Dalton Michael Gambino (born
August 12 1992), better known by his
stage name Bigg Damage, is a multi-talented
rapper and
record producer, born in Naples, Florida.
Having gained a substantial amount of attention and fans on
Myspace.com, plus causing huge controversy with his records, makes him an artist to look out for.
Remaining undiscovered, Damage seems to continue making music despite the fact of taking extreme (
media) scrutiny.
He says the
Hip-Hop game is too "angry & frustrated" now a days, and hopes to bring some light and humor to the table.
However things aren't always bad for the young lyricist.
Even his most Cruelist Critics must admit that his use of
unique, (
humorous) yet
serious lyrics, make him one that stands out of a crowd.
Bigg Damage is infamous for his common use of "
disses" surrounding many of his songs.
He explains that he would rather blow it off through music, rather than use physical
violence.
Biography
Early life (1992-2004)
Damage was born in Naples, Florida to Ali (Marie
Simpson) and Marco Ringo Gambino, mixed of
Irish,
German,
Indian,
Australian, and
Italian descent.
A twinless twin, and one older sister Amanda (Lynn) Gambino.
Moving from house to house was anything but rare, having his father in the pool construction business.
Life was stressful for the young child, in such an abusive enviroment.
Damage claims that his father had a short fuse, and physically harmed the family countless times.
Bullies at school were also common, coming home many days with bruises.
"I never fought back, because I wasn't raised to hurt people, but self defense is another thing."
From
Florida to
Montana, and
Washington to
Texas, he's met a lot of interesting individuals along the way.
At a young age, he was reportedly caught stealing
money,
gameboys,
toys, etc. His mother worked at a cafe within Gallatin Valley Mall called "Country Time"(today is known as RowdyU).
Having known where money was hidden, he'd occasionally take some and head to the arcade.
These actions were quickly stopped via his mother claiming to disown him, he hasn't stolen since.
He became fascinated with music from an early age, playing the flute, guitar, & keyboard.
It wasn't until he was around 12 that he started taking his music more serious, recording instrumentals, in which he found his passion in
Hip-Hop.
Inspired by his atmosphere, he decided to take the hateful energy, and turn it into positivity.
Rise to fame (2007-present)
Because of his family's finances, it was incredibly difficult for Damage to afford equipment.
At 13, he volunteered at a Bennigans Restaurant, performing magic tricks to customers.
He later got his first job at a local
skating rink at 14.
"I sure as in hell didn't like it, but it got me what I needed.
Sometimes you have to do what's necessary, to get where you want to be."
After struggling with what life threw at him, he finally raised enough profit to record his demo.
So he hooked up with his good friend
Anthony(a recording engineer at SamAsh), and hit the studio to produce "
Bigg Damage: Trilogy".
He threw up a Myspace page and uploaded his tracks.
Attention of course hadn't just popped up, but rather through promotions and using "hate" as a tool, came much reward.
Every weekend his family would go sell CDs on the side of the road, in order to build
gossip around the area.
It seems being on a constant grind with work and his personal life has toughened his skin, and can only prepare him for what the field has to offer.
This humorous poet Damage, has achieved what not many could throughout all of the
controversy and
hatred towards his lyrics.
In the midst of recording his first
album, he has gotten many of his freestyles aired in skating rinks around the city.
"I'm good friends with the DJs, that comes in handy.
It's all about who you surround yourself with that gives you better opportunities."
Not into the whole
mainstream scene, he has decided to pave his own path in the industry.
In late
December '07, he has released his special edition "
True Damage EP" as an early bonus to his album-in-process.
Alter Ego
Of course, what would a music career be without a little drama.
Receiving many letters stating he's just trying to be the next
Slim Shady has become a daily routine.
Faced commonly with mimmicking Em's style, (
false) lyrics, and even
death threats.
"You know what though, I don't care.
I don't allow things like that to bother me.
What's wrong with re-inventing the wheel?
Black rappers get to sound alike, but white people can't?" jokes Damage.
Quoting a line from the song "
Real Slim Shady"...
"there's a million of us just like mewho cuss like me; who just don't give a fuck like mewho dress like me; walk, talk and act like meand just might be the next best thing but not quite me!""Well then, I guess I'm the next best thing!"
Damage is still clearly in his growing stage.
"I'm just honing my
craft until I get it perfected.
It's so difficult to be
original, yet at the same time being yourself."
Damage has done well for his short amount of time in the game, releasing his very own Product Lines, entering SliceThePie arenas, creating the jingle for SkateLandWest, and working on projects with a handful of artists, Damage will definitely remain with us for some time.
Personal life
Bigg Damage's family and personal life is unknown and quite secret.
Here are a few of the most notable members.
Ali Marie Simpson(Gambino as of
marriage) is Damage's mother.
The artist says she's had a huge impact in his career, and they're known to have a strong bond.
Not much is known other than he claims she plays a large role in his life, and is a great influence to his music.
As of around 2004/2005, she has had
knee and
back issues, both regarding to (
heavy)
lifting at her job.
Going through Casework and Doctor problems, she still arises to be right there for Damage, whenever need be.
"She's the best mom in the world, nothing less" says Damage.
Amanda Lynn Gambino is Damage's older sister (born
August 191990).
Both children were homeschooled, and actually graduated the end of '
06.
She is the artist of the family, known for doing much of Damage's
photography, and into crafts including;
Painting,
Sculpting,
Drawing, etc.
The three of them(Damage, Ali, Amanda) consider themselves a "
pack", working together to survive through their father/husband's lack of anger control.
Not much else is known about her.
Marco Ringo Gambino is Damage's father.
Well known as the
abusive one in the family.
Damage has a strictly large
hatred for his father, claiming all he has done is support the family financially, but (nothing)
emotionally.
Damage has no comment on this
topic.
Midas as of 2006 has been the family's
French Bulldog.
Miscellaneous
Hatred Towards George W.
Bush
Damage released late '
07 a track titled "
Mr. Bush", which quickly caused a major
impact on the Online Community.
The song brought up topics such as the president's feelings against
rap music, the war in
Iraq, and other eye openers.
The song includes explicit lyrical content, from tying the
Government up and roasting them on a burning
cross, to poking jokes like
Condoleezza Rice giving head to
Bush.
Damage simply states it was all in good
humor, and if people are that (up-tight) about their Government, than why are you listening to my
music.
No further information.
Awards
No awards for this artist.
Filmography
No films for this artist.
Underground and Demo Releases
Bigg Damage: Trilogy (demo disk) True Damage EP (bonus disk) Debut Album (un-released)Mixtapes
No mixtapes for this artist.
Mainstream studio albums
No mainstream albums for this artist.
Beef with other Rappers
There have been many rumors spread about Bigg Damage beefing with various Hip-Hop artists, but none have been approved.
External links
Official Website Damage Clothing