Queer rapper Big Dipper is returning to Chicago and bringing some heavy-handed tunes with him. Starting with his YouTube hit "Drip Drop," Dipper made a name for himself and never looked back. Songs like "Thick Life" and "Free Money" continue the trend of mixing free speech with hip hop beats.
Windy City called up the Evanston native to discuss his current state of affairs and his new life.
Windy City Times: Hi, Dip. Did you always want to be a rapper?
Big Dipper: I fell into rapping and performing. I have always been a creative person. I was working in theater, video production, and queer nightlife opportunities. I started dancing and performing in Chicago. I approached a guy named Dan Foley who was in a band to write one song, more of a gag. The song turned out cute and we wanted to make a video for it. We did and the response was positive. People asked me to play shows. I kept going and now it has been four years.
WCT: Have you played Market Days?
BD: I have never played Market Days or Pridefest. I honestly never get booked well in Chicago. I played at Spin in the past and a special event at Manhole recently. This is the fifth time I have played at the Empty Bottle. It is where I play in Chicago the most. The sound and room are both great. I love playing at the Bottle. I get to play 40 minutes and it is a full concert.
I just played the Boise Pride Festival and it is in front of the capital during the day. I was asked to keep it clean because of families being there. I really couldn't. To keep it clean I can't do songs!
WCT: Do you feel Chicago is not supportive of your work?
BD: I feel Chicago is supportive and where I feel most at home. I lived in New York for three years and just moved to L.A. Chicago is where I was born and raised. It is where I developed as an artist. Chicago is where I have played the most. I have almost played at the Bottle twice a year since I started making music. My show has evolved there.
I just played in Stockholm last week for Pride. They were asking for older music because they saw the music videos. When I play at the Bottle I can play new stuff and things I am working on, not music from four years ago.
WCT: I watched your merman video for "Vibin.'" Did you hear Channing Tatum is going to be remaking the movie Splash?
BD: Really? That is so rad. He will do a great job.
WCT: How did you feel when "Drip Drop" became a hit?
BD: Well, it wasn't in my brain that it would be the debut and beginning of a new career. It was just the completion of that specific project when I put the video on the internet. I was shocked when it started getting traction. I finally had a platform that I never had before. I could perform in front of people and put on a show. Rapping was a secret fantasy of mine from childhood. I've always been a huge hip hop fan. I never thought I could be paid to do that in front of people. That didn't seem like a reality until the video came out. That video changed my life. It was really awesome!
I have traveled the world now. This year I have already been to Australia, Stockholm and all over the United States.
WCT: Did you notice Fox's Empire used the rap in the song "Drip Drop?"
BD: Yes, I was watching it live when it came on. The Chicago Reader published an article the next day about both of our songs. They said mine was better!
WCT: What did you think about FX [show] Chozen, [which is] about a gay, overweight rapper?
BD: I was really glad that show was cancelled because all of the gay stuff was just used as a device to make it more interesting. It was actually kind of homophobic. It felt like when college frat boys kiss on a comedy show just for the gag but is not funny.
WCT: Talk about being an out rapper. Do you know any closeted rappers?
BD: I am an independent artist. No record company has even begun to approach me. I know a few queer artists that are on record labels. I believe the music business has changed so much since the Internet. I can make my own music videos and music now. I book myself.
I don't know any big major rappers that could be gay and straight for the money. I am so far outside of that.
I am invited to play shows where they know all about me. I am not playing open mic nights where nobody knows who I am. That can be good and bad. I could cut my teeth being on bills with mixed audiences and have to prove myself. It is a good thing that I am showing up for an audience that is ready for what I am going to give.
I only know my experience of being a gay rapper and playing at gay clubs. I live off the pink dollar. I don't play at straight clubs. I go where I am invited to go.
WCT: Have you found a Little Dipper yet?
BD: There have been many that have applied for it. People always try but there is no one currently holding the title!
Big Dipper grins and bears it at Empty Bottle, 1035 N Western Ave., on Sunday, Aug. 21, at 9 p.m. A Ticket is a steal at $8 so visit EmptyBottle.com or BigDipperJelly.com to reserve one today.
