For Circle Small Juli, “Poppin Out” is bigger than a song title. It represents what happens when a man who spent years losing his freedom finally gets the opportunity to take control of his own story.

The Atlanta based trap artist is entering a new chapter of his career with Big Cat Records after a journey marked by incarceration, hard lessons and a decision to redirect his life through music.

Juli has been recording since 2017, but his path has been anything but conventional. After repeatedly finding himself in and out of jail, he eventually served six years in prison. Music became one of the few positive outlets he could hold onto.

Rather than erase those years from his story, Juli brings them directly into the booth.

“I rap about what I did yesterday,” says Juli.

That approach gives his music an immediacy that cannot be manufactured. His lyrics pull from the streets, incarceration, relationships, consequences and the everyday experiences that continue to shape his life.

His current single, “Poppin Out,” is a perfect example.

The inspiration came while Juli was living in a halfway house following incarceration. After his bunkmate got into trouble, restrictions were placed on their living situation. Juli found himself unable to go outside when all he wanted to do was throw on a fresh outfit, step out and enjoy a simple freedom most people take for granted.

CIRCLE SMALL JULI Turns Frustration into a Record

“Poppin Out” captures that feeling of wanting to be seen, wanting to move freely and wanting to enjoy life after spending years confined.

That authenticity helped lead Juli to Big Cat Records, the Atlanta independent label co founded by Marlon “Big Cat” Rowe. Big Cat Records has long been connected to Southern Hip Hop culture, including its early work with Gucci Mane and the release of his debut album, Trap House.

For Rowe, Juli’s appeal begins with something that cannot be created in a marketing meeting.

“Juli has something you cannot teach: authenticity,” says Marlon “Big Cat” Rowe. “What impressed me was his hunger, his work ethic and his willingness to turn his life experiences into something productive.”

Juli cites Yo Gotti, Future, Kilo Ali, Finesse2tymes and Young Dro among his influences, but his objective is not to duplicate anyone else’s career. He wants his records to sound like his life.

CIRCLE SMALL JULI Team Confirms His Distinction

His publicist, Lynn Hobson, sees that distinction as one of the artist’s greatest strengths.

“Juli isn’t selling a character. He’s giving people his truth,” says Hobson.

And Circle Small Juli is already looking beyond the next record.

His long term vision includes becoming a label owner himself and creating opportunities for talented artists who come from the streets but may not have access to the business.

His philosophy is simple: “You ain’t rich til you get someone else rich.”

After spending years having his choices and movements determined by someone else, Circle Small Juli is finally in a position to decide where he goes next.

With Big Cat Records behind him and “Poppin Out” introducing a new chapter, Juli is transforming time lost into motivation.

He cannot get those six years back.

But he can make the years ahead count.