Growing up, Havi felt adversity from the onset. With an absent father, he was raised by his mom and stepfather. He also formed a strong bond with his grandmother. Since age 12, Havi had grown familiar with recording studios. At school, he led the percussion section of the marching band, before finishing his education at home between recording and touring. Around that time, music was one of the few constants in the young artist’s life. Havi recalls bouts of homelessness, staying on people’s couches when he wanted a sense of place and belonging. During this same period, tragedy and devastation struck in a way that would reshape the rapper’s perspective and his faith.

“It took four losses to get these wins,” explains Havi, who recently named his company 4RZNZ. “I was homeless, I got arrested, I lost my brother, and then I lost my grandmother three weeks after that. They are my four losses, and they’re my four reasons.” In the darkest hour, the blows became a battery. “‘9 Times Out Of 10’ was the first song I made after telling my family that I wanted to quit music.” He recorded the song at home. “It didn’t feel normal; I had chills a little bit. It just felt like I was gonna change my life, someway, somehow through that record.” Originally released independently, the song garnered a local reaction. A bidding war began. “The Commission showed that they believed in me more than any other label,” Havi recalls. “They were already talking about radio. They said the right things, and it all felt genuine.”

Havi’s breakthrough song is now in the Top 5 most added at 40 different stations. Additionally, he’s been included on Spotify playlists such as Most Necessary and Realest Down South. Now, one of Javier’s favorite rappers, Lil Baby, appears on an official remix. It shows how two artists from different lifestyles and sections of the ATL can share a vibe. A fresh video is sure to follow.

On Personal Problems, Big Havi lets the listener into his pains of progress. The title track’s chorus demonstrates the spirited melodies that the artist makes. He looks at loss, betrayal, and heartbreak as muses. Meanwhile, the artist takes a faithful knee for “I Pray,” while his knack for storytelling shines on video single “Narcotix.” He notes, “There was a time when I was popping pills a little bit; I’d tweak out on my mom. It was tragic. My friend Jacob who was doing it too. There are two stories in the song that reflect both of our lifestyles.” At a time when so many are glamorizing drugs, Havi raps with firsthand caution.

2020 sees Big Havi reconciling those Personal Problems into his happiest days yet. He will do 25 tour dates with Lil TJay to coincide with his new seven-song project. Havi feels destined for a big and bright future. “I literally have gold at my fingertips. All I have to do is reach for it.”