Big quarters, big statement

-- Andrea Jackley

A new creative life force is burning on the Twin Cities Hip Hop scene. Brothers Zach Bagaason, aka "Medium Zack," 22, and Brandon Bagaason, aka "Brandon Allday," 25, otherwise known as Big Quarters, are trying to make their mark in Minneapolis independent rap music. With a much-anticipated new release Cost of Living finally on Twin Cities’ shelves, the group is well on their way.

Zach and Brandon also belong to a group of local producers, Famfeud, who released their first album Measures in 2005 to significant local media attention. Big Quarters began in 2004 when the brothers changed their stage name from EPL. The name Big Quarters comes from a lyric in rap artist Common’s song "Dooinit," in which the famed lyricist states "the world is my section."

"The world is our section," said Brandon, "[and] our lyrics contain the political themes and family values of Chicano artists, and the production is our own."

Both brothers write lyrics for and assist in the recording of all Big Quarters songs. Zach takes credit for the majority of the production work (10 out of 14 songs) on the new album, which was done on his Mac G5 Pro Tools setup in his bedroom. The brothers give credit to their musical influences for their unique production style, which includes the Beatnuts, Jay Dee, RZA and Pete Rock.

Cost of Living is a politically motivated, soul-tinged record. The lyrics are as fresh and gutsy as the homemade beats.

"The album’s lyrics call to attention the struggle of brown families in North America, as well as addressing the responsibility of an artist to give back more than we have taken," said Brandon. "[The] themes on Cost of Living range from immediate family and day-to-day struggle, to a reflection on the shooting at Red Lake High School in March of 2005 and school-closing[s] under the No Child Left Behind Act. We speak as great-grandchildren of Mexican immigrants and touch on our intimate relationships."

The brothers have found inimitable ways to give back to the community. Brandon has been working with after school programs since 2000. In 2005, Zach was recommended for a position as a DJ instructor at an after school program for middle school students. The brothers are now developing a Hip Hop songwriting and recording curriculum for youths in the metropolitan area.

"In 2006, the Minneapolis YMCA recruited Zach and I to develop a music studio program based on songwriting and recording," said Brandon. "Today, through a couple sites and partnerships, we are able to give young people from ages 12–19 some of their first experiences in the studio, giving them the tools to create and record songs on their own."

The album Cost of Living, featuring local acts I Self Devine and spoken-word poet Emmanuel Ortiz, hit stores March 27. Big Quarters will hold two CD release shows at 7th Street Entry on April 5, at 5 p.m. (all ages) and at 9 p.m. (21 plus). Guest appearances will include Tish Jones, Mavin MC and M.anifest; the event will be hosted by I Self Devine.

Big Quarters will also be performing at the University of Wisconsin — Madison for "Hip Hop as a Movement Week" April 20–22. For more performance dates, music and information, visit http://www.bigquarters.com.