Chuck: The Founder of New Orleans Legendary Label Big Boy Records

Founded in the early 1990s by Charles Temple alongside producer Leroy “Precise” Edwards, Big Boy Records emerged as one of the first independent hip hop labels in New Orleans. In a scene still developing its identity, Big Boy Records was not only groundbreaking—it was fearless. At a time when bounce music was just beginning to take shape, Big Boy provided a home for artists who pushed musical boundaries, delivering a soundscape that was both diverse and uniquely reflective of the city.

The label's roster read like a blueprint of early New Orleans hip hop excellence: Sporty T, G-Slimm, Partners-N-Crime, Fiend, Black Menace, and Ghetto Twinz, to name a few. Each artist brought something distinct, painting a multifaceted picture of the city’s culture and struggles, far beyond the dancefloor rhythms of bounce.

Launching Mystikal's Career

If there’s one artist whose trajectory best encapsulates the genius of Charles Temple, it's Mystikal. Long before his platinum plaques and national notoriety, Mystikal got his start with Big Boy Records. His self-titled debut album, released in 1994, was raw, energetic, and teeming with lyrical prowess. It didn’t take long for the streets to take notice.

Mystikal’s eventual move to No Limit Records helped catapult him into the mainstream, but it was Temple who saw his star power first. This defining moment underscores the critical role Big Boy Records played—not just as a label, but as an incubator of future greatness.

A Rivalry That Fueled a Movement

No conversation about Big Boy Records is complete without mention of its intense rivalry with Cash Money Records. More than just a war of words, this feud helped shape the gritty, competitive atmosphere of the New Orleans rap scene in the ’90s. Diss tracks flew back and forth, and each label worked feverishly to outdo the other.

While some viewed the rivalry as divisive, it also sharpened the creative edge of everyone involved. The tension helped elevate the quality of music being produced, and it forced artists and executives alike to double down on authenticity, originality, and lyrical firepower.

Legacy Beyond the Spotlight

Big Boy Records never reached the national stature of No Limit or Cash Money, but its impact cannot be overstated. It was an early incubator of talent and a cornerstone in the foundation of New Orleans’ hip hop identity. Charles Temple's vision for a locally grown, independently driven label gave many young artists a shot when few others would.

Sadly, Charles “Big Boy” Temple passed away on September 21, 2015, marking the end of an era. But his legacy lives on through the artists he discovered, the sounds he cultivated, and the entrepreneurial spirit he embodied.

Remembering a Giant in New Orleans Hip Hop

Charles Temple may not be a household name, but his influence looms large over the New Orleans music scene. He was a tastemaker, a mentor, and most importantly, a believer in the power of homegrown talent. His work helped lay the groundwork for the international success that New Orleans rap enjoys today.

As we continue to celebrate the giants of Southern hip hop, let us not forget Charles "Big Boy" Temple—a pioneer whose contributions were as bold and brilliant as the city he represented. His story is a reminder that behind every chart-topping movement lies a foundation built by those who dared to believe before the world did.