Big Jook

Anthony "Big Jook" Mims was an American talent scout, manager, and record executive who served as the President of Collective Music Group (CMG). He was the older brother of rapper and CMG CEO Yo Gotti. His life ended tragically on January 13, 2024, when he was murdered in a targeted shooting outside a Memphis restaurant. While he never achieved fame as a recording artist himself, his influence as a behind-the-scenes architect of the Memphis rap renaissance and his involvement in high-profile legal controversies regarding the murder of fellow rapper Young Dolph defined his public legacy.

As the operational backbone of CMG, Big Jook cultivated relationships with artists and built the infrastructure that allowed the label to dominate the Southern hip-hop landscape. He was credited with identifying local talent and developing the aggressive marketing strategies that propelled CMG artists to platinum status. His role extended beyond business; he acted as a guardian for the label, ensuring the safety and loyalty of the collective while managing logistics and protecting the brand's interests.

Big Jook remained a private individual regarding his personal romantic life, avoiding the spotlight that often accompanies his brother's fame. His primary focus appeared to be his brother's career and the growth of CMG. Despite the lack of public records regarding his early birth date or education, his impact on the Memphis music scene remains undeniable. He is remembered not just for his business acumen but for his fierce loyalty to the people he worked with. [edit]

Anthony Mims grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, alongside his younger brother, Mario Mims, who would later become known globally as Yo Gotti. Specific details regarding his exact birth date and early childhood education are not extensively documented in public records. Like many figures from the Memphis underground scene, his early life was shaped by the city's vibrant but often dangerous musical culture. He spent his formative years navigating the streets of Memphis, which provided the backdrop for his eventual entry into the business side of hip-hop.

Before becoming a mogul, Big Jook worked closely with his brother during the group's early days in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Their shared upbringing fostered a deep bond, leading to a partnership where Jook served as the operational backbone while Yo Gotti focused on the artistic output. In the mid-2000s, as Yo Gotti began to gain traction with independent releases, Big Jook took on roles as a road manager, talent scout, and security chief. He was instrumental in identifying local talent and building the infrastructure that would eventually become CMG.

Unlike his brother, who pursued a career as a performer, Big Jook preferred the shadows, managing logistics, protecting the label's interests, and cultivating relationships with artists. His first major step toward influence was helping to organize the "Collective" era of CMG, which included signing artists like Moneybagg Yo, Blac Youngsta, and Big Boogie. He operated with a quiet authority, ensuring that the label's operations ran smoothly while keeping a close eye on the safety of the artists he managed. [edit]

Big Jook's career is defined by his role as the President of CMG, a position he held from the label's inception until his death. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, he assisted Yo Gotti in forming the collective and managing early independent releases. By 2012, he played a key role in Yo Gotti's signing to Interscope Records, helping to navigate the transition from independent to major label status.

From 2016 to 2020, he oversaw the rapid expansion of CMG's roster, securing multi-million dollar deals and launching successful careers for Moneybagg Yo and others. He was credited with the "CMG sound" and the aggressive marketing strategies that dominated streaming charts. During this period, the label signed several high-profile artists, solidifying its position as a dominant force in Southern hip-hop.

In 2021 and 2022, he managed the label during its peak commercial success, overseeing multiple platinum albums and high-profile collaborations. He was also a frequent presence at CMG events, serving as a de facto face of the brand's loyalty and protection. His career was cut short in January 2024, leaving a void in the label's leadership structure that the team continues to navigate. [edit]

Big Jook was portrayed as a tough, no-nonsense figure who operated with integrity and loyalty. Media outlets depicted him as the "guardian" of CMG, contrasting his quiet, behind-the-scenes demeanor with the flashy lifestyles of the artists he managed. His image shifted posthumously to that of a tragic victim caught in the crossfire of Memphis gang violence. [edit]

Big Jook does not appear on global fame rankings like those measured by iFANN because he was a behind-the-scenes executive rather than a performing artist. His fame is concentrated within the hip-hop community and specifically among supporters of the Memphis rap scene. He is recognized as a key figure in the rise of CMG, a label that has produced some of the biggest names in modern Southern hip-hop.

His "fans" are primarily hip-hop enthusiasts, CMG supporters, and Memphis locals who respect his contribution to the culture. Fan campaigns have included social media tributes and requests for justice regarding his murder, but there are no organized fan clubs or specific rituals associated with him. The community remembers him for his loyalty and his role in shaping the sound of Memphis rap. [edit]

Big Jook was often referred to as "Big Jook the Boss," reflecting his authoritative role within CMG. He was known for his fierce loyalty to Yo Gotti and the CMG family, often putting the label's safety above his own. His ability to spot talent is considered a legendary skill, with many crediting him for discovering and nurturing the careers of Moneybagg Yo and Blac Youngsta.

The most controversial moment in his legend involves the prosecutor's claim that he put out a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph. This allegation became a central point in the trials of Cornelius Smith and Justin Johnson, creating a dark mythology around his relationship with Dolph. Some insiders suggested these claims were part of a complex web of feuds and misinformation, though the legal proceedings treated them as serious accusations.

He is legendary among Memphis locals for his role in protecting the city's artists and venues, often intervening in conflicts before they escalated. His Instagram handle, @bigjookcmg, remains active with approximately 162K followers as of recent data. The account serves as a memorial page, featuring photos and tributes from fans and colleagues. [edit]

Big Jook was the older brother of Yo Gotti. The two were extremely close, often appearing together in public and in music videos. Beyond his brother, specific details about his parents or extended family members remain private. There is no public record of him being married or having children; his primary focus appeared to be his brother's career and the growth of CMG. He was known to be a private individual regarding his personal romantic life, avoiding the spotlight that often accompanies his brother's fame. [edit]

Mario "Yo Gotti" Mims, Moneybagg Yo, Blac Youngsta, Young Dolph, Cornelius Smith, Justin Johnson. [edit]

Public information regarding Big Jook's romantic history is scarce. Unlike many celebrities, he maintained a low profile regarding his dating life. There are no credible reports, interviews, or social media posts confirming any long-term partners, marriages, engagements, or high-profile flings. As of his death in January 2024, he was believed to be single. No children were publicly attributed to him. [edit]

Anthony "Big Jook" Mims died on Saturday, January 13, 2024, in a targeted shooting outside a restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee. Police confirmed the incident as a homicide shortly after the attack occurred. Reports indicate he was standing near the establishment when suspects approached and opened fire. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community, particularly among the members of Collective Music Group (CMG) and the wider Memphis scene.

The investigation quickly linked his death to broader tensions within the local rap community, specifically revolving around the unsolved murder of fellow rapper Young Dolph. Prosecutors alleged that Big Jook had allegedly put out a $100,000 hit on Dolph prior to his own death, complicating the motive analysis for his killing. This allegation became a central point in the subsequent trials of Cornelius Smith and Justin Johnson, who were charged with Dolph's murder. The legal proceedings treated these claims seriously, weaving a complex narrative of feuds and retaliation that defined the case.

A funeral service was held for Big Jook, attended by numerous figures in the hip-hop industry, including his brother Yo Gotti, Lil Wayne, and other CMG artists. Yo Gotti delivered a eulogy honoring his brother's loyalty and hard work, describing the loss as a devastating blow to the family and the label. The music community expressed deep grief, with streaming numbers for CMG artists seeing a surge following the news. While no albums were released posthumously under his name, CMG continued to release projects dedicated to his memory.

Following his death, the value of his estate is managed by his family and legal representatives. The estate includes his share of CMG profits, intellectual property rights, and personal assets. Given the ongoing success of CMG, the estate continues to generate revenue through royalties and licensing deals. Recent news as of 2026 focuses on the resolution of the legal cases surrounding his death and the Young Dolph murder, including plea deals and sentencing of accomplices. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Big Jook's net worth at approximately $7 million. This figure reflects the consensus of available financial data adjusted for his role as a high-level executive and equity holder in CMG. His wealth was derived from his salary as CMG President, equity stakes in the label, and production credits.

Primary income came from his executive role at CMG, which generated significant revenue from album sales, touring, and licensing. He likely held real estate investments in Memphis, though specific property holdings are not public. Following his death, the value of his estate is managed by his family and legal representatives. The estate includes his share of CMG profits, intellectual property rights, and personal assets. Given the ongoing success of CMG, the estate continues to generate revenue through royalties and licensing deals. [edit]