Name: Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan
Profession: Entertainer, Radio & TV Host, DJ, Philanthropist
Age: 42
One word that describes you: Relentless
One of the most distinctive broadcast personalities in the business Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan
has earned his amongst the best. Connecting with millions of loyal fans Monday through Friday from 2pm-6pm on The Big Tigger Show on V-103 (WVEE-FM) in Atlanta, Tigger provides a daily dose of hot music, entertainment news, and a look behind the music.A natural in front of the camera, Tigger has been called upon to host the BET Awards Post Party Live, Co-Host BET Awards Red Carpet Show, The Soul Train Awards, and most recently the Love and Hip Hop Atlanta After Party Live. When he isn’t on the radio, on TV or on a film set, Tigger is in demand by professional sports teams, celebrities and leading consumer brands like Macy’s, CIroc, Coca-Cola, and Nike to bring the music to live events.
Beginning as an intern at WPGC radio in Washington, DC, Tigger’s dedication, business savvy, and love for music are just a few reasons for his rise to success. “My love for music & hip hop put me on a path to this life and career,” Tigger tells BE Modern Man.
His love for music has pushed him to relentlessly pursue his goals and stay on top his game. “Establishing and maintaining a consistent quality brand was the biggest obstacle and a continuing one. Keeping that brand relevant as the audience & times continually change, is not easy.” Focusing on his brand, building it, and refining it have undoubtedly contributed to his success. “some important things for the younger generation to stay clear of are negative minded individuals, lack of discipline, too wide a focus, and irresponsible social media posting.”Staying relevant and maintaining consistent reputation involves hard work, consistent messaging, and being present. “MY personality, professionalism, genuineness, and hustle consistently enable me to stand apart from the crowd,” says Tigger. “I’ve been privileged to just be “me” for the past 2 decades, and fortunately that has been enough most of the time.”
Breaking through as a leader in the industry, Tigger continues his upward ascent. In addition to being the Resident DJ for the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and in game host for the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, Tigger can be seen DJing at Shaq’s All Star Comedy Jam Tour, All-Star weekend events for Michael Jordan, as well as countless sports and charity events. “As an educated, college non-graduate, I still feel education (and more importantly, mastering your craft) is the deciding factor in who wins and who loses,” Tigger tells BE Modern Man. “Opportunities will come, but are sometimes few and far between. If you’re unprepared to fully capitalize on them because and not on top of your game, it’s just a wasted opportunity.”
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Opportunities and success often times come with pain. The sudden loss of his father on 2007 was the most challenging moment of his career. “He was my best friend, mentor, and person that installed the hustle in me,” Tigger tells BE Modern Man. “I still miss him.”
Pointing to his father as a key figure and role model in his life, Tigger believes people like President Barack Obama and shows like Black-ish
can hopefully help to start changing the negative portrayal of men of color in mainstream media. “There are still way too many negative images and misnomers about the black man, but a great deal of that is also self-inflicted,” says Tigger. “We need to do better and then uplift and celebrate those that are doing better.”Doing better is what Tigger is about. A man with a forward moving mindset, he sees his impact on our community as one of positivity and inspiration. “Beginning as an average black kid from the Bronx, NYC I hope my life story will and can be a source of inspiration to those that follow me,” Tigger tells BE Modern Man. Recognizing that his platform makes him a role model, he makes personal and professional decisions to stay in alignment with his positive image. “Moving forward there will be more Radio, TV and Film (both in front of and behind the camera) work, and heavier philanthropic involvement with the 100 Black Men of Atlanta which I was newly inducted this year,” says Tigger. “Beyond that President Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative, and my “The Big TIgger Foundation” will all be a part of my path.”
With the deck stacked against so many men of color Tigger realizes the need for positive stories and images to be exposed to help change or enhance the mindset of all. “I believe a BE Modern Man is a man that is forging a new path where there was not one before,” says Tigger. He is evolving with the times and creating a new narrative for those behind him to follow.”
The BlackEnterprise.com team salutes one of Radio and Tv’s most influential leaders of our time. Tigger’s ability to connect with his audience which spans multiple demographic groups has made him the go-to personality for many events and shows. Whether hosting the red carpet or serving the community through The Big Tigger Foundation (BTF) which is dedicated to strengthening diverse urban communities through proactive, innovative programming, we are proud to call you a BE Modern Man.
It’s our normal to be extraordinary. Follow @blackenterprise and join the BE Modern Man conversation using #BEModernMan.