XXL MAG UK Exclusive: Big Neal

In the heart of the Southern hip-hop scene, a legend has emerged. Big Neal, born Patrick Jones, is a rapper and songwriter from Albany, Georgia, who has been making waves in the music industry for years. With a career spanning over two decades, Big Neal has built a reputation for his raw talent, captivating lyrics, and unrelenting passion for music. In this exclusive interview with XXL MAG UK, Big Neal opens up about his journey, his music, and what’s next for this talented artist.

The Genesis of a Legend

XXL MAG UK: Big Neal, thanks for taking the time to sit down with us today. Let’s start from the beginning. What sparked your interest in music, and how did you get started?

Big Neal: Man, music has always been in my blood. Growing up in Albany, Georgia, I was surrounded by the sounds of OutKast, UGK, and other Southern legends. I think what really sparked my interest was the storytelling and the raw energy of their music. I started rapping in high school, doing talent shows and freestyle battles with my friends. From there, I just knew I wanted to pursue music full-time.

XXL MAG UK: You mentioned you played football at 18. What made you decide to focus on music instead of sports?

Big Neal: Football was a great outlet for me, but music was always my true passion. I loved the creativity and self-expression that came with making music. Plus, I saw how music could take people on a journey and make them feel something real. I knew that’s what I wanted to do.

Big Neal

The Rise to Fame

XXL MAG UK: Fast forward to the early 2000s, you started putting out demos and performing shows around the country. What was that like for you, and how did you manage to build such a loyal fanbase?

Big Neal: Man, those were some wild times. I was grinding hard, doing shows wherever I could, and putting out demos on cassettes. It was a different time back then, but it worked for me. I built my fanbase by being real with my music and connecting with people on a personal level. I think that’s what’s helped me sustain my career this long.

XXL MAG UK: Your albums “Dirtoad,” “Backwoods,” and “Mosquitos” have been incredibly successful, selling over 100,000 copies combined. What inspired these projects, and what’s your creative process like when making new music?

Big Neal: Each album has its own story. “Dirtoad” was about introducing myself to the world and showcasing my style. “Backwoods” was more about exploring my roots and where I come from. “Mosquitos” was a bit more experimental, pushing the boundaries of my sound. When making new music, I try to stay true to myself and create something that resonates with my fans. I’m always looking for new ways to express myself and tell my story.

The Digital Age

XXL MAG UK: Your music is now available on all major streaming platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Soundcloud, and Pandora. How do you feel about the music industry’s shift to digital, and how do you stay connected with your fans online?

Big Neal: The shift to digital has been a game-changer. It’s allowed me to reach a wider audience and connect with fans in ways I never thought possible. Social media has been huge for me, too. I use it to stay in touch with my fans, share new music, and give them a glimpse into my life.

Big Neal

The Future

XXL MAG UK: What’s next for Big Neal? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you can tell us about?

Big Neal: I’m always working on new music and collaborating with other artists. I’m excited about some projects I’m working on right now, but I’m not ready to announce anything just yet. Let’s just say I’m staying busy and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with my music.

XXL MAG UK: Well, we can’t wait to see what you have in store for us. Big Neal, thanks again for sitting down with us today. It’s been a pleasure having you in our pages.

Big Neal: The pleasure is all mine. Thanks for having me, XXL MAG UK.

Big Neal’s Discography: