07/20/2026
Rest in Power, DJ Bigga Rankin
Today, the city of Jacksonville and the entire Southern hip-hop community lost a true legend. DJ Bigga Rankin — the Godfather of Southern Hip-Hop, the Voice of the South, and a pioneer who helped put Duval on the map has passed away.
From breaking records and launching careers like Plies, Rick Ross, T.I., Jeezy, Yo Gotti, and so many more, to building the culture right here at home with Cool Runnings and his mixtape series, Bigga Rankin was more than a DJ. He was a mentor, a promoter, a community advocate, and a Jacksonville icon who lived the motto: Life is Music.
At Know Music Know Life Entertainment and Sounds of the Underground, we stand on the shoulders of giants like him. His impact on Florida hip-hop and independent artists everywhere will never be forgotten. Duval is forever grateful.
Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, the Cool Running DJs, Think It’s A Game Records, and everyone who was touched by his energy.
Rest in Power, Bigga. You did it for the culture.
