NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Reinvention is rarely linear, and few understand that better than Vito Banga, known to hip-hop fans as Big V of the Grammy-nominated group Nappy Roots.

In a recent episode of Music City Mindset, hosts Blake Harris and Evan Butler sat down with Big V for a candid and deeply personal conversation that explored his rise in the music industry, the realities behind group success, and the evolution of his life beyond the stage. The episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of Southern hip-hop’s most influential yet often misunderstood figures.

Big V reflected on his early years, his role within Nappy Roots, and the cultural moment the group helped shape in the early 2000s. While the group became synonymous with Southern pride and grassroots storytelling, he addressed the less-visible side of that success, opening up about internal challenges and the circumstances that ultimately led him to step away from the music industry.

During the conversation, Big V spoke openly about the difficult decision to leave music, describing it as both a loss and a turning point. Walking away from a career that defined him publicly forced him to confront identity, purpose, and the mental toll of fame—topics that remain especially relevant for artists navigating life after the spotlight fades.

Rather than framing his exit as an ending, Big V positioned it as a reset. The episode transitions into his present-day pursuits, including his move into entrepreneurship and the launch of his dispensary business. He shared how the discipline and creativity that once fueled his music now drive his approach to business, leadership, and personal growth.

Throughout the discussion, themes of mindset, adaptability, and resilience take center stage. Big V emphasized that success is not static and that long-term fulfillment often requires the courage to pivot—even when the world expects you to stay the same.

The episode resonates beyond hip-hop, offering insight for anyone facing a career transition or searching for purpose after a defining chapter closes. It also reflects Music City Mindset’s broader mission to spotlight stories at the intersection of culture, growth, and self-awareness.

The episode featuring Big V is presented by B2 Wellness Suites, ChillN, and Social Indoor, and is now available across Music City Mindset platforms. The conversation adds to the show’s growing catalog of interviews focused on personal evolution, cultural impact, and the power of intentional reinvention.

Author: Tala Shatara