08/11/2026
We’re heavy-hearted to share that our brother Michael “Big Mic” Pereida passed away suddenly on August 10th, at home during the night. We’re still processing it as a family, and we’ve got unfinished business: something he poured himself into, that we need to see through for him.
Big Mic’s been part of the Purple Bee family since the early days, starting with a trip our crew took out to his hometown of Goliad, TX — where we witnessed his raw talent as an improviser on the mic. Since then he’s been one of our closest collaborators, on stage and off — Always solid. Always humble. The best crew member, bandmate, and friend we could ever ask for. His hustle was real, his heart was bigger.
“I smile because I know I’m Blessed with favor & grace to live a meaningful life to enlighten others.”
— Big Mic
Tomorrow, we carry it through for him — looking after what he built and carrying on his legacy. Big Mic spent months bringing SiriusXM’s Shade45 hip-hop station to Texas for a live broadcast of their show, The Punchline Academy. He went to bat to bring this influential show here, to spotlight Austin’s hip-hop community — and now it’s become his tribute.
Tune into Shade45 (ch. 45 on SiriusXM), 8–10PM ct, then hop over to Purple Bee’s YouTube at 10PM for a live afterparty and memorial cypher in his honor.
punchline academy x SiriusXM Shade 45 x College of Hip Hop Knowledge
Lineup: , w/
This one’s for Big Mic Pereida
