New Disease Alert 2025: The Epidemic of the "BIG HEAD"

By Allen Johnston – The Music Specialist📍 www.asha.com

Over the past month, I’ve observed a troubling trend rapidly infecting the entertainment industry—a new social disease spreading among both seasoned and up-and-coming creatives. I call it the BIG HEAD epidemic, and trust me, the symptoms are clear, visible, and harmful.

Let me break this down.

Award shows have multiplied at a breakneck pace. From legacy ceremonies like the Academy Awards to local, sometimes questionable productions like the "True to the Hood Awards" (yes, that’s real), it seems like there’s an event to crown everyone a winner. Gospel, Jazz, Blues, Urban, Hip-Hop, Country, Rock, Classical, R&B/Soul, Bluegrass—you name it, and there’s an award show for it. Entire cottage industries now exist for trophy manufacturing, engraving, and promotions. And while some of these events honor excellence, others are little more than ego-fueled marketing schemes.

With this boom comes the first stage of the disease: Inflated Self-Importance.Winners begin to believe their own hype. They think they're being honored for originality, innovation, or work ethic—sometimes they are. But more often, the truth is that these awards are given to fill a program, attract corporate dollars, and boost ticket sales. It’s all about money, influence, and creating the illusion of importance.

Then come the symptoms.

At first, there's a slight swagger. Then, a noticeable shift in attitude. Humility fades, eye contact disappears, and arrogance sets in. Some forget that the same everyday people they now look down on were their first supporters, fans, and buyers.

The second stage is Toxic Association Syndrome.Now that they're “award-winning,” some begin to associate with shady characters—industry opportunists with no integrity, loose morals, and questionable reputations. These new relationships often lead to bad advice, bad deals, and even worse behavior. And before long, the infected start to mirror the very same low standards they once spoke out against.

In just the past few weeks, I’ve witnessed multiple independent artists, publicists, musicians, and even digital magazine owners transform from grounded, purpose-driven professionals into unrecognizable, ego-driven caricatures. It’s like a complete personality transplant—triggered by nothing more than a piece of acrylic and some applause.

As the late, great Richard Pryor once said:

“You order shit, you eat shit.”

**Here’s the reality check: Awards don’t define you. Your consistency, your character, and the legacy you leave behind—that’s what matters.

So to my fellow creatives, beware of the BIG HEAD. Stay grounded. Stay grateful. And surround yourself with people who hold you accountable, not those who just want to ride your wave or feed your ego.

Because when the applause fades—and it always does—the real work begins.