Big Boi's third studio album Boomiverse certainly lived up to expectations, and if it's possible to live up to an album's title, the Atlanta, GA based emcee did that better than anybody could. It had been a whole 5 years since Sir Lucious Left Foot's last solo LP, and people were eagerly awaiting to see what the other half of the legendary duo Outkast had in store for the people. Though Andre has always been the one talked about (often referred to as "hip hop's unicorn"), Big Boi has seemingly never received his just due for the impact he's had on Southern hip hop, and the consistent quality of music he's released throughout his career, both as half of Outkast and his solo work. But today, it's a must we talk about (in my opinion) the best album of the year, so far. Below, I'll be pinpointing the highlights of Big Boi's intoxicating Boomiverse album.
Feel Good, Dance Party Vibes
All through the album, Big Boi grabs a hold of your ears and facilitates the grooves throughout your entire body. These dance grooves mixed with Big Boi's signature style and poignant lyricism mix for a well rounded, yet refreshing hip hop album. In a time period where it's either dumbed down radio hits or raw, underground lyricism, Big Boi does an excellent job of saying just the right amount while allowing you to dance, listen, and enjoy easily. "Mic Jack" features (though barely heard), an Adam Levine feature plus some of that bombastic spectacular production from Organized Noize's own Sleepy Brown, and "Freakanomics" wouldn't even sound like an ode to the freakiest women hip hop has to offer to the average listener; because Big Boi is that good at mixing and molding hip hop with dance friendly sounds.
Dirty South Sound
The dirty south has always been a huge part of hip hop's evolution, especially into the new millennium, and Big Boi brings back the "southern drawl" with force on Boomiverse. He updates the people on the South's doings with some unreleased Pimp C vocals and a cool Gucci verse on "In The South", which has more "Southern drawl" than UGK, Outkast, and Organized Noize sitting on the corner of Headland and Delowe with cups of the bubbly (it pretty much doesn't get more Southern than that). "Kill Jill" featuring titan Young Jeezy and OG Atlanta rapper and frequent Big Boi collaborator over the years Killer Mike is the banger that will get all the partiers and sippers moving with their subs. The beginning of the sample sounds like some Shaolin monk, preparing-for-a-fight-with-Bruce Lee type of shit, and if there is any song to bump in the whip and feel your true Southern pride, this is the one.
Big Boi's Identity As A Rapper/Musician Is Never Compromised
(*I do not own any of these songs, or the rights to them*)
This may get to sound a bit preachy, but hear me out. While it boasts many features (huge name features like Killer Mike, Jeezy, Adam Levine, and more), Big Boi's Boomiverse is unapologetically, his album. Though the Atlanta emcee can mold his sound into any sort of instrumental, a hip hop banger or a catchy radio jingle, Big Boi does not compromise his signature otherworldly sound with what is currently popping in the hip hop world; Big Boi is still half of Aquemini living in his own Boomiverse speaking "Freakanomics" with the local, bad ATLien bitches. Big Boi's ability to stay relevant in an ever changing hip hop climate speaks volumes to his ear for beats, and ability to make music that simply sounds dope. The people have been in doubt about music coming out, debating on whether or not some of it is worthy of being deemed "classic", or debating whether it should be considered music at all, but Big Boi stays away from all the hoopla and just keeps doing his own thing; making great, feel good jams.
