The Houston rap scene has never been one short of acts notorious throughout the nation and internationally – and Scout Bar will set the stage, literally and proverbially, for a landmark show not to be missed when H-Town’s own Big Yogi opens for Paul Wall on October 5. The journey for Christopher Tenney, aka Big Yogi, has been steadfast and skyrocketing ever since his career in rap was born not that many years ago. 

“I was born in Houston and raised in Pasadena. I have some friends who are involved in the music scene, and one night I went out with a friend of mine who wanted me to come out for a show. It just so happened that show was at Scout Bar. A light turned on for me that night, like, ‘You can do this.’ So I just gung-ho went into this,” he said. 

Through some networking and his familiarity with the music scene, it wasn’t too long before Yogi got into the studio himself—but it would take more drive than this to be involved at the level of success he is now.

“I was working, making videos, making music, but no one would book me. So I just started asking other people how they got booked, simple as that. I decided I need to call a venue and book my own shows. From that night, it’s been show after show after show,” said Yogi, who in addition to being a father, rapper, and talented tattoo artist also became a promoter, often times for venues such as 18th Street Bar and Grill and BFE.

“I’m pretty unique, and I have my own sound; I can say that,” Yogi said of his own rap style. “But I was raised in the ‘80s and ‘90s in Houston, so the Geto Boys, DJ Screw — you know — all the legends influenced me, so I just go with what I feel,” he said. 

Like many successful music stories, however, it’s not one that comes overnight and without a lot of hard work and belief in one’s self.

“This is a job. It’s a full-time job, and you have to want it. The more you invest and the more you put yourself out there, the better results you will get. I paint a picture, that’s what I want to do,” he said. “No matter what, don’t give up. People are going to talk down on you, say you can’t do it, say you’re crazy, that you’re wasting your time. You’re going to lose friends, your family is going to turn their back on you— but don’t quit. This is your dream. No one is going to live your life but you. Just don’t listen and do what you do. I’m 41 years old and never rapped in my life, and in four years in, and I’m all over the United States and Europe on the radio. It just goes to show it’s possible,” he emphasized.

Indeed, in four short years Yogi has catapulted onto the rap scene like an unsuspecting comet, recording his first full-length LP in the legendary SugarHill Recording Studios and with a new song out with Paul Wall as well, who he’ll hit the stage with on October 5 – a first-time appearance for Wall, too.

For other aspiring artists, however, he cannot emphasize enough that this quick rise to the top doesn’t come without blood, sweat, and tears.