Big Dawg 079 is the professional name of rapper, songwriter and label owner, Emmanuel Moulton. Born and raised in Chicago, Moulton had some strikes against him from the start. Abandoned by his parents at age 5, he was raised by his grandparents. As a teenager he was mixed up with the perils of street life. At the age of 14 he saw his best friend murdered. That led the young Emmanuel to make some fateful decisions of his own which led to a 24 year incarceration.
During and after his time in prison, Big Dawg 079 chose to rise above his circumstances and better himself. He earned a degree in Social Psychology from Southeastern Illinois College. And he gives back. Since 1998 he has volunteered as an English Tutor in the Literary Volunteers Of America, Mohawk Hudson Inc. These days, in addition to running his 079Cartel Entertainment label he is the owner and founder of Recher’che Clothing Company which produces apparel, homeware and accessories.
Now residing in Wisconsin, in 2020 Big Dawg 079 began releasing a steady string of popular singles and two albums. His most recent is the seven song collection “Emmanuel.” The record is a showcase for the artist’s diverse musical style, impressive flow and his nuanced lyrical ability to tell his captivating life stories as they relate to the world around him today.
The record opens with “Troublesome,” a hardcore Drill rap set to a smooth Funk groove. Throughout the album, Big Dawg 079 explores the sounds of Hip-hop, R&B and other genres from across the decades. Named for the legendary Nigerian multi-instrumentalist composer, performer and activist, “Fela Kuti ” rides on a chill 70’s style Soul jam as Moulton drops some social commentary on subjects ranging from COVID to the January 6th terrorist attack on the Capitol.
He digs into a Jazz vibe on “Life Ain’t Easy,” an emotional exploration of his hard times growing up. Big Dawg 079 even throws in a bit of Prog-Rock set to a Trap beat on “Icewear Flow.” He stays within the Trap realm on the Hip-hop slow jam “Want You” and the drill song “Detox.” He closes out the record with a return to that deep Soul sound on the movingly autobiographical and confessional “Masquerades.”
“Emmanuel” is a very personal and powerful record from a talented rapper and songwriter. Watch the video for “Troublesome” below. You can also hear the track on the Deep Indie Beat playlist. Follow the links below the video to connect with Big Daw 079. Get on his socials and get in the loop on all of the current and future projects from this prolific artist.