By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Very seldom are things the way they appear. To the untrained hip hop eye and ear, Big Boi is literally on his second album. Instead, Big Boi is eighteen years deep in the rap game and fresh off his eighth studio album. For years, the rap game missed the baritone voice of Big Boi and his psychedelic lyrics.
Last week, Big Boi faced off against Game with Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors in what should have been a clash of the titans. Instead, both rappers will be coming up short with their new albums, in terms of sales. But, in terms of good music, Big Boi set the bar high.
There are many different genres of hip hop out there and it makes sense for at least one member of Outkast to be in the mix. Since Andre 3000 is still semi-retired, this role has to go to Big Boi. Out of the gate, it was clear Big Boi aimed to go outside of the box, as he did with the “Mama Told Me” single, best-known with Kelly Rowland featured.
Big Boi loaded up on the big names for this album, featuring Kid Cudi, Big K.R.I.T. and other relative rap newcomers. Many hip hop fans fantasized about what collaborations between these artists would sound like. With Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors, Big Boi proved that and so much more. In a year where classic albums were delivered by Nas and Kendrick Lamar, along with breakout releases from the likes of Meek Mill and Big K.R.I.T., on top of albums from Rick Ross and Game, Big Boi will likely be overlooked, but his latest work has the potential to be one of the best albums released in 2012.
Hip Hop Vibe’s Rating: 8/10
