10 Questions Revisit
10 Questions Revisit with Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan
Name: Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan
Title: Host – “The Big Tigger Morning Show” – Official DJ, Atlanta Hawks
Station: WVEE (V-103)
Market: Atlanta, GA
Your social Media Links: Instagram, Twitter
Company: AUDACY
Born: BRONX, NYC – CAPRICORN
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) Why 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) And what are you up to these days?
Currently waking up Atlanta on V-103 with the “Big Tigger Morning Show” alongside my cohost Jazzy McBee. Aside from that, I am the Official DJ & Music Director for the Atlanta Hawks. And there’s my Big Tigger Foundation Inc. (BTF), a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening diverse urban communities
3) How many morning shows have you been involved with over the years?
5-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 w/Patricia Williams (aka Ms. Pat) and Shamea Morton-V103, Atlanta
The Big Tigger Morning Show/w Jazzy McBee currently on V-103, Atlanta
4) Hosting mornings has done what for you?
Given me the opportunity to help 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) What air personalities did you grow 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) And you’re 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 29 years.
6) Would you share 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) What was hosting the weekend syndicated show like?
Live In Tha Den with Big Tigger was a 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) And 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 Question
Didn’t you also host BET’s 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.