From New Orleans to The Geto Boys: The Resilience of Rap Legend Big Mike

New Orleans, Louisiana, has long been known as a breeding ground for musical greatness. From the jazz-filled corners of the French Quarter to the bounce-heavy streets of the 9th Ward, the Crescent City has produced some of the most iconic voices in hip-hop. Among those voices is Michael "Big Mike" Barnett, a New Orleans native whose story is one of raw talent, hard decisions, street politics, and the unwavering will to rise again.

Big Mike first gained traction in the early '90s as one half of the Houston-based duo The Convicts, alongside Mr. 3-2. Their gritty lyrics and authentic street tales caught the attention of the Southern rap scene, and Big Mike was quickly recognized as a standout.

Around the same time, West Coast giant Death Row Records came calling, eager to bring Big Mike into their star-studded lineup. His relationship with Snoop Dogg, with whom he once shared an apartment, seemed to make the move a perfect fit. But Houston had different plans.

J. Prince, the founder of Rap-A-Lot Records, managed to keep Big Mike in the South. When Willie D briefly exited the Geto Boys, Big Mike was tapped to fill his shoes. He appeared on the group’s 1993 album, "Till Death Do Us Part," adding a unique New Orleans flavor to the already dominant Texas sound.

However, internal tension—most notably a physical altercation with Scarface—led to Big Mike’s departure from the group and paved the way for Willie D’s return.

Not one to be deterred, Big Mike launched a successful solo career. His solo albums, like "Somethin’ Serious" and "Still Serious", resonated with fans across the South. His authentic, hard-hitting storytelling and baritone delivery became his trademark.

But as his fame grew, so did the friction behind the scenes. When Rap-A-Lot Records tried to lock him into a long-term contract, Big Mike demanded what he was owed before signing anything new. That decision would come with dire consequences.

Big Mike’s refusal to sign led to increasing tension, which reportedly escalated to life-threatening threats. One incident—where bullets narrowly missed him—suggested things were far more serious than contract disputes.

Pushed to the edge, Big Mike retaliated by attempting to burn down Rap-A-Lot’s studio and offices, an act that led to his arrest and a six-year prison sentence for arson.

After serving his time, Big Mike returned to the world a changed man. His music today reflects a deeper perspective—still raw, still honest, but with wisdom forged from struggle.

His legacy is a complex one. He’s an artist who stood on principle, even when it cost him everything. A New Orleans voice that helped shape Southern rap. A man who, despite facing betrayal, prison, and violence, never gave up on himself.

In a culture that often glamorizes the street without telling the full story, Big Mike’s journey is a reminder of the real stakes. And for those who know, Big Mike isn’t just a Southern rap legend—he’s a survivor.

Follow Big Mike’s journey and discography to understand a critical piece of Southern hip-hop history that deserves far more recognition.