Big Dipper dips his hairy, bear-y toes in the local queer hip-hop scene with her new video "Drip Drop." In advance of his special show at Beauty Bar on January 30, Mr. Dipper chatted with Nightspots about his lifelong love affair with rap, his Chicago roots and being compared a certain other homo-hopper.
NS: How did Big Dipper get his start? Have you always been into rap?
Big Dipper: I grew up listening to hip-hop and rap music. There was always something about it that got me hype. When I hear a dope beat my ass just starts moving and I need to dance. And I started rapping when I was a kid. My friends and I would freestyle all the time in high school. I really get off on the rhyme. I love twisting words up and cracking jokes in my lyrics.
NS: I see you're working with Dan Foley (of DAAN fame). How did you two hook up?
BD: We met on Grindr.
I mean, I have always been a huge fan of Dan Foley's work and of DAAN. Those boys are amazing performers. I even have shared the stage with them a few times. I approached Dan about a year ago to make some music and that's how "Drip Drop" came about. We just clicked, and the collaboration is really special.
NS: Tell me about the video shoot for "Drip Drop."
BD: The video shoot was awesome. The director, Tobin Del Cuore, and I collaborated on the concept and all the producing. We used Kickstarter to raise funds and then put out a call to our community in Chicago to fill in all the gaps. Tons of people came out to give their talent, bodies, homes, cars, and even a pool for the video.
I'm a workaholic, so a non-stop three-day shoot with no sleep is a dream come true. And if I get to spend that time with Tobin, it's even better. He's so good at what he does.
NS: It was great to see the Chicago connection reflected in the video for Drip Drop. Will you always be a Chicago boy or are you setting your sights for bigger and (not necessarily) better things?
BD: I love Chicago. I was born and raised in the area and this is a special city to me. I like the scene and all the midwestern daddies make it hard to leave. But, I am planning a move to New York over the summer, so a change of scenery is in my near future. Chicago will always be my home and I will be back often for visits and performances.
NS: How do you feel about the inevitable "bear Cazwell" comparison?
BD: I love it. A comparison to Cazwell is a compliment. I've been a fan of his for years; he's sexy and fun and I love his music and visuals. I would love to work with him one day.
NS: What's the reaction you've gotten so far from the bear community been like?
BD: Hairy and Sweaty :)
With the video on the internet, it is so easy to communicate with lots of people all over the country. I've gotten lots of good feedback and messages, and even a proposal or too. It's nice to get propositioned by strangers.
NS: What's next for Big Dipper? Where can we see you, hear you … or whatever else we want to do with you?
BD: I'm working on an EP to release for the summer. And I have more videos in the works too. My next show is Monday, January 30 at Beauty Bar at 9 pm and it's FREE. Salonathon presents "Big Dipper and Friendz." I'm going to premiere some new music and have some sexy dancers. The shit is not to be missed!
For more sweaty Big Dipper goodness, see www.facebook.com/bigdipperjelly or twitter: @BigDipperJelly