Bigg is a Moroccan rapper from Casablanca. He is also known as Al Khaser, a nickname linked to his refusal to censor himself and to the controversial content of his lyrics. He describes his work as a way of restoring the place of Darija in Morocco, where he sees the language as an important part of the country’s history and identity.

Career

Bigg begins his career working closely with DJ Key as a hype man before establishing himself as an MC. He is regarded within Moroccan hip hop as a leading and influential figure. He performs under the name Bigg and also uses the alias Al Khaser.

Recordings and style

His album Mgharba Tal Moute is presented as the first Moroccan album to address a wide range of social and political subjects. Its themes include incarceration, fear of power, citizenship, hypocrisy, freedom of speech, childhood, corruption and maternal affection. Bigg’s beats are influenced by soul music, and he aims to combine that with a Moroccan sound.

The album includes appearances by a number of local rappers, including 9mm from K-Libre, Masta Flow and Colonel, as well as DJ Key. It is described as reflecting eight years of struggle, one year of production and his life in Morocco.

Collaborations and performances

Bigg shares stages with Sha Stimuli, De La Soul, Akon, DJ Lenny S, Disiz la Peste, Psy 4, Arrested Development and La Caution, among others. These performances place him in contact with artists from Morocco and abroad across hip hop and related scenes.