Today we’d like to introduce you to Gregory Horta, Big Papa G.
Hi Gregory Horta, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am the youngest of 4 boys and grew up in a 3 bedroom apartment in the Bronx with my parents, my grandma, and my brothers. Our neighborhood had a diverse Puerta Rican and African American population, and you could hear anything playing, from Reggae to Latin music. My neighborhood was the type where on any given spring and summer day, you could find people hanging out on the front porch stoops drinking coffee and eating soda crackers and cheese while the kids ran around and music filled the air.
We lived very modestly and depended on government assistance to help feed our family. My parents were not too proud to accept the help because they worked hard and knew they were setting up a life for their children to do better. They also never hesitated to reach back and help another whenever they could. They encouraged my brothers and me to do well in school, participate in activities, and volunteer in our community and believed that doing good would return good.
My passion for music started when I was 6 years old and my brother AL, the oldest of four boys, let me borrow his transistor radio one night with that one earpiece and told me to listen to CBS radio with Cousin Brucie (50’s music). I was hooked, and after that, I saw the beauty in music everywhere. Around 1977, I remember living across the street from a schoolyard (PS85) on Webster Ave and 187 St. Friday and Saturday nights during that summer, there would be 500+ people coming out from all over the city to enjoy different DJs and spinning music. Watching the dance groups like Rock Steady Crew and New York City Breakers come out and the battle over flattened cardboard on the concrete floor while the beat of the music filled your chest, I knew then I wanted to be the guy spinning the records and picking the songs that would charge the crowd. Looking back now, I realize that what I was witnessing was not only the birth of my passion for music but also the birth of hip-hop music and dance.
As I’ve grown older, I have participated in many events and activities, and it fills my soul to bring this piece of happiness to others. I have had the privilege to be a small part of so many big days and the opportunity to experience many different cultures and activities that I would not have otherwise had access to. I am grateful to my parents for supporting my dreams, and my brother and that transistor radio-they have all shaped me to live my best life bringing the gift of music to others. I have been married to my best friend (the total opposite of me) for the past 22 years. I have three kids (a 30-year-old daughter who is married and provided me with 2 awesome grandkids). (My 25-year-old son (loves to cook) works, and attends college) and my 16-year-old daughter. who I tell has kept me grounded and is my savior with this new generation of what they call music and dance. I will keep doing what I do until I can no longer wait.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Growing up with very little was challenging in itself. However, it also made me strong to handle some of life’s more complicated obstacles beyond my control. I have experienced racism; I have encountered injustices. I have seen poverty and violence. However, because of my strong upbringing and positive family influences, I choose every day to focus on the good I have experienced-the opportunities given, not taken away.
During Covid, I continued doing Zoom / Facebook music trivia events. (No cost) just a way to continue to provide fun during these crazy times. I met so many people from all across this country. At one point, I started a post to accept donations to purchase individual food items like Mcdonald’s hamburgers and chicken sandwiches, snacks, juice, and fruit for our first responders. I cater primarily to those that worked the overnight or weekend staff. At one point, I started selling a specialized t-shirt to continue funding. It was a blessing that my wife and I were still working full time, so all the process was food, food, and gas. “I Partied with Big Papa G during the Covid 19 Epidemic.” I felt so alive and thankful that I could do my part with what I genuinely feel is a gift to help others.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
Suppose you need someone to motivate your crowd to do more than download a song. In that case, you need an emcee Like Big Papa G! Greg Horta’s (aka Big Papa G) love for music and fun led him to launch BPG Entertainment (est. 2013). BPG Entertainment provides more than just music. This fully insured company specializes in corporate events, birthday parties, family reunions, Sweet 16 parties, educational events, and promotional events.
Home of the Original Music Trivia Experience: BPG Entertainment created a new Musical Theme Trivia Event. This type of trivia requires participation by all contestants to listen to a song to answer the questions. This is not your momma’s trivia. Guarantee that people will be dancing, singing, and laughing all night.
Big Papa G handles disc jockey, entertainer, and emcee services. If you are planning an event, you can leave your worries behind and let BPG Entertainment oversee your party or event, indoors or outdoors. Big Papa G ensures that your event runs smoothly and that your guests enjoy themselves. Big Papa G personally deals directly with clients, contacts them before the event, and is willing to set up the day before the event begins. Big Papa G’s great radio voice often gets credit from his clients, and with his charming and funny personality, he can steer a fantastic party for you!
The biggest challenge for any DJ is enticing people to the dance floor and keeping them entertained. Big Papa G does not just play music. He sets the tone for the entire event! Big Papa G catches every song on the client’s request list and keeps all the other guests entertained. Everyone is guaranteed a great time with the right choice of music for the crowd.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My first mentor has to be my father. My dad, who passed away a year ago (Feb. 2022), always believed in being there to help those in need – family or not. He shared what he had or found a way to make it happen. He was only 12 when he quit school to find work to help support his mom, younger brother, and two older sisters. He made sure that his younger brother never had to worry about struggling, and my dad made sure that no matter what, he would be the one kid going to college. Until my dad had his accident, he sent money to his mom. He got his diploma from a program called Job Corp and made enough money to come to New York and start working to send money back home. At 17, he met my mom, who was 24, whose husband left her with three kids. Two years later, they had a 10 pounds baby boy (me). That story alone made my dad my first true mentor; this man provided guidance, advice, feedback, and support when needed.
People I look up to:
Danny Garcia is a ‘visionary architect behind some of today’s most successful enterprises, brands, and talent. Her ‘passion for bettering the world through socially responsible decisions’ is ‘consistently reflected in the culture of her teams and the businesses she builds.’
Pitbull spent his first $1,500 paycheck on a car for his mom. “It all depends on what you want to do and how you want to grow, but if you think money is going to make you happy, you are completely confused, “If you do it for the money, you are already screwed.”
Jackie Joyner-Kersee created her own Youth Center Foundation to encourage underprivileged youth in her hometown (east St. Louis) to play sports; the athletic excellent devoted more time to the endeavor in retirement. According to its website, the organization aims to “educate, encourage and assist athletes in their efforts to contribute to community and charitable causes.” In 2007, she helped establish Athletes for Hope and other champions like Andre Agassi, Muhammad Ali, and Mia Hamm. I was privileged to meet Jackie and participate as a DJ and emcee in some of her golf tournaments. To meet someone and continue to have that relationship does a dream come true. This is something I will always treasure.
Things that kept me grounded:
*Join a mentorship platform (Growth Mentor, Mentor Cruise, Pelion)
*Reach out to existing network (I joined a couple of record pools to connect with DJs worldwide). Also, introduce myself to other DJs at events, hanging out at a party, or even your local bar or club).
*Attend professional networking events (Conferences, trade shows, and speaking events)
*Volunteer at events and social clubs
*Social media platforms (Linken In, Facebook)
Building a relationship with a mentor is simple: set up the following times to talk and listen. A thank you note or actual card by the mail is a great way to show that you appreciate that person.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.bigpapag.com
- Instagram: djbigpapag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djbigpapag?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-horta
- Twitter: @BigPapaGDJ
