Big DS facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Big DS
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Marlon G. Fletcher |
| Also known as | Big D'Estical |
| Born | July 29, 1971 South Ozone Park, Queens, New York City, New York, US |
| Origin | Queens, New York |
| Died | May 22, 2003 (aged 31) |
| Genres | Hardcore hip hop, Gangsta rap, East Coast hip hop |
| Occupation(s) | MC, Record producer |
| Years active | 1988–2003 |
| Labels | JMJ Records, Def Jam, Illyotic Music |
| Associated acts | Onyx, Jam Master Jay |
Marlon G. Fletcher (born July 29, 1971 – died May 22, 2003), known by his stage name Big DS, was an American rapper and music producer. He was from Queens, New York.
Big DS was one of the people who started the hardcore rap group Onyx. With Onyx, he helped release their album "Bacdafucup" and eight singles. They worked with JMJ Records. Big DS also appeared on the "Judgment Night (soundtrack)" in 1993. As part of Onyx, he was nominated for "Rap/Hip-Hop New Artist" at the American Music Awards of 1994. The group also won "Best Rap Album" at the 1994 Soul Train Music Awards.
Contents
About Big DS
Early Life and Starting Onyx
Marlon G. Fletcher was born in South Ozone Park, Queens, New York City. He went to John Adams High School (Queens). In 1988, when he was 17, Big DS and his school friends Fredro Starr and Suavé (also known as Sonny Seeza) created the rap group Onyx.
Big DS came up with the name for the group. He named it after the black stone called Onyx. The group started making their first songs in a basement. They used drum machine beats to create their unique sound.
His Music Career
In 1989, Onyx signed with a manager named Jeffrey Harris. He helped them get a contract with Profile Records. The group recorded their first single, "Ah, And We Do It Like This," in 1990. It was released on April 25, 1990.
Big DS and Suave met Jam Master Jay at a wedding in 1990. They met again at a festival in 1991. Jam Master Jay asked them to make a demo tape. However, Big DS and Suave could not make it to the studio. Because of this, Fredro Starr's cousin, Sticky Fingaz, joined the group. Fredro and Sticky Fingaz recorded two songs for the demo. Jam Master Jay liked these songs and signed Onyx to his label, JMJ Records.
Big DS decided to leave Onyx in 1994. He wanted to start his own solo music career. He created his own record label called Illyotic Music. He began producing his own music. Big DS recorded some demo songs and sent them to Jimmy Iovine. Jimmy Iovine was a co-owner of Interscope Records. Big DS hoped to sign a contract with Interscope for his solo album.
His Passing
On May 22, 2003, Big DS passed away in a hospital in Queens. He was 31 years old. He had been receiving treatment for lymphatic cancer.
Discography
- With Onyx
- 1993: Bacdafucup
- Solo albums
- 1994: Demo Tape
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award | Nominated work | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | American Music Awards of 1994 | "Bacdafucup" | Rap/Hip-Hop New Artist | Nominated |
| 1994 | 1994 Soul Train Music Awards | "Bacdafucup" | Best Rap Album | Won |
Filmography
Video Game Appearances
- Rap Jam: Volume One (1995) as Big DS
