Big Moe

Big Moe

Big Moe (June 27, 1974 - October 14,2007) whose real name is Kenneth Moore, was a rapper from Houston, Texas. Unlike most of the Houston rappers, who tended to offer a harder approach like hardcore or gangsta style, Kenneth offers a slow and calm style. He both rapped and harmonized his lyrics producing leisurely, melodic tracks that bounced along at a smooth pace.

Like many of the Houston based rapper Big Moe began his career freestyling and making flows on DJ Screw's mix tapes before going to Wreckshop Records. Wreckshop Records released the Big Moe's debut album, City of Syrup in (2000), the title nodding to Houston's reputation for drinking codeine-laced syrup, which Moe pours from a Styrofoam cup on the album's cover. "City of Syrup" album featured his single, "Mann!" that Moe intended to be the South Side's answer to Black Rob's East Coast hit "Whoa!". After a year and half later, Moe returned with his second album, Purple World in (2002). It offered a who's who ensemble of Houston vocalists, two versions of Moe's breakthrough single, "Purple Stuff." Priority Records distributed the album, ensuring that it would be everywhere, from the street corners of Houston to the Wal-Marts of suburban America. Even MTV gave Moe's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory-themed video a few rotations. He has been featured in songs with Mike Jones, Z-Ro, Lil' O, Walter Cooper,Southside Playaz, and Big Pokey. Big Moe was also in talks to make appearances in the up and coming cartoon series Pablo and Victor where he will play himself.

Early life

Kenneth Moore was born to his parents Mack and Lashandra Moore on June 27, 1974. Growing up in southeast Houston, Moore experienced much of the violence that infects 3rd Ward. "Growing up, life could be tough, sometimes the heater would go out in winter and the family would huddle together for warmth. It really brought us closer," Moore recalls. Moore showed a knack for appealing to a crowd at an early age, excelling at sports and singing for whoever wanted to listen. "I got the name 'Big Moe' because i was much bigger than all the other kids," Moore recalls, "by the time i was 12 I weighed around 175 pounds; i was a pretty big dude." However Moore used his size to his advantage, excelling at track and field events such as the shot put. As much as he enjoyed playing sports, he found knowledge to be the thing he enjoyed most. "I've always had a thirst for knowledge, i know a lot of people will say I have a thirst for lean, but thats more of a joke I just like to go along with,"

Hometown Importance

Big Moe's prominent wearing of the color purple in large hip hop themed outfits in many of his rap videos is a fairly recognizable style in and around the city of Houston, TX, where he lived. Moore spent his entire life residing in Houston, attending the University of Houston for four years before receiving a degree in Political Science. However after graduating he felt he was better suited following a career as a singer. Since beginning his career in rap he has always hinted at the idea that he may eventually get into city politics. "I'd really like to help out and make a difference in the city that gave me all that I have." Moore stated in an interview, "Im not really sure what I'd like to do, probably something small like being involved in city council." As of now though Moore says there are no immediate plans to deviate from his current course of making music and touring the local areas. Big Moe has stated that he has lent political advise to some prominent politicians who happened to be fans of his. Moore is currently a member of the Braeburn Country Club in Houston, Tx where he play golf regularly on the weekends; his low score is said to be a 71 on 18 holes.

On October 13, 2007,Moe suffered an apparent heart attack on October, 7th, and was and still is in a coma as of last week.

Lyrical Style

Sometimes known as Big Moe the Chef, for his lyrical flavor he is known to both sing and rap on his songs, sometimes blending the two together to create his unique style, rapsinging. Moore's fans where particularly impressed with the release of his fourth album, Moe's Life. This album prominently displayed Moore's unmatched lyrical flavor. The album featured several new unique styles that Moore brought with him into the studio when recording. Most notable being the first song of the album "Noke n Moe live", which features a complex melody and oddly enough no drum beat, all the while Big Moe rapsings an impressive freestyle coming together to form an intoxicating hit song through the use of the Screwed and Chopped technique popularized by Moores friend DJ Screw. Moore has stated that the song Sippin Codeine was his attempt at writing a Beatles song.

Discography

• 2000: City of Syrup
• 2001: City of Syrup (Screwed & Chopped)
• 2002: Purple World
• 2003: Moe Life
• 2004: Classics: Vol 1
• 2006: Moe Life Swishahouse Chopped & Skrewed

Singles

Year	Song	U.S. Hot 100	U.S. R&B	U.S. Rap	Album
2001	"Barre Baby"	-	68	-	City of Syrup
2002	"Purple Stuff"	-	67	-	Purple World
2003	"Just A Dog"	41	69	-	Moe Life

Featured singles

Year	Song	U.S. Hot 100	U.S. R&B	U.S. Rap	Album
2005	"Flossin'" (Mike Jones featuring Big Moe)	-	69	-	Who Is Mike Jones?

See also

• List of Rappers from Houston, Texas
• Houston hip hop
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