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B!GG W8 GEM!N!
Gary Lorenzo Monk Jr. (born June 7, 1990), known professionally as B!GG W8 GEM!N!, is an American multi-disciplinary artist, producer, and creator from North Carolina. He is the founder of the independent label B!GG W8 MP!RE and has worked extensively with local artists in Harnett County and the broader North Carolina music scene. GEM!N! is also a filmmaker, screenwriter, video game creator, dancer, and actor, operating as a one-man production company.
Early Life
Gary Lorenzo Monk Jr. was born in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and raised in Dunn, North Carolina. He is the son of Sabrina McKoy and Gary Monk Sr., who divorced during his childhood. His father remarried Tereasa Sutton when GEM!N! was four, and his mother married Bobby Sherrill Montgomery when he was thirteen. Montgomery passed away on January 27, 2025.
During his early teens, GEM!N! spent time in his neighborhood navigating difficult circumstances and exposure to street life. By age 13, he was already experiencing the pressures of the streets, including smoking and drinking, while managing family instability. Bobby Montgomery provided stability and protection, creating a safe and supportive household for GEM!N! and his mother. GEM!N! later chose to live primarily with his father to seek a safer environment and witnessed the positive impact of Montgomery’s presence until his passing.
GEM!N! has several siblings involved in music: his sister Portia Monk, known professionally as Khalis Jackson, and younger siblings TRU-LYFE (Tela McNeill) and Ace (Terrance McNeill), who have all contributed to his projects.
Career
GEM!N! began performing and creating music in the early 2010s. From 2013 to 2016, he was in discussions with Young Money and B.W.A., although he was never signed. He was formerly a member of O.D.R. (Only Death Remains), a group led by Ill-Hop (Shanelle Jackson), Knocc-Nizzle (Chester Surles), Natrius (Nathanial Surls), and occasionally his cousin LBoog (Larry Monk).
In his early career, GEM!N! founded the label Smokin Mic Production, which included himself, JT-Smoove, QT, and Young K. After the team disbanded, he rebranded the label as MP!RE in 2016. MP!RE later signed Lil Ruger and several other artists between 2018 and 2019, performing shows and shooting videos almost every weekend.
Despite early successes, internal issues and financial disputes led to a temporary decline, with artists leaving the label. GEM!N! rebuilt the label independently, and in 2020, he officially rebranded it as B!GG W8 MP!RE, a label representing himself and any future collaborators who join under the “B!GG” banner.
He continued creating music independently, focusing on albums that would make a lasting impact. In 2024, he released Boss Mindset 3, a project refined over four years and described as his most hard-hitting work. In 2025, GEM!N! began working on the Crushed Soul project, which includes tracks such as Doubted Me (available on streaming platforms), Toxic, and a remix of Toxic, both yet to be released.
GEM!N! has collaborated with local artists including WiFi-HeeM of FirstFlight910, Stunna 500, and JDslos, among others. In addition to music, he produces videos, writes screenplays, creates beats, develops video games, and performs as an actor and dancer. He is the creator of the upcoming video game Dodge City Records, scheduled for release between mid-2026 and early 2027.
Personal Life
GEM!N! was first married to Amy Denise Wilson in 2012, becoming stepfather to her three children: Tyree, Tyrone, and Tynesha. He remarried in 2021 to Tameka “Shay” Elliott, daughter of Tony Ray Elliott and Teasha Shalonda McLeod, with whom he has three children: Blessings Mpiress Monk, Gemini Hezekiah Monk, and Spirit Lashay Monk, with another child on the way. GEM!N! also has a daughter, Zatela Robinson, from a previous relationship with Jasmine Robinson.
Discography
Albums
Boss Mindset Trilogy
Spectacular Love (first album)
Boss Mindset 3 (2024)
Mixtapes
Crushed Soul 1 (released)
Maturity (released)
Crushed Soul 2 (upcoming)
Notable Songs
Doubted Me (released on streaming platforms)
Toxic (unreleased)
Toxic Remix (unreleased)
Legacy and Style
GEM!N!’s work spans multiple disciplines, combining music, filmmaking, dance, acting, and video game creation. His independent approach, family-oriented collaborations, and early life experiences navigating adversity have established him as a versatile and self-reliant creator within the North Carolina artistic community.
References
B!GG W8 GEM!N! on YouTube
B!GG W8 GEM!N! on Facebook
B!GG W8 GEM!N! on Instagram
B!GG W8 GEM!N! on Spotify
