In just a few short years Reggie Williams, better known as Big Sad 1900 went from dejected dreamer behind bars to hometown superstar.
The West L.A. native led his foray into the world of Hip Hop in 2018 with the release of his debut single “La Cienega Heights”. A track inspired by personal trauma and a memoir in the form of a song for his short-lived childhood friends.
Galvanized by inspiring acts of L.A. Hip Hop like Tupac Shakur, Nipsey Hussle, and through the transparency in his lyrics, Big Sad believes he represents what the industry needs more exposure to; social consciousness, and personal vulnerability.
Though he recalls pouring immeasurable amounts of emotions onto notepads as a child and young adult, a professional rap career never crossed his mind. “When I released La Cienega Heights I had no idea people were going to take a liking to it, I really was just having fun. I started to shy away from what people were going to think, I was already rapping, it was just time for me to put it out.”
The rapper also recalls receiving early on support from artists Skeme and Jay305, a duo co-sign that kick-started his motivation to aim for higher success in music.
Feeling fueled with validation he went on to document various ventures in tracks such as “No Hooks”, “Succas Mad”, and “Strap Up”. All tracks that have to date clocked over 400,000 streams and counting.
Rapidly the buzz he was able to gather from said tracks led to bigger opportunities. His sound caught the attention of one person in particular. “D Savage was the first to reach out for a collaboration. I only had two songs out at the time and he heard “Succas Mad” and immediately wanted to hop in the studio with me”.
Though initially, they worked on an official remix to the song, the recording session was lost, which in turn resulted in the creation of their track “Another Level”.
Immediately after, Big Sad performed outstandingly as the opening act for D Savage at the Roxy Theatre in Hollywood (2019). “That day I drove 17 hours from Seattle to L.A. just to jump right on stage.”
He has since released five projects, and numerous singles, and has collaborated with artists Drakeo The Ruler, RJmrLA, Babyface Ray, BandGang Lonnie Bands, AZ Chike, Rucci, Joe Moses, WLA Stevo, and more.
Big Sad encourages new listeners to tune into his single “Therapy” as it is the epitome of his being. “I talk about losing my grandma, my grandpa being in an elderly home, my brother fighting a case for false imprisonment, the loss of my friends, it’s all in there, it’s all me.”
The artist also admits he finds copious amounts of inspiration within his inner circle. His cameraman Voice2Hard turned out to be his biggest influence thus far. “I’ve seen him grow so much from working with local artists to seeing him work with YoungBoy, I always try to match his work ethic. He releases four videos a week and I’ll try to release four great projects a year. He’s definitely someone I am keeping around.”
Recently the artist returned with a surprise joint project ‘Gang Ties'’ alongside L.A. hitmaker Cypress Moreno. The project includes features from Los Angeles luminaries G Perico, Drakeo The Ruler, AD, and Fenix Flexin. According to Big Sad, the 10-track project is just a taste of what’s to come. “I went through different emotions making the tape. I’m still finding my sound really and I’m a workaholic. This is just a start and I’m already working on two other albums.”
Fans can catch live performances from the artist at the Roxy Theatre on August 26th, 2021, and for the first time on festival grounds at the 2021 DayInVegas event. “It’s going to be my first time doing something that big, everyone around me is excited and keeps telling me I’m going to fall in love with the atmosphere, I’m just ready to go.”
From having a fiery young passion for his penmanship behind bars to flourishing on the energy of his supporters, Big Sad looks to establish his mark in the industry as a rapper with a purpose.
The artist intends to create moving and powerful connections through his newly-constructed label 1900 Records, releasing a debut album ‘The Reason’ through a new deal with Empire Distribution, and collectively refining the abilities of his sound.
Big Sad 1900's first album The General 1900 Edition released on Fri Jul 17 2020.
The most popular album by Big Sad 1900's is Welcome To Los Angeles: The Truth
The most popular song by Big Sad 1900's is Misunderstood
Big Sad 1900's first song Come With Me Tonight released on Fri Feb 10 2023.