One Half of Outkast Returns like Ghosts of Christmas Past
Originality has always been Outkast’s marquee. In 2003, we tasted genius from two of hip-hop most creative minds when Big Boi and Andre 3000 released a 40-track super album. Not to mention the fact that it was one of the greatest selling rap albums of all time (at twice the retail price as 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’). I am, of course, talking about Speakerboxx/The Love Below.
Seven years later, we are blessed with Big Boi’s first solo album, Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. Speaking of Andre 3000, OutKast fans might be asking “where is Andre on the album?” The answer is nowhere. Well, actually, he did produce ‘You Ain’t No DJ’, a track featuring up-and-coming Alabama native, Yelawolf. But that’s all.
This is all due to a dispute between Jive Records – which still handles OutKast – and Big Boi’s current label, Def Jam. Basically, Jive would not allow 3000 to perform on the Def Jam backed debut. Though this fiasco is disappointing to fans hungry for a combined effort, the album still features a handful of notable guests ranging from Dungeon Family affiliates Sleepy Brown, Joi, Big Rube and Khujo to air-wave heavyweights like T.I., Gucci Mane and B.o.B.
To me, the most impressive part of this album is its depth and variety. Big Boi makes good on his endless creativity with an ear for unique, soulful, funky southern-style beats, filled with bass and synths guaranteed to make your head bop. Big Boi co-produces a number of tracks, but also brings along old friends in Organized Noize and Mr. DJ. Supplementary production from Scott Storch, Salaam Remi and Cut Master Swift brings the record to the next level. With such an eclectic collection of producers accompanying Daddy Fat Sax, the album’s sound won’t disappoint faithful fans.
Unfortunately, Big Boi lives lyrically in the public shadow of his partner, Andre 3000; the casual majority seems to prefer Dre’s style, without giving Antwan a fair shot. In my experience, I’ve never had any reason to go along with this. Big Boi has always spit with versatility and ease and this album proves that the energetic thirty-five year old Cadillac driving hip-hop superstar shows no sign of aging. When he’s not twisting his tongue to project countless syllables in seconds, he’s surrounding plenty of playful hooks with flawless flow. Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty, as Big Boi puts it, is filled with “knock-out songs.”
After a handful of listens – plus pumping the leaks for well over a year – I can easily say that Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty is an amazing album worth the hour of your time it demands. With diverse beats, guest appearances and, of course, Big Boi’s upbeat, tell-it-like-it-is lyricism, you are bound to find something to appreciate.
Crux Crusader 