with pride, vowing never to surrender to his circumstances, or waste any opportunities he’s given. He’s on his way to something greater than he already is – and he’s showing the world.
Check out the music video for ‘What I Am’ below, and find out more about Big Rome and his music online on his official website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Spotify.
