Big T is a renowned prominent figure in the competitive world of rap battling, probably best known for his commanding presence, intricate wordplay, and sharp lyricism. As a distinguished member of the battle rap collective NWX, Big T has consistently showcased his skills on the stage, captivating audiences with his engaging performances and memorable verses.
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Early life, family, education
Terrence Greenlee was born on 23 September 1986, in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois and so is 37 years old today. While details about his family, including the names of his parents and potential siblings, remain elusive, Big T’s journey into the realm of hip-hop was heavily influenced by the musical landscape of his upbringing.
Growing up in Chicago, Big T found inspiration in the sounds of popular rap artists of the time, with the likes of 50 Cent, Eminem, and Dr. Dre serving as pivotal figures that fueled his passion for the genre. These early influences laid the groundwork for the distinctive style and creative expression that would later define his career as a battle rapper.
After matriculating from a local high school, the specifics of Big T’s further education become less clear. It appears that he chose a path less conventional, potentially forgoing college to dedicate himself wholly to the pursuit of his passion in the competitive world of battle rap. This decision underscores his commitment to the art form, and his unwavering determination to make a mark in the ever-evolving landscape of hip-hop.
Career
Big T’s journey into the world of battle rap began in the streets of Chicago during his early adulthood, although the exact timeline of his entry remains unclear. His rise in the competitive rap scene was marked by memorable performances and a distinctive style that set him apart.
His stage name, Big T, is an abbreviation of Big Tuna, which is reportedly his nickname. However, he hasn’t revealed how he got the nickname, but it likely relates to his size, as he is a fairly big man.
Throughout his career, Big T engaged in intense battles with renowned opponents, showcasing his skills on prominent platforms. Notable clashes with the likes of Hollow Da Don, K-Shine, and Tsu Surf, demonstrated his ability to go toe-to-toe with some of the best in the game. During these battles, he introduced the catchphrase “Chalaka-boo,” which became a trademark and added a unique flair to his performances.
Big T’s impact in the battle rap community was further solidified when he and a fellow rap battler Hollow Da Don were recognized by Complex in 2013 as part of the “25 Greatest Rap Battles on YouTube.” This acknowledgment underscored the significance of their verbal sparring, and the lasting impression it left on the audience.
In July 2012, Big T received a significant boost to his recognition when he was co-signed by none other than rap icon 50 Cent. The endorsement from 50 Cent, who referred to Big T as one of his favorite battle rappers, brought increased attention to Big T’s talent and contributed to his growing prominence within the hip-hop community.
In July 2013, Big T reportedly gained a lot of attention when he faked his own death as a part of a stunt to get people talking. The details of what exactly happened are unclear, and the reasons behind it haven’t been talked about in public, but this unusual event certainly left many people curious about the reasons behind his decision, and added an element of mystery to the whole situation. Even though the specifics remain in the dark, this incident created a lot of buzz, showing that Big T isn’t afraid to try unconventional methods to get noticed in the world of hip-hop.
One of his most recent rap battles was against B. Nasty in the T.O.Y.S Rap Battle League, which was filmed in Downtown Oakland and uploaded on the Toys Rap Battle League’s YouTube channel on 22.12.2023.
Outside of his career as a rapper, Big T has also launched his line of merchandise, selling branded T-shirts, hoodies and sweaters, which often feature writings such as “Humanity Aint That Bad.” He promotes his clothing line on his second Instagram account “@thetunabizness,” which has around 7,000 followers.
Evolution is a must I wish a battlerapper would 🙌🏾🙌🏾👑 #Chicago frontline pic.twitter.com/11770MNAXS
— Big T aka (Big Tuna) (@bigt_tuna) February 26, 2021
He also reportedly runs a credit score repair business, which helps people boost their credit scores and get out of debt. The exact details of how the business works haven’t been revealed, but he’s posted positive messages from several of his happy customers. He recently shared news of a Christmas discount on his Instagram account.
Social media presence
Big T has a very vibrant social media presence on multiple platforms, but is mostly active on Instagram. Today, his account boasts a following of around 120,000 fans, and 1,500 posts. His content on the platform mostly revolves around his rap battles, highlights of his daily life, and video commentary. He frequently posts commentary to wildlife videos, which often feature unusual scenes and animal behavior.
He’s also active on Facebook, but with a following of just 5,000 on the platform. He mostly shares links to YouTube videos of his rap battles, and information about upcoming events.
Appearance
Big T stands at a heigh of 5ft 9ins (1.76m) and weighs around 220lbs (100kgs). He has deep black eyes. long black hair which is styled in dreads, and maintains a short-trimmed goatee style beard. He frequently wears baggy clothes with multiple layers, which include hoodies, jackets, and branded T-shirts. He loves to accessorize, and often has a chain around his neck and a watch on his arm.
Hobbies
Big T is a passionate gamer, and loves playing Call of Duty and Apex legends with his friends. He’s also a movie enthusiast, and goes to the cinema to catch new releases as often as possible. His favorite movie is “Django”, directed by Quentin Tarantino.
Relationships
Big T has been very private about his love life, and hasn’t shared any information about past or current partners. However, most reports suggest that he’s single at the moment, and focusing on his career and businesses.
Net worth
As of 2023, Big T’s net worth has been estimated at over $1 million, his wealth coming primarily through his successful career as a battle rapper, but also as a result of his recent entrepreneurial endeavors.