BIG LONNIE THE LYRICIST

Born Brianna L. Thames, Big Lonnie hails from Flint Michigan. She is a product of the Dope Girl Era which was established in the 1980s but persisted into the early 90s when she was still an impressionable child.

At an early age, Big Lonnie was exposed to the booming hustle culture that existed inside The Evergreen Regencies (the housing projects where she grew up). The scene was littered with drug abusers and dope dealers, but her mother instilled principles of education and self empowerment into her. Her motto was “ We are breaking cycles and you WILL go to college”. Big Lonnie sought to honor her mother with her moniker and business name. She views her Mom as the original pioneer for successful entrepreneurship and self education.

Growing up, her mother (Yolonda “Lonnie” Thames) routinely listened to and exposed her to the likes of The Dayton Family, Bone Thugs and Harmony, and Dr. Dre’s infamous album, The Chronic. Rap music was in heavy rotation at all times and Big Lonnie would find her start in rap when her Mom gifted her a cassette tape of Jay-Z’s “Can I A…” in 1998. She was 10 years old. Lonnie played the radio version of the song on a cassette player until she had the lyrics memorized. Shortly after, she began formulating her own raps.

As a high school student, Big Lonnie participated in rap battles in school cafeterias and consistently honed her skillset through writing to become a respected lyricist. At 19 years old, she began penning her first album. She had recently converted to Christianity and titled her freshman album “Youthful Psalms”. It was an emotionally raw album filled with poetry, rap, and song that erupted out of her own personal journey with Christ.

Big Lonnie believes it is important to write music that is helpful and edifying, but due to her rich history with all kinds of rap music, she also has an affinity towards songs that are honest and relatable. She notes her musical influences as Lauryn Hill, J Cole, Jay- Z, Lecrae, Flame, Da Truth, and Tripp Lee.

Big Lonnie is a ghostwriter and has written and recorded several original songs for local podcasts.

If you need a song or jingle that is cleverly written and skillful to brand your business or boost your podcast, Big Lonnie is available for hire (see price list below). Also, check out some of her freestyle work: