Big Tigger
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Big Tigger is the stage name of Darian Morgan (born December 22, 1972 in South Bronx, The Bronx, New York City, New York, United States), an American television and radio personality best known as the host of BET's Rap City and 106 & Park.
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[edit] Biography
Tigger started out as a DJ at the radio station WERQ, 92Q in Baltimore, Maryland, but his road to success began a few years earlier. While attending the University of Maryland, College Park, he interned at Washington D.C.'s radio station WPGC 95.5 FM. At WPGC, Big Tigger worked alongside popular host Albie Dee and was promptly recognized for his ambition and charisma. His college internship evolved into a flourishing career. Soon Big Tigger, with his innovative freestyles, gained popularity on night radio. When the Bronx native returned to New York City in 2001, he departed D.C. as the highest rated, six-year undefeated nighttime radio champion.[1]
He entered the television scene on voiceovers for BET in 1996, while still working the radio circuit. Within a year, fans were watching him on-camera, on Rap City's "Hip Hop News," and he advanced to become the co-host of Rap City in its tenth season, alongside Big Lez and Joe Clair. BET then changed the show's format, and Tigger became the lone emcee. He hosted the show from 1999–2005, before being replaced by Mad Linx.
Big Tigger hosted the top rated show 106 & Park until July 7, 2006 (replaced by Terrence and Rocsi, winners of the BET New Faces Contest) and another show BET Style until its final episode on July 6, 2006. Big Tig also hosted numerous episodes of BET: Uncut. He also began rapping in 2003, when he was featured on R. Kelly's song "Snake". He is featured on a hidden track on Ginuwine's album The Senior. Additionally, every weekend, Big Tigger hosts Live In the Den with Big Tigger, a syndicated radio show. He replaced Star and Buc Wild with a temporary morning show, Live With Tigger with Egypt & Donnell Rawlings. On his show Live In the Den, hip hop stars such as Jay-Z make guest appearances. Big Tig also conducts his own countdown throughout the show on weekends airing on various Urban and Rhythmic formatted Hip Hop/R&B stations across the country. (Of note, most Live In the Den Countdown affiliates are owned by Clear Channel and CBS Radio given the fact that it is syndicated thru CC's Premiere Radio Networks and that CBS radio station WPGC is the flagship of the show).
[edit] Other pursuits
In 2003 Big Tigger successfully launched BTWheels.com to sell his line of aftermarket automobile wheels ("rims") in conjunction with the Wheel Design Group. His entrepreneurial spirit was further displayed in the release of his first calendar, Big Tigger's Kittens. A full service modeling agency is in development.
He displayed his dedication to the community with the launch of his charitable organization The StreetCorner Foundation, dedicated to the eradication of HIV and AIDS through education and awareness and improving the quality of life in the community.
[edit] Facts
- Host of BET's Rap City: Tha Bassment from 1999–2005
- Host of 106 & Park from 2005–2006
- Host of BET Style from 2004–2006
- Is the announcer/commentator in EA Sports boxing video game Fight Night and is also a hidden fighter in the game[citation needed]
- Has made vocal appearances on albums by Lil' Wayne, Method Man, Redman, Too $hort, Ginuwine, R. Kelly & Pete Rock
- Holds an annual event called "Big Tigger's Celebrity Classic" to raise money for charity
- He is featured on Tyrese's new album Alter Ego
- Is currently signed to Mike Jones' Ice Age Entertainment record label & Swizz Beatz' Full Surface Records.
