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Within the span of his rap career, Killer Mike has built a reputation and following that has earned him a solid standing among music fans.

Now, the Atlanta rapper is literally expanding his horizons with a new moniker, Mike Bigga.

According to Bigga, the decision to drop his former name has been bubbling for quite some time.

“I wanted to do it for a long time,” Mike Bigga, p/k/a Killer Mike told AllHipHop.com. “I read all the comments on AllHipHop and all the other sites. And I love how smart the hip-hop fans are and they say ‘Man, this guy is dope. Why he so slept on.’ Then, it always be a comment under there that be like ‘I don’t suppose the name Killer Mike be holding him back? You can’t get corporate sponsorship with that.’ (laughs)”

As Killer Mike, the rapper emerged on the rap scene via collaborations with rap duo Outkast.

He appeared on the group’s Grammy winning hit “The Whole World,” and later signed to Purple Ribbon Records after releasing his debut solo album Monster.

The 2003 offering spawned the hit “A.D.I.D.A.S” which featured Big Boi as well as the club anthem “Kryptonite,” which also featured Big Boi.

Despite their work together, the pair engaged in a three year beef that resulted in Bigga leaving the Purple Ribbon label and an eventual reconciliation with Big Boi in 2008.

Bigga opted for the new name as a reflection of his current mind state, one that reflects his desire to leave a bigger mark on the rap community.

“I’m going with the name Mike Bigga because I really feel like I’m bigger than what I have been in the past and I’ve managed to get legendary status from being a raw rap guy in terms of being able to come out of the shadows of the hardships I’ve had,” the entertainer said as he referenced recent tragedies that have occurred in his area.

“I’ve become my own boss in a bigger partnership with Grind Time Official and Grand Hustle now and I’m just on to bigger and better things,” Bigga continued. “And I figure what better time now, going into this new season that’s going to be coming up in January when Tip get out and let the world know I’m on to bigger and better things.”

Mike Bigga will be a featured panelist during AllHipHop.com’s annual Social Lounge.

The rapper will discuss a number of topics pertinent to the Hip-Hop community along with guests Immortal Technique, Saigon, Raekwon, Ras Baraka and others.

AllHipHop.com’s Social Lounge takes place October 17 at the NJPAC Center in Newark, New Jersey. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.