The Proving Grounds

Big V of Nappy Roots

Vito Tisdale, also known as “Big V” or “Vito Banga," is a former member and front man of the multi-platinum hip-hop group Nappy Roots. The group was signed to Atlantic Records and released their first commercial project, “Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz,” in 2002.  “Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz” went multi-platinum. The album also earned the group two Grammy nominations:

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Po' Folks" which featured Anthony Hamilton and Best Long Form Music Video for "The World According to Nappy.” The group was also nominated for American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards and an MTV VMA after the release of this album.

The group’s follow up project, “Wooden Leather,” went gold and featured production by top names such as Lil Jon, Kanye West and Raphael Saadiq. The group also teamed up with DJ Greg Street for the hit single Good Day. The group has been featured on several soundtracks to include Tom Hank’s “Lady Killer”, “The South Park Movie” and “Neighbors” to name a few.  Big V has been credited as the architect of several of the group’s biggest hits including “Po Folks” and “Aww Naw”. Hip Hop magazine XXL named Vito to their top ten rap voices list.

 Vito left the group in 2012 to concentrate on being a father after his kids’ mother left them at his mother’s home.  During his hiatus Vito became a spokesman for the Light of Chance program, a non-profit program dedicated to using the arts to help troubled youth.  Recently, Vito has decided that the time is right to return to music and is re-introducing himself as a talented solo artist with singles like “It’s Ok’ providing hope for all of those who are struggling during the pandemic.