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10 Questions with ... Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan
May 18, 2021
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I began as an intern in 1993 at WPGC and got my first shift on the weekend at 92Q in Baltimore in January 1994. I assumed nights at WPGC in September 1994 when Albie Dee went to afternoons. I became the 3rd host of BET’s Rap City in 1998, before reformatting the show into the iconic Rap City: Tha Bassment in 1999. I had brief stints at WJLB (mornings) and Power 103.5 in Miami (middays) as well as two visits to Power 105 in NYC. I did nights when Power 105 flipped to its current format, and came back when Star and Bucwild were dismissed. Went back to WPGC to do afternoons and mornings from 2006 – 2011 before exiting and reemerging at my current home V-103 in Atlanta in 2013. (whew)
1. When, why, and how did you decide to go into radio?
1993 – I was offered an opportunity to get an internship at WPGC 95.5 in D.C. As I grew up DJing before attending the University of Maryland – College Park, I thought it would be a win-win as I could get my internship credits and get some free records, etc. One day I had to go into the studio to get something from the Music Director/Afternoon Host Albie Dee. As I entered, he said “hold on” and did a live break right in front of me. I was instantly amazed and hooked. I had lots of questions (which he all answered) but that was the moment I knew I wanted to be an on-air personality.
2. What are you up to these days?
Currently waking up Atlanta on V-103 with the “Big Tigger Morning Show” alongside my cohosts Ms. Basketball & Tylerchronicles. Aside from that, I am the Official DJ for the Atlanta Hawks and Official Tailgate DJ for the Atlanta Falcons. I started a virtual club online during the pandemic called Club Riskitall (@clubriskitall) where grown and sexy R&B music (ie. babymaking music) is the soundtrack I provide to a very eager, captive, and active audience. We started out at two nights a week, but the morning show readjusted my life, so now it’s only one time a week streamed live on Twitch, TikTok, and Instagram.
I just had my 2nd appearance on Wild N’ Out, and am in talks for some other tv/film opportunities.
3. How many morning shows have you been involved with over the years?
4-Total:
The Morning Lockdown w/ Coco & Foolish on WJLB in Detroit
Live with Big Tigger, Egypt, and Donnell Rawlings on Power 105 in NYC
The Big Tigger Morning Show w/ Free on WPGC in DC
The Big Tigger Morning Show currently on V-103 in Atlanta4. What do you like about hosting mornings?
The opportunity of helping people get their days started off right with a good song, joke, interesting topic, etc. is an amazingly proud feeling. Nothing else to like about getting up at 4:00 a.m. Well, except the check!!!
5. Would you share the names of some air personalities you grew up listening to?
I am from the Bronx, NYC so Frankie Crocker, Jeff Fox, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl, Kool Dj Red Alert, Chuck Chillout, P-Fine (89U Rap This Show), Awesome Two
6. What are you most proud of?
My longevity. It’s been gratifying to know that I have remained consistently employed in this industry and making it happen at a high level. I’ve always kind of just been me, and couldn’t be happier that my audiences have accepted, liked, and supported me in every endeavor over the last 27 years.
7. Who have been some of your influencers and mentors?
Albie Dee – my first mentor. He taught me a lot about being an air personality on and off the air. The energy, hustle, and thought process.
Jay Stevens – My PD at WPGC. He gave me the tools to amplify my personality. Smoothed out some of the rough edges and continued my growth off air by teaching me selector and other behind-the-scenes things/concepts in programming.
Donnie Simpson might have been one of the biggest. His legendary career on air and at BET was an amazing resource to me in my younger years. He was kind and open whenever I asked about certain things and to this day gave me one of the most important nuggets in all my professional career. “KNOW YOUR WORTH!” What that meant was being aware of your leverage or lack thereof in any situation and then maximizing your benefit. I still use that to this day!!
8. How long did you do the weekend syndicated show, and could you tell me about the experience?
Live In Tha Den with Big Tigger was an great experience from 2002 – 2013. My show was airing in 72 cities and 3 countries every weekend bringing that culture to the masses. I am proud to have been the first show in Premiere Radio Networks Urban department. I definitely opened the doors for the rest of those that came after me. Overall, it was an experience I am thankful to have been able to have.
9. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _______?
Music and unfortunately my cell phone. Music is the soundtrack to every moment in my life whether its in the background or front and center. My phone is my connection to the world…social media, the news, my work, etc.
10. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
“Know your worth” – Donnie Simpson, 1995. As I explained above this was simply the most important lesson in business I learned at a young age.
Bonus Questions
Could you tell us about your time doing the BET show Rap City?
I am immensely proud of my time and work on BET’s Rap City: Tha Bassment. That show was a part of the fabric of hip hop culture. A daily representation of hip hop music, art, fashion, videos and, of course, freestyles in the booth. I left that show in 2006 and I’ve not had one whole day pass where someone didn’t ask for me to bring it back. Whether or not that happens, I am extremely grateful to have been the host of such an iconic show.
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