Kareem "Biggs" Burke (Full) - Rap Radar

For years, Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder Kareem "Biggs" Burke has remained behind the scenes. But now, the Harlem native is finally breaking his silence and returning to the fashion world with his clothing line, Fourth of November. In a rare sit-down, Hoffa talks about his latest venture, building the Roc, Reasonable Doubt, incarceration, Kanye West, Jay Z, Dame Dash, Emory Jones, OG Juan, Pusha T and more.
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[@no213]

A lot of people dont even know who this dude is but for the ones like myself who does definitely clicked on this with the quickness...Hip hop heads been waiting for this interview forever...

[@lov4570]

He's probably one of the most influential and important figures in Hip Hop HISTORY, without ever feeling the need to be seen. I'm in awe of this man.. He's a God to the entire culture.. SALUTE

[@mattysean253]

Biggs>dame. Biggs knows how to carry himself with intelligence, and professionalism knows how to give ppl the Roca fella stories Everyone loves while promoting his new stuff. Amazing interview

[@Shadowboxe]

Straight ✊

[@pedrogates3189]

Whatever Biggs is selling people are going to buy because of his history and he’s easy going he’s gives you the old stories with no problem because he knows that’s what the people want to hear

[@mrJabills]

I went to school with Kareem. Always cool as he'll. We would snap all day in JHS 43. Played ball at lunch in the back of Grant projects. we shopped at the original KP Kong on 125th in Amsterdam. Takes me back. good to see my home free. Much success bro.

[@149sown]

Jay Bills Harlem stand up. I went to 195 tho

[@patrickdavis3857]

His personality is a blend of Dame and Jay's ... Welcome Home, boss

[@pedrogates3189]

Patrick Davis word never looked at it that way

[@tlig]

@@pedrogates3189 It isn't. What part of his personality has Dame?

[@earlseegarsjr.3308]

Biggs is his own person like Jay and Dame are their own person, their unique differences are what build their vision.

[@gatormcclusky9846]

I always peeped Kareem "Biggs" Burke and Ronald "Slim" Williams as two of the most lowkey C.E.O's .

[@rather_unique]

+Gator McClusky I've always said that. Every time something goes down at Cash Money the media NEVER says anything about Slim. Same thing with Biggs. It's always Dame Dash in the spotlight. Biggs is always in the back. They move like they sell dope for real.

[@gatormcclusky9846]

Exactly

[@davidmorbley1901]

and Chinese dude from Neptune's

[@rozay613]

+david morbley Chad's not chinese but yes you're right.Made millions on the low.

[@jkdortch2308]

+Shelton Hardy bg said slim is the most shadiest one

[@munesimbamakoni8574]

the energy of Jay Biggs and Dam; I mean you can totally see how they made history man. 3 Totally different dudes but all so ambitious and wise

[@ClarityGolden]

Never get tired of hearing about the history of the Roc. Great to hear about Biggs story too cause I never knew too much, just knew he was behind the scenes.

[@MrKAHutch]

Jay had a thorough squad behind him.

[@pedrogates3189]

TopShelf still does these guys are still around Biggs ty ty Emory ogJuan

[@_2_first_names]

i think this the 1st time ive ever heard Biggs speak!.....thanks rap radar

[@Crates94]

+thatsjas2 there was another interview with him a few years back that had a different vibe to it. A lot of people thought he was intimidating the interviewer.

[@_2_first_names]

+HowToMakeBeats yeah it was doggie diamonds

[@ttdawit]

+MIKEY ESCO facts!

[@jclokes]

Word!!!

[@RichieDavid83]

+HowToMakeBeats yep...i think he was annoying biggs

[@rasheedvitalis]

I remember seeing Dame, Jay and Biggs at the Rucker games as a teen. Way before Reasonable Doubt, their persona was real deal. These dudes are the epitome of starting from the bottom. Much respect ✊🏾

[@31doa]

first time ive ever heard this dude speak. seems real cool and level headed

[@TheEnigmaticDeenTruth]

Peace. Indeed.

[@qbnj806]

Harlem nicca

[@KennedyMoronta]

Great interview for sure

[@paine7]

Biggs look like a brolic Jay Williams

[@MacReddPW]

Man it's good to finally see a interview where the host are not trollin' the guest. Shout out to Rap Radar man💯👍🏽💯

[@jayt0321]

Can listen to Roc stories all day

[@QueenMarlo]

A very reserved guy. Kudos to yall for securing this interview. 👍

[@mikethegreat8773]

This is the most legendary interview of 2016, and one of the most legendary interviews in hip hop history. Its like interviewing a ghost. I respect a man this articulate and intelligent and could stay away from public eye. My first time to see Biggs talking for more than a few seconds. Welcome home Great one!

[@Wellington205i]

RAP RADAR PODCAST > THE BREAKFAST CLUB. The difference between true journalism & professionalism compared to the breakfast club ignorance & gossip.

[@RollyFingers]

#facts

[@drexeldoberman1027]

+David Harris it boils down to journalism vs entertainment its not a bad thing to have both if you can tell the difference

[@MEB2kDeez]

+Dylan Pozzy yup.

[@KellahBeatzOfficial]

but one is a podcast and one has to answer to a radio station for ratings and views

[@dariusjones7006]

two totally different group of personalities. I'm pretty sure breakfast club isn't trying to do "true Journalism". you go here if you want facts and gems about the music biz, you g to the breakfast if you just want to laugh and watch a light hearted interview

[@DC-sz6tk]

nice interview...No wonder the Roc had some much success..Not only were the guys in front of the camera flight, but the dudes behind the scenes were every bit of influential & monumental as the label stars.

[@E1LTSaves]

You understand!!

[@johniquemoore3929]

I never seen Biggs talk this much he seem happier

[@tlig]

+Johnique Moore Getting out of jail would do that to anyone.

[@EsoTownBizz6500]

I think this is the first time I've ever heard this dude speak...

[@yadig3503]

word

[@19832006]

+Mr6500eso Biggs sounds just like dame dash lol

[@RollyFingers]

He talks at the end of the Dead Presidents video when they're playing Monopoly with real money...

[@audioplugg5310]

yo, u ain't lyin lol. I've NEVER EVER heard this dude speak a word. and he never spoke in the Streets is Watchin movie lol.

[@RollyFingers]

+Audio Plugg did you not see what I just said? Lmfao!!!!

[@MrDDM10001]

Instant Classic interview...just when u thought you heard all the Roc stories...Biggs drops more ...he dropped major GEMS

[@chriswilley731]

@12:42 when he calls boosie "lil bootsie" 😂😂😂

[@lawrenceq79]

Good stuff. Biggs always moved on the low. He even got out of prison on the low.

[@qbnj806]

yelp

[@truestdude]

Word..& got married th' day he got out. Respect

[@audioplugg5310]

to see them all on the same stage, while Jay performs Reasonable Doubt, would be Hip Hop History!

[@vinyl_soul9292]

This has to be one of the best and respectful interviews I have heard in a long time. The interviewers came prepared and Biggs is so relaxed because they made him feel comfortable in the studio.

[@mrwestsuccess4531]

Biggs did it first, Jay put it in a verse.

[@splatter5737]

an actual interview, with questions that matter. good job.

[@youtubed3951]

this was a good one

[@MrBlazeuno]

need more executives like him in business period

[@jjrr5484]

Big L had the JayZ / DMX pool hall tape. And Dead Presidents was Mase's beat first. The homie Biggs is dropping some gems for real!

[@j-emcee3154]

I'm writing the screenplay lol

[@londonage]

+Moises Benitez word

[@nativesun7661]

Biggs is thorough.

[@donshit7519]

To be honest Rick James and Micheal Jackson had the first Streets Is Watchin type shit Ricks was Ebony Eyes and Mike had Thriller...Oh yeah cant forget Prince with Purple Rain

[@dukebetrucking]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@ineverswag]

mike had moonwalker too

[@ABsirur]

Not really. Streets Is Watching had a consortium of song videos while Rick James and MJ was based on one song.

[@kevykevwebb]

Nice interview. Filled in a lot of questions I've had over the years.

[@kwilliams544]

it did the same fa me too .....I wish that all three would get together

[@kevykevwebb]

+Stringer Bell Absolutely!

[@TheUnitedFitnessSquad]

This was a great interview, Salute to you guys Play it and definitely Kareem "Biggs" Burke.

[@hoodfellah]

I love listening to stories that happen that people didnt know about, i've always wanted to hear biggs talk and this interview was everything...thanks

[@GRINDETHIKSMIXTAPESHOW]

yo Rockefeller made being independent cool before social media

[@flame984]

No limit did that

[@ShonniePooh73]

Great Interview!!

[@kasheembates7529]

Peace G.O.D Welcome Home Hoffa a.k.a Biggs

[@kwilliams544]

All we now is a sit down wit "Slim" from Cash Money

[@kwilliams544]

Haha fa real huh

[@bostonmass507]

that would be fresh

[@kwilliams544]

Boston MAss rap radar need to make that happen

[@mashtucksportsradio2720]

damn biggs was hitting the weights hard while he was knocked

[@Tjd253]

Biggs the level headed one 💯

[@en5001]

bow wow the wild one... LMAOOoooooOOOooooo!!!

[@en5001]

We need the ROC documentary HOV!!! Too much history here!!!

[@0Lu.Lu0]

50:56 The Roc was definitely unique and has a special place in people's hearts because there was a lotta good brothas--seen and unseen--involved that actually wanted to do well by everyone, not just bring one or two dudes up and elevate one name. They elevated the level of sophistication to the game and instead of just wearing suits, debrys, pinky rings and smoking cigars to look like the gangsters in the movies that Black boys grew up idolizing, they went into the corporate with street conversation and forced their way into industries traditionally reserved for the privileged and non-Black. The took their respect in fashion by refusing to allow anyone to box them into Urban shreds, they were like, "Nah we wanna do cut and sow!" they wanted their shit respected on that same professional level and for folks to not get it twisted that just because they were wearing oversized jerseys, jeans, and lids turned to the side doesn't mean they are not every bit the executive and CEO material that the most buttoned-up Fortune 25 and Fortune 10 CEOs are.

[@upstateizzy744]

#facts ❤ this breakdown

[@toteknowledge]

Damn wouldve never known this brother was this articulate, no wonder why he move so heavy behind the scenes. Thats a live 1.

[@BLACKGETMONEY100]

first interview I really watched this long ,watched commercials and all,didn't want to miss anything.

[@shawn3638]

My first time hearing Biggs speak like many others. He seems very humble, has the same insight, smartness and influence in business like Dame Dash. I see why Roc A Fella did so well!

[@gdc615]

wow just happened to stumble upon this. never even knew dude came home. very nice to hear him finally speak. really enjoyed it

[@donnjones6032]

I like how he is unfiltered but still respectable at the same time.And he also shows you how lyor is definitley a sucker for not believing in kanye.A culture vulture in my opinion.

[@GRINDETHIKSMIXTAPESHOW]

+Donn Jones no bro its not your opinion he is a culture vulture for real

[@happylyfe5111]

Awesome Interview (U a Very Gifted Brotha).... Forth of November (Im READY to Cop)

[@jayt0321]

Hov drops facts in them damn lyrics

[@NuStateOfMind]

yeah! jay- z dope!

[@mjlbnetworktv9442]

"whatever jigga say jigga probably do"

[@marvmoney9453]

Roc a wear 80 mill like 18 months you can bullshit with rap if you want mfuckers, when its all said and done well see what's what holla at hov I be in the cut

[@Shadowboxe]

+MjlB Network TV Bigs did it first and Jay put it in a verse.

[@patsysadowski1546]

+Marvin Blanc FYI clothing has about 10 % profit margin after manufacturing partnerships, admin and marketing. Dame was known to blow budgets too. Split the 8 million profit 3 ways and this is subject to 50% tax. You have about 1.3 million each.

[@donnjones6032]

this is my 3rd time watching this interview.I Love hustlers spirit

[@sgthjennings]

Dope interview. Props to Biggs for keeping it 100 through everything it appears....

[@jasonmeadows752]

4th of Nov, Mom and Dad Anniversary! Gotta rock with that!

[@yungfresh73]

Good To see my Dude Home Making Moves

[@mikeprat1]

very dope interview. gave a lot of insight.

[@psafety9355]

A CEO's CEO.... Humble, Focused, Quiet... One of the only dudes in hip hop, I can say I put respect on his name!!!!

[@dukebetrucking]

I didn't know Biggs came home....King of the Roc

[@richpo1353]

Biggs had it first, jay put it in a verse. Great interview. Humble dude....

[@j-emcee3154]

I know Nas somewhere like ohhhh..........who scribbled in their note and created their life........lol

[@robny716]

+J-EMCEE lmaooo

[@jambush3441]

Biggs Keep being a low key CEO Millionaire G. Love it no hate on Biggs at all love this guys humbleness we need more of this

[@djPoskaofficial]

very interesting itw its always inspirering to see positive and true men like mr Biggs !!! s/o to him ! good questions as well...

[@blqcreativeb9461]

Imagine the kinda questions The Breakfast Club would have asked 🤔

[@DiggumSmack77]

Biggs seem like a smart and chill dude. Glad he's doing his thing.

[@terpfan3417]

Dope interview. Biggs!!!!!

[@jfisaha]

Respect to Biggs!! Not like dame complaining about Jay leaving the roc. N he said it was all ways the plan to sell roc.

[@tlig]

+Mighty flocks Dame likes the limelight. I think Jay leaving knocked down his public profile and he isn't too happy about that.

[@dawudyelton1392]

biggs quiet as kept was such a "big"(lol) part of the roc dynasty and he always seemed to keep it humble and stay ahead of the curve...good to see him home and getting into new ventures...good for u brother; stay positive

[@msbrowngirl305]

Biggs low key look like a bald Karl Kani

[@donbrasco81]

Just missing the tat on his hand. Lol

[@KPFILMEDit]

Biggs speaks after 20+ years

[@kabakaheem9588]

Lol yup

[@truestdude]

Lol..basically. & it's a must that u tune in

[@LoveThatSong]

Kareem Some PHYNE Yes thank God for creating men like him

[@neopro4k541]

Still waters run deep.....!

[@mt3719]

this is a gem

[@BOBByBISHIP]

Biggs is the most loved member of the Roc

[@norcal6006]

my pops passed on 4th of nov.96 so I'm definitely gona cop sum gear haven't seen it yet but ima cop either way! bout to go on they website!

[@stypeones2977]

Biggs a real dude and shrewd from a business aspect. Respect this dude.

[@docsrants]

yo that's crazy I used to live right upstairs from his brother Hip hop (Kyambo "hip hop" Joshua) in downtown Manhattan.. and actually before our big fight that we had Kid Cudi an In-Doe was my roommate at the time b4 the fame and that's how he got linked up with Kanye. 80 John street

[@ttdawit]

+Underground Boombox Radio *yawn

[@sayitoutloudchp]

+CRUX ANSATA lol. u a hater. hahaha

[@ttdawit]

I_Buy Houses i just didn't get why he was saying all that. i wish i didn't read this comment honestly

[@philtyrich1]

Good to see Biggs back the game bout to get shut down !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jermaineparker1959]

Biggs... Look like a Diesel Duane Martin... Gina's Husband. LOL

[@KennedyMoronta]

Lmfaoooo

[@dorrianlassiter9980]

I was in McKean with kareem real cat and he was loyal to all his homeboys

[@ShivzDotzTV]

great interview learnt a lot really enjoyed this #Salute Rap Radar

[@TheMactearz]

Biggs handle business behind the scenes like a true boss

[@mymauri]

He was apart of the true growth of the roc

[@sayitoutloudchp]

Jigga gave Emory that stimulus package

[@HeartCocoCloud]

cuz he ain't hug his son since 2nd great, he never told who he gon tell they top of the Totem pole.

[@rodfranc7597]

Jay Z's verse in Seen it all makes a lot more sense now that Biggs said he had a spot in St. Thomas

[@insidemediadotcom9912]

he was the plug

[@tha1man744]

He was the money man

[@insidemediadotcom9912]

+tha1man744 he was the plug. listen to the song again

[@MoneysWorld82]

Biggs family is from st Thomas

[@tariklewis1918]

+kimasilv family ts....my BM is related to Biggs on her momma side...we went to his brother funeral when he got killed in Harlem back in 2002 or 2003 I think it was...she don't know him like that tho...didn't even know he was who he was until I told her because her family buggin out over the fact that Dame and Jay an Beans an dem was down in the front pews...and I immediately thought about that verse where Jay said something about paying his respects to his St. Thomas connect and then the video In My Lifetime when they was on the boat down in St. Thomas

[@yungworldz]

I been waiting forever to hear this guy speak..

[@neatstatus]

Growing up, on Jay-Z's album's I remember constantly seeing: Kareem "Biggs" Burke. Good to finally put a face to the name almost 20 years after.

[@ramanickerson]

great interview. Biggs sound like a Visionary business mogul

[@Mr.Oct___]

Very appreciative of this Interview...The Roc still inspiring. #salute

[@banksinatra5173]

Hoffa a real one

[@stefanoc5887]

this is great..i've always wanted to hear from this guy...

[@mfdoomer]

what a part he played throughout the roc dynasty. quite, humble, and gangster.

[@vegasnero7480]

mind bl💣wn by this interview! so much insight, big ups to Biggs for these gems he dropped on us.

[@Mr1and14orth]

Great questions, awesome interview!

[@thetony8959]

biggs n dame sound alike. they have the same voice lol

[@stacyedwards989]

Biggs interview was awesome. .

[@diggz1804]

Seems a real humble dude

[@hoodfellah]

I like the fact that dame stood up for his company, but i think if dame and biggs would've trade position (meaning biggs woulda been the face of the company, and not dame) rocafella would've lasted a bit longer, because the patience biggs seems to have, idk maybe im bugging

[@upstateizzy744]

nah.. you definitely on to suntin with this

[@jaysenior88ify]

I hear what you're saying but I think Jay still would've broken everything up. He just seems like the type to stay away from don't see real loyalty from him, from the outside looking in. Dame was passionate about their roc brand . Just my opinion though.

[@Shadowboxe]

Biggs said the intention was to build, get it big then sell. He was very clear.

[@lorenzowilliams8902]

NJ

[@hoodfellah]

Loved this interview

[@blitzash376]

I never heard Biggs speak at all......till now

[@MrNickelodeon90]

damn that time he got changed him... this guy used to hate doing interviews would only say a few words.. and give a mean ass look lol. Roc for life!

[@Tjd253]

This actually the first time I actually heard him speak. I didn't know he talk lol

[@StephenLee529]

You can't fake being a genuine dude. I've never in all these days heard Biggs talk. Dude is on top of his shit.

[@lordagod]

For Sure.

[@TheDonGenius]

That was a cool ass interview!!!! Much respect