Daily Reggae recently caught up with Big B to discuss his innovative approach to music creation and his upcoming album, “Wellness Check,” set to drop on July 26th. The album promises to captivate both hip hop and reggae enthusiasts with its unique blend of genres.
Big B, we’ve been vibing to your new music and are excited about your upcoming album! Tell us about the creative process for “Wellness Check” – how did you mix it up?
Teaming up with long-time collaborators Johnny Baldaray and Jared Palazzalo (known as the production duo TAVALANE), we rented a house in Joshua Tree for a week in late 2022. With just a few unrehearsed song ideas, ample food and drink, and a minimal recording setup, we immersed ourselves in the songwriting process, relying solely on our trust and creativity. The isolated location allowed us to focus entirely on the music.
Your new single, featuring Killer Mike, stems from a custom motorcycle build you did for him. Can you share that experience?
Indeed, I met Mike through a custom Indian motorcycle build that Carey Hart and I did for him. We hit it off, talking about bikes, music, and life. Mike promised to drop a verse for me someday. I was surprised and thrilled when he followed through despite his busy schedule. In early 2023, we shared an early version of “Pretend” with him, and he was excited to contribute. His verse elevated the song, showcasing his character and talent. When I received his vocal stems, I felt an immense sense of gratitude, much like the joy Mike felt when receiving his custom bike.
“Sidecar” featuring G. Love and your daughter Peachole is a standout track. How did this song come about?
“Sidecar” originated from our initial ideas during the Joshua Tree sessions. The infectious chorus and hook came from a voice memo my daughter Peachole sent from New York. Her quick response and melody essentially completed the song. It was special to create music with her, and this track embodies our free and experimental approach. TAVALANE’s influence is evident, blending soul, reggae, and ska. Kevin Zinger suggested adding G. Love, whose blues and funk style added a fantastic touch.
Collaborating with reggae stars like Common Kings, Jesse Wagner, and Kip Wirtzfeld must have been incredible. Any memorable studio stories?
Working with such talented artists was an honor. I’ve always admired The Aggrolites and Jesse Wagner’s vocals, and TAVALANE helped mesh their style with mine. Johnny and Jared were thrilled to have Kip Wirtzfeld’s signature vocals and sax on a track, adding to the Riverside sound they grew up with. Recording “Slow Down” in Jared’s studio was memorable, with good whisky, BBQ, and late-night sessions with Jesse and Kip. We also had live horn tracking with Tom Cook and Marques Crews, enhancing the track’s authenticity.
You proudly represent the SoCal sound. What does that mean to you?
I’ve always pushed the boundaries of my music, paying homage to the legendary artists who defined the SoCal sound. The diverse cultures and active lifestyles here inspire a feel-good vibe and party atmosphere that resonate in popular music worldwide.
Your album is releasing via Regime Music Group. How has it been working with them, and can fans expect live performances soon?
The music industry can be tough, so it’s great to work with supportive people. We’re eager to perform live, sharing the energy and joy we felt while creating the album. It will be exciting to see how these new tracks come to life on stage.