Convicts

Michael Barnett, better known by his stage name Big Mike born on September 27,1971 is a rapper from the Southern U.S.. Native of New Orleans, Louisiana - he was partially raised in both New Orleans and Houston, Texas. Big Mike's start professionally in music came by way of a partnership with former Olive Garden co-worker Tony Draper of Suave House Records,that venture led to his introduction to and signing with Rap-A-Lot Records. Big Mike's first release came by way of the project titled (CONVICTS),a group in which he paired with fellow Houston rapper and dear friend Mr.3-2. The CONVICTS project went on to garner underground acclaim and the attention of Death Row Records. During the recording process with Death Row Records, Mike was presented with the opportunity to record with Houston's Rap-A-Lot Records group The Geto Boys,that he later accepted after the brief departure one of the group's original members. Along side of legendary artist Scarface and Bushwick Bill,they released the album titled (Till Death Do Us Part) which birthed notable songs (Mr.Officer,Straight Gangterism, No Nuts-No Glory & 6 feet deep). With the success and notoriety of Till Death Do Us Part.,When Willie D rejoined the group on its next album, Big Mike left. He embarked upon a new outing with the release of his first successful solo project titled Somethin' Serious that birthed more notable songs like (Playa Playa,Havin Thangs,World of Mind) as well as a nomination for "Lyricist Of The Year",a category he shared with (Nas, Notorious B.I.G & Red Man) at the 1995 Source Awards. The success of "Something Serious" placed Big Mike in position to release two additional successful solo albums Still Serious ft.Tremendous and Hard to Hit. He also released Keep It Playa in 2006, and Serious As Can Be in 2009. Big Mike has featured with some of the most influential hip-hop artist such as Scarface, Bushwick Bill, Notorious B.I.G, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross, Red Man, and Snoop Dogg. He has been featured on notable motion picture soundtracks Dangerous Minds, 8 Mile (soundtrack), and Ride (soundtrack), along with a number of compilations, mixtapes & underground and mainstream releases to his credit.