Beginning with an interest in DJing & Hip Hop culture, legendary music artist, Big Sherm, has grown to cover elements as an MC, producer, DJ, engineer and executive producer with over 18 years in the game, covering the foundational elements of electronic and Hip Hop and their many sub-genrrs.
Rapper
With over 40 mixtapes and projects as a rapper, Big Sherm has fine-tuned his approach, yet remains very experimental with sounds, themes, and delivery. Opening for Hip Hop classics such as Kuniva, Crooked I, One Be Lo, and Kool Keith, Sherm has cemented himself, locally and globally, as a force to be reckoned with on the mic, appreciated by all generations.
Four major releases compromise Big Sherm’s sound as a rapper: NO FUTURE trilogy, EGODEATH trilogy, The Hero’s Journey quadrilogy, and the For What It’s Worth quadrilogy, with other supporting projects along the way including YO! Big Sherm Raps!, Big Sherm Ain’t Shit, Mixtape & Chill, For The People, and 12 group compilations recorded at the DOPE4EVA estate. Encompassing both the classic Hip Hop sound, as well as navigating newer and unknown territories, Big Sherm proves his unique ability to work with every style and forge new foundations for future generations.
Producer
Big Sherm’s dedication to music does not stop on the microphone. As a Hip Hop producer, Sherm has released 12 beat tapes under the series name Secret Travels. Compromised primarily with samples, flips, and chops, an eerie/mystical vibe is present throughout each project, giving any emcee instant inspiration to spit the heaviest bars they can come up with.
As well as sample-based work, Big Sherm has spent the past several years refining his ability to create completely original works with no samples, loops, or packs. These years of unique sounds have shown his reach between genres and styles to create a sound that resonates with the listener. Beyond Hip Hop, electronic and house music have always had a base behind the sound.
DJ
Beginning with a love of electronic and DJing, Big Sherm has spent over 10 years behind the 1’s and 2’s, starting first as a vinyl DJ and eventually adding digital interfaces and mixers into the mix. With a foundation of funky house and deep house, Big Sherm’s mixes keep the crowd having fun and dancing the whole way through.
After years of playing vinyl and digital sets for house and electronic fans at venues, events, radio shows, and house parties, Sherm was invited to be a resident DJ of Mac’s Bar’s infamous weekly event, Funk Night. As a primary foundation of music surrounding the week’s guest band, Big Sherm seamlessly played everything from funk, and instrumental Hip Hop, to Mo-Town, disco, and reggae.
Since 2023, you can find Big Sherm curating a weekly electronic night in Lansing called MELT Thursdays. Featuring house, techno, electro, ghetto tech, dub, dnb & More.
Engineer
Working for auditoriums, events, festivals, and music venues as a live sound engineer has given Big Sherm a clear advantage over many performing artists. Mixing live audio for many big shows of all genres has given him the ability to see hundreds of artists and make them sound their best.
Having recorded and mastered most of his catalog, Big Sherm is often found behind the boards, recording and mixing down rappers of DOPE4EVA (D4E) and Giving Back Entertainment (GBE).
In The News
Big Sherm talks ‘Funk Night’ at Mac’s Bar
“Lansing’s Hip-Hop Community is Building A Foundation” in Spartan News
Recap of Kool Keith Liquid Magazine Archive : “Big Sherm was up next, opting to spin a few turntable mixes of his own before grabbing the microphone to spit to his sample-heavy, self-produced beats that packed a 90s vibe.”
“The Sound Guy” in this Vice article
Musical Comedy group in The Denisonian
Mentions For Headlining
Show Headlining Mention in Lansing Paper
Mentioned as Opener
Brief Mention as a DJ at Tell Yo Mama Show
On Blogs
“Big Sherm Channels 2000s H-Town Rap and Ganesha on ‘All My Blessings'”
ItalMassive’s Review of Big Sherm’s Single ‘All Day’
Roadie Music Review: “Big Sherm cria clima especial com All Day”
Musik & Mas’ Review: “Big Sherm rompe con «Like Me»”
Review of “EXISTENCE.” on TheWordIsBond.com: “Looping sharp lyricism and wordplay, Big Sherm shares gems and jewels about life. You must deal with life as well as heal from it, you must look fear in the eyes at all times, and as he did you must build something out of nothing. Big Sherm goes on to deliver mind refreshers to spark a sense of empowerment.”
Review of “No Guarantees” by Waffle Rhythms: ““No Guarantees” is Big Sherm’s thoughtful exploration of life’s uncertainties, wrapped in the smooth cadence of old-school hip-hop. The track invites listeners to pause and reflect as Sherm flows over a laid-back, classic boom-bap beat. Each verse feels deliberate, guiding us through personal affirmations and introspective moments. It’s the type of song that makes you nod in sync with both the rhythm and the wisdom dropped between the lines.”
ExtravaFrench review of “No Guarantees”: “Big Sherm, MC, producer and DJ, comes back with “No Guarantees”, a title that captures the essence of motivation and inspiration. On a silky production with classic hip hop accents, Sherm delivers a piece that is both soothing and impactful. This title is much more than just a piece, it is a poetic statement about the reality of life and the challenges it imposes.”
Review of “String Theory” (FWIW2): “Big Sherm’s “String Theory” is a bold exploration of thought, layered over intricate beats that command attention from start to finish. The track masterfully weaves complex rhymes with themes of awareness and self-reflection, inviting listeners to question their reality while nodding to hip-hop’s roots in storytelling. With its tightly packed verses and smooth delivery, “String Theory” offers a contemplative experience without losing the grit that defines the genre. It’s a standout track from Sherm’s new self-produced EP, For What It’s Worth, and a testament to his ability to merge insight with rhythm effortlessly.”