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Tragedy oftentimes takes an ironic leap of faith. At the point of inception, some tragic moments may seem pointless. But, for Herculeez & Big Tyme, their tragedy has created a series of turn of events that has facilitated their growth and an array of opportunities in the entertainment industry.
Their epic story began three years ago, when the sibling duo lost their older brother, Tyrell "Taco" Mixon, to an unfortunate automobile accident. They adored their brother so deeply that when they lost him, both Herculeez & Big Tyme went into a depressed state. Tyrell was their anchor, and like most older brothers, he was a positive role model for them. He taught them a variety of life lessons, and those lessons transcended into expressing themselves through rapping. As a matter of fact, Tyrell had such massive influence on his little brothers that now, the duo say, they are using the energy of their late brother to get them through the tough times in the entertainment industry.
"Every time we do a concert, we do it in his honor," says Big Tyme.
"My brother, Tyrell, passed on all of his rapping skills unto us,"adds Herculeez. "He could have been the next Biggie."
Herculeez & Big Tyme’s debut album on White Lable Music, Chunka-Luv, hit record stores on Tuesday, July 20th, and the group is getting mobbed by fans everywhere. Although most of that fame can be attributed to their work in motion pictures, the two young rappers are ready to venture into music. Acting is still a part of the equation, but they're currently channeling their energy into hip-hop. While their older brother rests in peace in heaven, Herculeez & Big Tyme will not rest until they conquer the world.
Before Tyrell’s death, Herculeez & Big Tyme were already on their way to become household names. In the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, where the group was raised, they first discovered the power of their talent at a local Boys & Girls Club. Herculeez & Big Tyme always seemed to hypnotize their captive audience wherever they went.
"We were always making people laugh at the Boys & Girls Club. Then, the word got out, and an agent sent a scout to meet with us,"says Herculeez.
Shortly thereafter, Herculeez & Big Tyme were featured in films, programs, and commercials across the country, including principal roles in
Moreover, the 1996 blockbuster movie, The Nutty Professor, marked Herculeez’ big-screen debut, where he played the role of Eddie Murphy’s portly little brother. In the film, Herculeez was touted as "Hercules, Hercules, Hercules" in the film’s famous dinner scene. Big Tyme was introduced to the big-screen, alongside Herculeez, in Def Jam’s How To Be A Player. In the film, they played specific roles that were scripted specially for them at the behest of Russell Simmons.
"Acting and rapping are almost the same," says Herculeez. "You have to study the lyrics like a script, and you have to create a rap character in your mind."
"Personally, I like both rapping and acting the same. We always listened to rap music and thought, ‘we could do something like that,’" Big Tyme adds.
Big Tyme’s assertion does not come without merit. As the group continues to achieve success, acting is still a part of the equation. Big Tyme is currently shooting, alongside Jim Carrey, the 20th Century Fox motion picture, Me, Myself and Irene. The film stars the immeasurable Carrey, who plays a Rhode Island state trooper. When he fails to take his medication, his many personalities fall in love with the same woman. With his internal chemistry now in turmoil, his personalities declare war on each other. Widespread theatrical release will occur later this year.
Now, after several acting jobs, the heavyweight team of Herculeez & Big Tyme are getting the chance to honor their big brother with what will be the biggest teen hip-hop album ever. The release of Chunka-Luv is expected to be incontestably successful. It features some of the most sought after producers, as Herculeez & Big Tyme provide a fresh amalgamation of seasoned hip-hop flavor. Among the many hit producers on the album include Carlos Broady (The Notorious B.I.G., Puff Daddy), Mr. Dalvin (Jodeci), T-Phunk (Jay-O Felony), and Jermaine Dupri (Mariah Carey, Usher, Dru Hill,), who supplies Herculeez & Big Tyme’s explosive first single, "Hollywood." This is definitely where "y’all wanna be." In all, Chunka-Luv represents the return of good, wholesome music.
With their album, Herculeez & Big Tyme mainly focus on the positive side of things, eliminating any room for pessimistic ideology. In essence, they plan to make people feel good again about rap music, especially the youth (and their parents). With Herculeez being only 15 years old, and Big Tyme being only 16, they definitely have a strong message for children that they can relate to.
"We are always trying to make other people feel good," says Big Tyme. "We want kids to know that whatever their dreams are, they can reach them. They don’t have to feel ashamed of who they are. We are proof of what can happen if you just stay focused and humble. A good thing about our album is that we aren’t cursing, and we aren’t talking about drugs or anything else negative."
Herculeez & Big Tyme believe that their late brother is now in heaven looking down on them, monitoring their success. The tragedy that might have caused Herculeez & Big Tyme some set-backs in the past is now serving as fuel to propel them into the next generation of platinum and award-winning entertainers.
For more information on Herculeez & Big Tyme, contact Shefik at Knight Entities, Inc.
All material provided by Knight Entities, Inc.
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hit television sitcoms, such as Malcolm & Eddie, Moesha, Good News, and Nickelodeon’s The Big Help and My Cousin Skeeter. Big Tyme also had the distinct honor to be featured in the first Deion Saunders’ television commercial for Nike Air.