JT the Bigga Figga, born Joseph David Thompson on November 8, 1973, in San Francisco’s Fillmore District, is a seminal figure in West Coast hip-hop. Renowned as a rapper, producer, and entrepreneur, he has significantly influenced the independent rap scene, particularly in the Bay Area.
🎤 Early Life and Career Beginnings
Growing up in the culturally rich yet challenging environment of San Francisco’s Fillmore neighborhood, JT was exposed to the realities of urban life, which later influenced his music. In 1991, at the age of 18, he founded Get Low Recordz, an independent label that would become a cornerstone for Bay Area hip-hop talent. His debut album, Don’t Stop ‘Til We Major, was released in 1992, followed by Playaz N the Game in 1993, featuring the hit single “Game Recognize Game,” which garnered significant local airplay.
💼 Music Career and Entrepreneurship
JT’s early success led to a contract with Priority Records in 1995. However, after releasing Dwellin’ in tha Labb, which achieved moderate success, he parted ways with the label. Returning to his independent roots, JT invested in building a state-of-the-art recording studio and continued to self-distribute his music through Get Low Recordz. His entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there; in 2002, he published an e-book titled The CEO Manual, offering insights into the music industry’s business aspects.
JT is also credited with discovering and mentoring several artists, most notably The Game, whose early work was released under Get Low Recordz before achieving mainstream success.
🎬 Ventures into Film and Media
Expanding his creative pursuits, JT ventured into film and media. He appeared in Spike Lee’s 2004 film Sucker Free City and was involved in the 2007 documentary SKUZZ TV. In collaboration with Snoop Dogg, he worked on the documentary Mandatory Business, featuring industry figures like Russell Simmons and 50 Cent.
In 2015, JT launched Trapflix, an on-demand streaming service showcasing urban films, documentaries, and concert footage, further demonstrating his commitment to independent media production.
🌍 Recent Endeavors and Legacy
In recent years, JT has focused on international projects, including initiatives in Burkina Faso, reflecting his interest in Pan-Africanism and global outreach. Through his YouTube channel, Trapflix TV, he shares content that blends entertainment with social commentary.
JT the Bigga Figga’s legacy is marked by his relentless drive for independence, his role in nurturing emerging talent, and his innovative approaches to music and media. His contributions have left an indelible mark on hip-hop culture, particularly within the Bay Area and the broader independent music scene.
JT the Bigga Figga, a pioneering figure in West Coast hip-hop and the founder of Get Low Recordz, boasts an extensive discography that spans over three decades. Below is an overview of his musical works.
🎤 Solo Studio Albums
JT the Bigga Figga has released numerous solo albums, showcasing his evolution as an artist and producer. Notable albums include:
- Don’t Stop ‘Til We Major (1992)
- Playaz N the Game (1993)
- Dwellin’ in tha Labb (1995)
- Operation Takeover (1996)
- Game Tight (1997)
- Something Crucial (1999)
- Puttin’ It on the Map (2000)
- Hustle Relentless (2002)
- Project Poetry (2003)
- Neighborhood Supastarz (2005)
- Who Grind Like Us? (2005)
- Name in Your Mouth (2006)
- Drop Your Thangs, Just Box (2006)
- Mr. Vice President (2007)
- Boss’ Life (2007)
- Boss’ Life 2 (2007)
- JT Beats Vol. 1 (2008)
- Blueprintz (2008)
- The Game Is Ova Soundtrack (2008)
- Boss’ Life 3 (2008)
- Mandatory Business (Block Edition) (2008)
- South West Bosses (2009)
- Gang Injunction 2.0 (2010)
- Unit Movers Vol. 1 (2010)
- Fillmoelanta (2012)
- Run Your Bands (2013)
- The Journal (2021)
- Fillmoe Africa 254 (2022)
- My Bizness 254 (2022)
- Messy Marv Beats Vol. 1 (2024)
These albums reflect his commitment to independent artistry and his influence on the Bay Area rap scene.
🤝 Collaborative Albums
JT has collaborated with various artists, resulting in several joint projects:
- Beware of Those (with Mac Mall, 2000)
- Long Beach 2 Fillmoe (with Daz Dillinger, 2001)
- Game for Sale (with Daz Dillinger, 2001)
- Street Warz (with Young Noble, 2002)
- Gotta Get It (with Juvenile, 2002)
- Illegal Game (with Mac Mall, 2004)
- Turf Grinders (with Wali M, 2005)
- Gang Injunction EP (with Young Buck, 2009)
These collaborations highlight his versatility and ability to blend styles with other prominent artists.
📀 Mixtapes
Expanding his reach, JT has released several mixtapes, often collaborating with emerging artists:
- Drug Dealer Potential (with Kevin Gates, 2011)
- Conflict of Interest (2012)
- Fillmoelanta 2 (2012)
- Kill The Burglar (2012)
- Bonkers (2013)
- Don’t Stop Til We Major (2013)
- My Runner (2013)
- Run Ya Bandz Up (with Future & Young Scooter, 2013)
- The Independent Game (2014)
- The Independent Game 2 (2014)
- Filmoelanta 3 (with Gucci Mane & Kevin Gates, 2015)
- God’s Plan (2015)
- Trap Flix World (with DJ Tokars, 2016)
- Cali Boy Down South (2017)
These mixtapes demonstrate his commitment to nurturing new talent and staying relevant in the evolving hip-hop landscape.
🎵 Recent Releases
JT continues to produce and release music, with recent projects including:
- Fillmoe Forever (2024)
- 50 Summers: 50 Beats (2024)
- Messy Marv Beats Vol. 1 (2024)
- My Bizness 254 (2022)
- FILLMOE AFRICA 254 (2022)
- The Journal (2021)
These releases reflect his ongoing dedication to music and his roots in the Fillmore District of San Francisco.
JT the Bigga Figga’s biggest accomplishments lie in his pioneering role in independent hip-hop, his work as a mentor, and his business innovations. Here are some of the most notable:
🎧 Founding Get Low Recordz (1991)
- At just 18, JT launched his own label, Get Low Recordz, one of the earliest Black-owned independent rap labels on the West Coast.
- The label was instrumental in developing the careers of Bay Area artists and gave JT full control over his music and distribution.
🧠 Mentoring and Discovering Major Artists
- The Game: JT gave the Compton rapper his start, releasing his debut mixtape Untold Story in 2004.
- San Quinn, Messy Marv, and Ya Boy also benefited from his platform, which helped them gain traction.
🏗️ Popularizing Independent Music Hustles
- He is considered a blueprint for DIY hip-hop success, influencing artists like Master P and E-40.
- JT authored The CEO Manual, teaching young artists how to navigate the music business independently.
🎬 Expanding Into Film and Media
- Appeared in Spike Lee’s Sucker Free City (2004).
- Produced and starred in several hood films and documentaries under his Trapflix brand, a streaming platform he created for urban content.
🌍 Social Entrepreneurship and Global Outreach
- Recently moved operations to Africa, particularly Burkina Faso, to mentor youth and expand opportunities through media, music, and entrepreneurship.
- Launched Fillmoe Africa, connecting African youth to the independent hustle model he helped create in the U.S.
💽 Extensive Discography
- Released dozens of solo and collaborative albums, remaining prolific for over 30 years.
- Known for albums like Playaz N the Game and Dwellin’ in tha Labb that influenced the Bay Area sound.
JT the Bigga Figga is not just a rapper — he’s an innovator who helped lay the foundation for the independent hip-hop movement.
📅 JT the Bigga Figga Career Timeline
1991 – 🏁 Founded Get Low Recordz
- One of the first Black-owned independent West Coast rap labels.
1992 – 💿 Debut Album: Don’t Stop ‘Til We Major
- Marked his entry into the underground Bay Area rap scene.
1993 – 🔥 Playaz N the Game
- Included local hit “Game Recognize Game.” Featured San Quinn.
1995 – 🎤 Signed to Priority Records / Released Dwellin’ in tha Labb
- Major label distribution brought broader attention.
Late 1990s – 🚀 Helped build careers of San Quinn, Messy Marv, and Ya Boy
2000–2002 – 🤝 Collaborated with Daz Dillinger, Mac Mall, Juvenile
- Joint albums expanded his reach to the South and Midwest.
2004 – 🌟 Discovered and promoted The Game
- Released Untold Story before The Game’s rise with Dr. Dre and G-Unit.
2005–2014 – 📼 Released indie films, albums, and mixtapes consistently
2015 – 📲 Launched Trapflix
- A streaming service for urban music, movies, and documentaries.
2020s – 🌍 Expanded to Africa (Burkina Faso)
- Started Fillmoe Africa to uplift local communities with music and media.
2024 – 🎵 Still releasing music independently
- Albums like Fillmoe Forever and 50 Summers: 50 Beats dropped.
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