Saturday, March 17   10:35 p.m.
Zero Degrees   (405 E 7th St)

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  Big Sid - STRAIGHT OFF THE PORCH
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Following your dreams can turn into a world of reality. That�s all Big Sid believed in when wanting to pursue a music career. Born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Big Sid had to always stand out of the crowd and lead by example. Music has always been a part of his life. Growing up listening to any type of music from old school to new school rap he was inspired by any and everybody that had something to do with music.

By the young age of 14, he really became interested in music and the whole recording process. Taking lessons at EMF Studios, Ken Turner inspired him even more to be apart of the music industry. After watching other musician�s record music, Big Sid focused more on becoming a recording artist instead of a studio engineer. Within a year he was recording music and paying for his own studio time on his own. He learned at an early age if you want something in life, you have to go get it on your own time. One of his mentors was Derrick D-Tone Morris who gave Big Sid his first chance to perform at the age of 16 at the 1st Annual Third Coast Music Awards. �I was one of the opening acts, performing in front of artists that I grew up listening to�, explains Big Sid. �I performed the first two songs I ever recorded and people were just staring at me like who the hell is he. Still in all it was a good opportunity for me because I got the chance to perform for the 1st time.� Every year it seemed like Big Sid was getting better and better at his craft and taking steps to learn more about the music industry. Back to the studio, Big Sid started recording a lot more songs with other local artists that were trying to make it.

By the age of 18, Big Sid focused on recording his first album, but there were other business moves that had to be taken care of. Becoming the CEO of his own record label, Playaz Choice Entertainment, it was now official that Big Sid was destined to make it. Releasing his debut album �Southern Comfort� in Nov. 2003, Sid learned that the music industry wasn�t easy at all. Even with the supporting cast of Texas Pioneers like Big Moe, Dj Dmd, D-Reck of Wreckshop, & Towdown, Big Sid still was hustling like no tomorrow. Big Sid sold 2,500 units of his first album and moved on.

In 2004 Big Sid released the Exclusive Mixtape Edition of Southern Comfort Screwed and Chopped by platinum selling artist Paulwall. �I must say that when I met Paulwall and did business with him that I was starting to make better moves. He wasn't no supertstar when I met him, just real down to earth�, explained Big Sid. In late 2005 Big Sid released the compilation �Live from the South� alongside Pat Ice. The album had appearances from Trae, Paulwall, UGK, Magno, Grit Boyz, Max Minelli, South Coast Coalition, Chalie Boy, Lil O, and more. After releasing the compilation, Big Sid started to focus more on himself and his label.

In 2006 Big Sid so far has appeared on over 35 mixtapes from around the country including Dj Rapid Ric, Dj Chuck Tee, Dj Explicit, Dj Grip, Dj Ryno, Dj Scrap, and many others. Still putting in a lot of work, in June 2006, Big Sid signed a joint venture deal with Asylum recording artist Kiotti and his label Young Ink. Big Sid has started to work on his sophomore album �Straight Off the Porch� which Kiotti and he will executive produce. �I am very excited about this new project and team. Kiotti gave me the chance to shine on a different level and I will definitely make that happen�, explains Big Sid. Still at the young age of 22, who knows what the future holds for him, but we all know that he will be working hard until he is satisfied with the outcome.