Remembering Legendary Rapper "Big Mello"

You automatically know when you are in the presence of a cat who is born to do what you are doing and/or trying to do. I was recording my rap solo maxi single record entitled "Not To Be Outdone" when I met Big Mello at Track Designs in Houston, Texas who was mastering a song called "Don't Let The Name Fool U".

As I showed up in the studio engineer Shetoro and his beautiful wife Bernie were mastering this particular track among others. Reflecting back in time, I can still feel The Commodores "Brick House" beat thumping full power.  I noticed the engineers later mixed in the classic ole school song "Pull Fancy Dancer"by One Way. It starts off with "I know you're gonna dig this".

When I saw "Big Mello" rap for the first time it was like surreal magic to me because I could visually see what he was describing as he rapped about  running from the cops he sayed: "I hopped back in the Lac got away real fast, let the seats lay back then ripped off the mask; went through the Clarke it was dam near dark, bought a 40 from Buffalo popped the top and watched laws they ride by looking in my ride and slowly they stopped it was a black and a white guy. Yo it's on and I ran like a mad man, pistol in hand a pocket full of grands hittin fences and ditches hittin bushes they looking  helicopters are coming I'm bussing at em and bookin. Yo me go back? NEVER. I'm like ruthless Mello's like chillin but "Don't Let The Name Fool U"."

 I am paraphrasing his lyrics as I played the song back and hope that I got it right often I get lyrics mixed up even when listening to R&B (laughing out loud).  "Big Mello" was illustrating lyrically about how cop helicopters over head were looking for him and how he wasn't going back to lockdown down. In a very charismatic & animated way his storytelling was superb engaging anyone in range. Clearly telling kids there is a better way and to not do what he did in song. 

It was a very powerful moment! As good as he was "Big Mello" still asked me my name and wanted to see my set so I hit a few verses from my "Not To Be Out Done" song while he was smiling and laughing sounding as he does in his music saying: "Yeah I see ya M.C .Popcorn, Yeah ah ha" gave me a pound and he had to finish his track. He was very positive and encouraging; Big Mello had his family and a number of people with him in the studio as he got ready to leave he told me his real name was Curtis but his rap name was "Big Mello" and to look out for him. 

There was nothing gonna stop his rise because privately as I practiced I wanted my rap flow to be like "Big Mello's" but that was his gift and there is only one Big Mello.  While I could rap, I was more of a message rapper! Mello was the first gangsta rapper that I met face to face and I knew instantly after hearing him that he was the truth. One of those cats who had experienced life to the fullest but decided to use his purpose to take care of himself and his family. 

 Much of Big Mello's thoughts and philosphy as an artist are very well and clearly conveyed via many of his songs. A number of messages I've received from listening to his music involved tips like "stack your money;"SAVE YOURS" for a rainy day, keeping your business out of the street, ceasing all that gum bumpin and bragging; Not putting people down or hating on others because those same cats you may have to answer to; anybody can come up, love don't love nobody, unity and living life to the fullest because you never know when your time is up and that's gonna happen to everyone of us; we all have a time in which we will have to give an account for how we lived here and so many more messages Big Mello shared in song. He was not just bone hard core but one hell of a story teller just listen to his music. If you can get beyond some of the raw content, you will hear & also witness his positive evolution delivered in only a fashion that could be expressed by Big Mello himself.

I have friends who don't like rap music or gangsta rap! I myself love all genre's of music including talk radio because even in it's rawest form I can take the message from the music regardless of how hardcore it is. I worked with Track Designs they hired me to go out and promote seeking talent to buy studio time and made room for me there in their home studio while I earned money to finish my maxi single "Not To Be Out Done". It was my first time living in Houston and I really appreciated crossing paths with Curtis Donnell Davis.

I would shortly see him do his thing in the media just as he said on a national scale.  I moved to California and upon my return to Texas in 2002, I thought about linking up with Big Mello eventually; I always thought about working with him over the years but I was told that Mello had died in a fatal car accident in 2002. It's unfortunate when we hear about people we meet passing away. I hated to hear this and I didn't get a chance to know Big Mello like many have in H Town but I am happy that we crossed paths.  In a number of ways he was a tremendous inspiration! His music has motivated me in my drive and current success!

I have met many cats but "Big Mello" to me was certainly one of the most "Bone Hard" personalities & artists of them all. Gone but lives on through his Rap-A-Lot family, SUC and loved ones locally and globally. Big Salute to Rapper Big Mello a true HTown Legend, Hiram Clarkes Finest.

Once again gone but lives on through his music.  He was Curtis Donnell Davis aka "Big Mello" but "Don't Let The Name Fool U"

Blog Written by: Gregory D. Anderson Jr  Author/Certified Anger Management Facilitator/Mental Health Professional/Podcaster

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