Get to know: Big Brilla - The Storytelling Rapper Turning Inner Battles Into Art
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
Hailing from Essex with deep roots in East London, Brilla’s journey into music didn’t begin in a studio, but on stage. “I originally come from an acting background and graduated in 2018. Acting was always my main passion growing up...” he shares. That early training sharpened his instinct for storytelling, emotion, and performance - all of which now pulse through his sound.
But music wasn’t a pivot. It was a calling. “It’s something that’s been part of my life from early on and has always resonated with me on a deeper level.” What pulled him in wasn’t fame or hype. it was language. Poetry. The power of expression. “There’s something powerful about being able to translate emotions and experiences into words and sound... creating music has helped me express myself in ways that are both freeing and therapeutic.”
That emotional honesty is the backbone of Big Brilla’s artistry.
Brilla’s music sits at the intersection of grime, rap, and raw self‑expression. He describes his sound as “energetic, meaningful, and most importantly, true to who I am.” Laid‑back by nature but charged with intensity, he channels that duality into every bar.
And while the scene is full of trend‑chasers, Brilla is proudly not one of them. “I’m 100% myself at all times. I don’t chase trends or try to fit into what’s popular... That honesty and rawness is something I take pride in.” His creative process mirrors that authenticity - fluid, emotional, and rooted in the moment. “It all depends on where I am mentally at the time… That’s what keeps my music real — it reflects exactly how I feel in that moment.”
Brilla’s inspirations read like a syllabus of modern storytelling: Kendrick Lamar, Kano, Little Simz. Their influence isn’t in his sound, but in his commitment to truth. “Their storytelling, honesty, and ability to translate emotion into music has always resonated with me and influenced how I approach my own work.”
Mental health is a recurring theme in his music — not as a trend, but as lived experience. His standout track War of the Mind is a testament to that. “It reflects the mental battles I face daily and the determination to overcome that internal war. It’s one of the most honest pieces I’ve created.”
That honesty has already sparked powerful moments with listeners. After performing a deeply personal piece over Dave’s “Survivor’s Guilt,” fans approached him to share their own struggles. “Hearing that something so personal to me could connect with others on that level was a special moment - it reminded me exactly why I make music.”
Brilla’s journey is already marked by milestones. Opening for Doneo was a turning point - “a big moment for me and gave me a lot of motivation to keep building.” Another highlight came when DJ AG pulled a reload on his performance, a moment he describes as “incredible.”
His first project, Sincerely Brills, remains a defining chapter. Initially released with hesitation, it became a breakthrough in confidence. “Once I finally released it, it felt like a weight off my shoulders and a real moment of growth.”
2024 is shaping up to be Brilla’s most ambitious year yet. He’s gearing up for a new 8‑track project, one that “really introduces who I am as a person, not just as an artist.” He’s also pushing himself to release up to 16 songs and is already envisioning his first headline show. Long‑term, the vision is even bigger. “Over the next few years, I want to evolve into one of the greatest to do it - not just in terms of music, but in impact as well.” He hopes to inspire the next generation through writing, poetry, and creative expression - and even dreams of scoring major films, merging his acting roots with his musical voice.
But above all, he wants his music to matter. “I hope my music opens the door for conversation and honest reflection... At the same time, I also want my music to bring joy.”
He sums up his ethos with a line that feels like a mission statement: “Whatever you choose to do in this life, give it everything you have. Don’t hold back, don’t play it safe... That’s where growth lives, and that’s where greatness begins.”
On April 21st, our community gets to witness an artist stepping boldly into that greatness. When Big Brilla steps onto the Soul Mama stage for our Unsigned Showcase launch event, expect energy. Expect honesty. Expect a performer who brings his full self - no filters, no facade.
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