Craving Ham and Cheese this Summer!!! Interview w Big Dipper

July 6, 2020

Dallas, TX

Big Dipper - The Ham and Cheese EP 2020

The Ham and Cheese EP

I’ve been a fan of Big Dipper since 2013. It wasn’t until I came across his music video Lookin, from the LATE BLOOMER album (2018), that I really got to appreciate who he was as an artist. Like most of his YouTube videos, Lookin was accompanied by beefy men, over the top choreography, and sexually explicit lyrics. What’s not to love? As an artist, it’s hard not to see Big Dipper as a testament to confidence and body positivity. His music resonates with me and I’m sure other gays in the community who don’t look like Andrew Christian models, nor want to.

A self proclaimed bear, Big Dipper has performed at some of the biggest Pride festivals across the United States. He is quickly becoming a gay icon as a rapper, comedian, and entertainer. When I learned he was putting out an EP for 2020, just in time for Pride, I had to get my hands on a copy.

The Ham and Cheese EP, consists of 5 uber upbeat tracks — sure to get you on your feet, shakin that ass! Produced with the help of So Drove and featuring Boy Radio and TT THE ARTIST, this album is quickly becoming one of my favorites of 2020.

With the way things look, we may all be celebrating Pride from home due to COVID-19. If that’s the case, be sure to make The Ham and Cheese EP part of your Pride playlist (Available on iTunes, Apple Music, and Spotify).

I talked with Big Dipper about The Ham and Cheese EP, and all the tea got spilt!

Pinkies up, and sip!…

Weslo: Ok, so these are some bangers! Perfect for dance clubs and festivals. Was that the goal?

Big Dipper: After my album LATE BLOOMER came out in 2018 I immediately wanted to start writing music again. As an independent artist, it's really a whole process to release music, especially with a video and a press rollout. The 2018 album took about 3 years to put together, so I wanted to write something faster that I could release quicker. I partnered with my friend So Drove on all five songs. We worked for about two months once or twice a week and wrote a handful of songs. Then we chose the 5 best tracks for the EP. The goal was to just write good music with my friend.

Weslo: How would you describe The Ham and Cheese EP to your fans?

Big Dipper: 13 minutes of greatness!! There isn't a dull moment, really... all the songs are good, and basically there is something for everyone. A rap song, a pop song, a rock song, a dance song, a club song. We made sure to give you everything you need.

Weslo: The title track Ham and Cheese, I couldn't help but notice the baseball bat reference, was that a nod to the Peanut Butter Jelly Time, the classic youtube video or Family Guy?

Big Dipper: It's definitely a nod to the song "Peanut Butter Jelly Time." That was such an anthem when I was growing up. Basically it was like an analog meme in high school. We would all sing the hook and dance with one another and it was so infectious. That has stuck with me my whole life. I just love how campy those lyrics are and I wanted to pay homage to that idea and flip it to be a little more my brand.

Weslo: Did you use this quarantine time to record and mix The Ham and Cheese EP?

Big Dipper: No. We made all of this music last summer, but I'm really slow at releasing things. Once I finish music I tend to sit on it for a bit...then once I'm ready to release it, I want to make a music video or two and figure out all the details. I don't have a huge machine behind me, so it always feels super slow, but I like to do it my way. The plan was always summer 2020 for a release, but I wasn't planning on only promoting from home. I had a bunch of gigs lined up for Prides and other parties and I was excited to perform all the music from the EP live for an audience and share it with everyone.

Weslo: Late Bloomer had 12 songs, any reason this is a shorter album?

Big Dipper: This is an EP so we never set out to make a full length album. When I was making LATE BLOOMER I put so much pressure on myself to try and make everything perfect. I would go back and redo vocals and mixes and just second guess everything. I wanted to make music with a more carefree attitude; just write stuff for fun and put it out. That's what THE HAM AND CHEESE EP is.

Weslo: What was it like working with Boy Radio and TT The Artist? I gotta say Like This was a favorite.

Big Dipper: I love both of them. The collaborations were pretty easy because they are both pros. TT is out here in Los Angeles so we got to record together which was awesome. She is a total powerhouse and sounds so good on the track. Boy Radio did his vocals in New York, but then came to LA to shoot the music video for LIKE THIS. I love his vibe, and he's been so supportive of the music video and the EP release. I have had some great features on my releases in the past, but these are some of the best.

Weslo: I have to ask, was BACK UP OFF ME about anyone in particular? Spill the Tea!

Big Dipper: As I started writing that song, I was definitely pulling from some specific experiences and certain "frenemies" in my life. But as the song took shape, the lines blurred a bit and now it's more generally an anthem for all the haters out there. My hope is a lot of people can relate to being underestimated and having people talk shit about them. We also shot a music video for BACK UP OFF ME that will hopefully come out this summer. It's so fucking cool, I can't wait to share that with everyone too.

Weslo: What are you most excited about doing once this quarantine is over? 

Big Dipper: Playing live shows!  I love getting up in front of a crowd and entertaining. Doing digital concerts is fun, but it's not the same. I can't wait to play a show again.

Weslo: Who is your favorite rapper of all time?

Big Dipper: I think Nicki Minaj. I have always loved her, tho I wouldn't consider myself a Barb cause I don't start shit on Twitter lol. I also love Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott.

Weslo: Why is body positivity so important to you?

Big Dipper: Body Positivity is self love is self confidence is good energy is happiness. It's all related to living a life that avoids as much negativity as possible. I just try to practice things in my life that lead to happiness and I think loving your body is one of those things. I never set out to spread the message of body positivity, but I'm really happy that people see that in me. It's so important to be kind to yourself and love yourself so you can put that energy out to others.  Also confidence is the magic ingredient when it comes to sexiness. I think people are sexier than they think they are, so I want everyone to love themselves and be confident, so then there is a lot more sexiness out in the world. 

Weslo: Sloppy Seconds, your podcast with Meatball is an office favorite at Unleashed LGBTQ. Ya'll are always having a good time and interviewing huge names. Anyone you're dying to interview? 

Big Dipper: Thanks so much for listening! I love doing the podcast and I hope Meatball does as well, lol. It's so nice to get to release a show every week where we can be ourselves and interview people we like and admire. I would love to have Leslie Jordan on the show, Bob The Drag Queen would be awesome too. I've always loved Maya Rudolph and that would be an amazing interview too.  Especially now that we are separated and recording remotely, making the show happen every week can be a bit stressful, but I'm super grateful for the platform and that I get to work with Meatball.

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