The city of Jacksonville will posthumously honor hip-hop legend Billy ‘Bigga Rankin’ Plummer with a key to the city, recognizing his decades of influence on music, culture and community.

Family, friends and members of the music industry gathered Saturday to celebrate the life of Jacksonville music executive and mentor Billy ‘Bigga Rankin’ Plummer during a homegoing service that drew about a thousand attendees from across Florida and beyond.

People gathered outside Paxon Revival Center Church to honor Jacksonville DJ and promoter Billy “Bigga Rankin” Plummer, sharing memories of his mentorship, record-breaking influence, and lasting impact on artists nationwide.

The family of Billy “Bigga Rankin” Plummer has announced plans for a celebration of life for the DJ and promoter known as a godfather of Southern hip-hop.

From a block on the Eastside to packed clubs and national stages, Billy Plummer, also known as Bigga Rankin, helped build Jacksonville’s music scene — and the people inside it.

After the family of DJ Bigga Rankin announced his passing on Monday, tributes flooded social media from the music industry and the Southern rap and hip-hop artists whose careers he helped launch and promote.

Billy Plummer, the DJ and promoter known as DJ Bigga Rankin, died Monday, his family said. He helped launch and promote Southern rap stars including Rick Ross and T.I and was a longtime community advocate.

Kevin Gates recently headlined the MLK Celebration concert at Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in January, marking one of the first concerts of 2025 at the venue.