Houston's rap scene is alive and well and Big Pokey is a prominent player. "It's all about H-Town," says Big Pokey. "It's our time to shine and we are going to represent our home to the fullest."

Big Pokey grew up in Houston's Third Ward. He is a graduate of Jack Yates High School and Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. An athlete, Big Pokey played football in high school and college. He was part of district and national championship teams, respectively. Big Pokey has transferred that excellence on the field to excellence in his craft. Recently, the owner of a competing local label said if he had to name one rapper from Houston with star potential, it would be Big Pokey.

Big Pokey's life experience is not typical of most rappers. He did not pass through the "school of hard knocks" before getting serious about life. "I've really been blessed and I'm thankful for that." Big Pokey credits his Mother's unconditional love and no-nonsense approach to life. His father died when he was 10 years old but Pokey also had