Today we’d like to introduce you to Big Rissa.
Hi Big Rissa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
For one, I am honored to be interviewed by VoyageATL. I have seen many amazing talents have the opportunity to be interviewed by you all and as I celebrated them, I knew my time would come.
I am the mother of two amazing children, Ka’Moni (10) and Legend (5). I was born and raised on the Westside of Atlanta, GA.
I began rapping at the age of 12 when I first realized I had a love for poems and writing stories. While in middle school, myself and a group of friends came up with a girl rap group called L.M.P where we performed for the first time at our school pep rally at Harper Archer Middle School. As life went by, I realized I could not get away from the art of creating music and began to realize that rapping was my passion. It was something that I could enjoy doing even if I did not get paid for it. I started off as a secular artist, recording music in trap houses or wherever I could just to get the music and verses out of my head and on a track. As life progressed, I hit a rough patch where I had to make a decision to continue down the dark path I was on, repeating a demonic cycle of depression, struggle, and bareness or submit myself to God, get into His presence and let my Father show me His plans for my life.
One day while fasting and preparing to go through deliverance, God gave me a set of instructions and one of the assignments was to launch my album. I had been working on music for years but never released anything and God told me to clean up my lyrics and release the album. I had a conversation with God and I said, “But gospel rap is corny” and He told me, “Not when you do it”. From there, I became excited about being a gospel rapper, being a Christian artist and using the gift that God entrusted me with to glorify His name. When I decided to say yes to the call, all of hell broke loose and I went through the most spiritual and mental warfare I have ever experienced in my life and that is when I knew that God was calling me to something bigger, If the enemy attacked me so heavily about stepping out on faith and into music, I knew this is what I am suppose to be doing. Well, a piece of what I am called to do.
As of today, I have been dedicated to ministering in different places, different platforms rather the crowd is big or small as I proclaim the goodness of the Lord through my testimonies and songs. I enjoy letting people know that my music isn’t just a song, it is my story. The lyrics are more than just words, they are decrees and declarations. Many people have wondered where the name Big Rissa comes from as I stand before them small in stature but larger than life in the spirit. I reference 1 Samuel 16:7 as I tell them, it is a man who looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. ” I am a Big Steppa, with Big Faith, Serving a Big God and it has been secret battles that I have overcome with nothing but the help of the Lord which has grew my faith and confidence in Him tremendously. I have a heart for God. My church, Embassy City in Atlanta was the first place that I had the chance to perform my single ” That’s on That’ for the first time as a gospel artist. From there, many doors began to open; I then linked up with DJ Network and the ball really started rolling as I have been blessed with opportunities to minister at different events and meet a lot of amazing artists who are using their gift for the kingdom of God in the most unique way. All I can say is: this is just the beginning!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. I have noticed that it is more difficult to be a gospel artist than it was being a secular artist because now this is ministry. This takes spirituality, a relationship and increased sensitivity to the presence of God. This road is now about being intentional and asking God to allow me to decrease so that He can increase and receive all of the glory. This is bigger than me. When I was a secular artist, coming from a world of sin, it was easy to make lyrics about sex, money, drugs, and material things. Now, I have to make sure I am constantly and consistently in the Word of God, my Bible because that is where my inspiration comes from.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am really a Jane of all trades, skilled at many different things. I have worked in many different professions from being a waitress to cleaning houses, a teller, cashier, office administration, you name it, I have done it. I am currently a CNA and have been taking care of my dear patient for nine years where we have become family. When I am not working as a caregiver, I am slaying looks and creating custom lace front wigs for my beauty company called RissGameCosmetics as I have a love for all things within the beauty industry.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I sing. I can play the flute, the piano, and I can read sheet music.
Contact Info:
- Website: officialbigrissa.com
- Instagram: bigrissgame
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BookBigRissa/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/1BigRissGame
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbwrOYjtm1BD9CsW8u7dNlQ
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/album/elevation-ep/1587839070
Image Credits
Anthony Tolen IG: @anthony__atp NiXe Media IG @itsnixemedia
