In the world of hip-hop, few artists capture the raw struggle and resilience of street life like Big Scarr. From his challenging beginnings in Memphis to rising as a recognized voice in trap music, his story is one of grit, determination, and talent. In this article, you’ll get a full picture of Big Scarr’s life, family, career, music, and legacy. Stay glued till the end to get all the details here.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Big Scarr was born as Alexander Woods on April 7th, 2000, in Memphis, Tennessee. Growing up in South Memphis in the tough Magnolia neighborhood, he was just one of 9 siblings, and things only got harder. As a young kid, he lived with his grandmother before she passed away when he was just 13 after a long battle with lung cancer. He then had to move in with his dad.
It was at age 16 his life had another near-fatal turn when he survived a devastating car crash that left not just his face but his whole body with scars, the actual reason behind his stage name, Big Scarr. A few years later, in 2020, things didn’t get much better for him, as he got shot in the hip with the bullet heading straight for his spine, which needed surgery and realignment. All that drama made his life more than just a bit complicated, not just in terms of how he looked but also how he felt about life in general and music.
Big Scarr never actually set out to make a career out of rap it was his friend, Baby K, who encouraged him to get involved and start recording music. With just $20 to record a song and $200 for the video, he made do with what he had, he was so determined to make music, even on the tough streets of Memphis.
Musical Influences
Big Scarr’s style had a bit of Memphis trap and Southern hip-hop in it, he got inspiration from the likes of Kodak Black, Boosie Badazz, and Rod Wave. His unique ‘punch in’ method of recording, where he didn’t actually write down any lyrics he came up with in sessions but just recorded the lines as he went that raw, unpolished style was very much like artists like Freddie Gibbs.
His music really captured what life was like on the streets; the grind and the struggle that made his lyrics super relatable for young people in the urban communities.
Career and Breakthrough
Big Scarr started doing good with his music career in 2019 with his debut single, Make a Play, which got 1.3 million hits on YouTube. Things really took off, however, when his cousin Pooh Shiesty introduced him to Gucci Mane, leading to a deal with 1017 Records under Atlantic in 2020.
He then quickly gained recognition in the hip-hop world, he was named to the XXL Freshman Class and got put in with some of the best new rappers coming up. Big Scarr had a tour lined up with Key Glock when he died, as for his music, it was all about being tough, survival on the streets, and that whole experience of living in the hood.
Notable releases include:
- Singles: Make a Play, SoIcyBoyz series, Megatron, Anotha 1, In Color (feat. Gucci Mane, posthumous).
- Albums/Mixtapes: Big Grim Reaper, Big Grim Reaper: The Return (deluxe), The Secret Weapon, Frozone, King of the Bricks.
- Collaborations: Worked with Gucci Mane, Pooh Shiesty, Tay Keith, Offset, Baby K, and Enchanting.
His music continues to generate streams posthumously, proving the lasting impact of his artistry. Tracks like No Clues feature collaborations that maintain relevance in the streaming world.
Family and Personal Life
- Parents and Siblings: Details on his mother remain private. He moved in with his father after his grandmother’s death. He had eight siblings.
- Relationships: No known wife or long-term partner. He was single at the time of his passing.
- Family Connections: Cousin to Pooh Shiesty, who played a key role in connecting him to Gucci Mane and the wider music industry.
Age and Passing
Big Scarr passed away at the age of 22 on December 22, 2022, from an accidental prescription drug overdose in Memphis. His death highlighted ongoing concerns around prescription drug use in the rap community and sparked conversations about safety and support for young artists in the industry.
Net Worth, Earnings, and Business
At the time of his passing, Big Scarr’s estimated net worth was $1.2 million USD, primarily earned through music sales, streaming royalties, tours, and record deals. Posthumous streams and releases have added value to his estate.
Key sources of income:
- Record deals with 1017/Atlantic
- Mixtape and album sales (Big Grim Reaper sold 22,000 units the first week)
- Streaming revenue (Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube)
- Collaborations and features
- Potential merchandise from official channels
Controversies
Big Scarr’s life was free from major controversies. The only public discussions surrounding him emerged after his death, focusing on prescription drug use and the impact of his passing on 1017 Records. Family and peers have addressed his legacy respectfully, with no scandals tarnishing his name.
Social Media and Platforms
- Official Website: https://www.bigscarrmusic.com/ (archival)
- YouTube: The New 1017 channel, including tracks like Fantastic and In Color
- Spotify / Apple Music: Top streams from SoIcyBoyz 2 and other singles
- X (Twitter): Fan accounts and memorials share his music and tributes.
- Other Platforms: SoundCloud featured his early tracks; Instagram and TikTok remain inactive posthumously.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What inspired Big Scarr’s stage name?
His scars from a serious car accident at 16 gave him the name “Big Scarr.”
Q2. Who helped Big Scarr start his career?
Cousin Pooh Shiesty introduced him to Gucci Mane, leading to his record deal.
Q3. How much was his net worth?
Approximately $1.2 million USD (~1.755 billion NGN) from music, streams, and tours.
Q4. Did he have a family or spouse?
He was single, one of nine siblings, with no publicly known spouse.
Q5. Are there posthumous releases?
Yes, The Secret Weapon, Frozone, and ongoing streaming tracks continue to be released posthumously.
Conclusion
Big Scarr’s journey from the streets of Memphis to the stages of the hip-hop world is a story of perseverance, talent, and resilience. Despite facing early life hardships, life-threatening injuries, and a challenging music industry, he left an indelible mark on trap music. His music, collaborations, and posthumous works continue to resonate with fans worldwide, cementing his legacy as one of the promising voices lost too soon but never forgotten.