On an afternoon in September, at the tail-end of Rolling Loud New York, Big Scarr tells me that he’s feeling blessed. “I could’ve been places other than here,” he says. As we stood in the press compound, sandwiched between Scarr’s entourage and the emergency exit, he highlighted the dire importance of keeping a level head when you’re dealing with success. Of course, judging by his recent string of wins (which includes holding the title of being a 2022 XXL Freshman), the 22-year-old South Memphis rapper is officially a superstar. And he definitely looks the part. As Gucci Mane’s second-in-command, and, as he describes himself, “Big Frozone from The New 1017,” Scarr flashes a toothy grin that reveals a blindingly radiant grill, encrusted with diamonds. He wears several equally iced-out chains – customized with the 1017 logo for Gucci Mane’s imprint – and a pair of ‘University Blue’ 4s. In other words, he’s comfortable, ready for his first-ever Rolling Loud performance. 

Although he had no interest in making music just a few years ago, Big Scarr has mushroomed into a standalone star in the truest sense. Where rap’s newcomers have spent the past few years maintaining an aura of manufactured importance, Scarr is as real as they come. After a five minute chat with Gucci Mane’s “Secret Weapon,” it was made clear that his success is credited to one thing: being humble. 

Here are five key takeaways from our conversation. Find them below and stream the deluxe version of Big Scarr’s debut mixtape, Big Grim Reaper: The Return.

Big Scarr is the face of The New 1017. With a good portion of Gucci Mane’s 1017 artists (current and former) serving time behind bars, Big Scarr and his labelmates – BigWalkDog, Enchanting, Hotboy Wes and BiC Fizzle – are filling the void and setting a new standard in trap music. 

Keep going. As hip-hop continues to grow at a lightning fast pace, there’s no time for complacency. For Big Scarr, this means that he’s constantly pushing his sound, fighting to stay ahead of the curve. “You gotta keep going hard ‘cause it’s never enough.

A lot has changed. Just a few years ago, Big Scarr was still in the hood, looking over his shoulder as he tried to survive. Nowadays, the South Memphis rapper can choose which battles are worth his time. 

Love and loyalty. According to “Big Frozone,” these two things are believed to be more measurable and definitive than success. 

Be humble. Scarr’s humility has proven to be beneficial for his career, allowing the 22-year-old rapper to make his mark on the world while staying true to himself.