Louis Cruz may be big, but his outlook on life is even bigga. The 35-year-old rapper known as Bigga, a product of Syracuse's West Side, will be holding a CD release party on Friday, June 4, 7 p.m., at Woody's Jerkwater Pub & Grub, 2803 Brewerton Road, Mattydale, to debut his third solo album, Based on a True Story (independent).

Cruz, who began rapping 11 years ago, coins himself as Syracuse's hardest MC, without the cursing. "I'm a big guy and my philosophy is to always strive for something 'bigga'," Cruz said. A fan of acts ranging from NWA to Public Enemy to Rage Against the Machine, Bigga's music is influenced by eclectic taste and personal experience.

"Every song is based on a truth," Cruz said. "Every bar, every verse is about my life, including the dark times." On the album's fourth track, "My Light," Bigga shares the pain and struggle of losing his grandmother. The song features vocals from his cousin, Robin Smith, who has been singing all her life. Only until this album was Cruz able to work alongside her.

Friday's release party is also a benefit. Ten percent of Bigga's CD sales will be donated to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, which hits close to home for Bigga, whose aunt is a breast cancer survivor. Oddly, Bigga will not be performing on Friday. "The party is a chance for people to meet me and purchase my record," he said.

"I want to feel like I am being challenged by other performers," explained Cruz, who started Bigga Music Productions in 2007, "and no one is really stepping up these days. I have worked with local rappers. But when reality kicked them in the butt, I realized they didn't have the same work ethic."

This album is a followup to Bigga's first two original releases, Return of a Boss and Back to Work. You can purchase a copy at the party from 7 to 9 p.m., for $10 The party is 21 and over and it is free to get in. For more information, call 454-4340.

-GABRIELLE REAGAN