Big Mike

Big Mike, also known as Michael Banks and a part of Houston’s distinctive Rap-A-Lot Records roster, first gained recognition through his work with the Geto Boys. After an internal dispute prompted Willie D.’s departure, Scarface and Bushwick Bill recruited him as the replacement. He featured on the group’s 1993 release Uncut Dope before launching his solo path the following year with Somethin’ Serious, an album issued on Rap-A-Lot. When the imprint entered a partnership with Virgin, Big Mike transferred along with it. His next project, Still Serious, reached the Top 20 after its April 1997 launch. Two years later Hard to Hit arrived, yet Big Mike soon voiced dissatisfaction with the record and stepped away for a prolonged hiatus. That pause ended in 2005 with the Blackstone label’s release of Naw’lins Phats.