Album Review: Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot: Son of Chico Dusty

Its been a long time since we had some Outkast in our lives. I say that because the Idlewild Movie Soundtrack was years ago and not technically a group album. We were long overdue for some southernplayalisticcadillacmuzik and Big Boi's first solo LP definitely served up a plate full. Delay after delay keep us eagerly waiting for quite a while. Boi's former label Jive Records had this project first but never released it due to creative differences and commercial concerns. So, Big Boi jumped ship to Def Jam so his voice could be heard.

Antwan "Andre" Pattton aka Big Boi shines bright in his first solo effort, Sir Lucious Left Foot: Son of Chico Dusty. The album starts off with "Daddy Fat Sax" which definitely sets the tone for the entire record. Big Boi brags of being lyrically superior to any other while making sure everyone knows the current hip hop artists are not his equal. Track after track Big Boi makes those remarks astoundingly clear. Standout records like "Tangerine", "General Patton", "Turn Me On", and the lead single "Shutterbugg", all have the signature Outkast sound (mainly because Big Boi lent his talents to the production) we have grown to love. Outkast has always been the best at mixing futuristic sounds with funk. The track "For Ya Sorrows" featuring funklord himself George Clinton and Too Short reminds me of the Outkast gems from the 1990's that made us fall in love with the ATLiens to begin with.

The consistency of this album is the most impressive thing to me. Just about any song on this album could be a potential single. No filler tracks. Big Boi loaded the album with features which was to be expected considering he has been working on the project for 4 years. However, the one cameo we were all looking forward to was notably absent. Unfortunately Jive records would not clear two INCREDIBLE tracks featuring partner in rhyme Andre 3000, "Royal Flush" and "Lookin 4 Ya". If those two songs make the record I say its perfect. For now I just say its the best hip hop record of 2010 thus far. Trust me when I say this will be one of the most slept on records of the next 5 years. I don't think anyone really knows how good this record is. The sound is so progressive and innovative while the lyricism is beyond stellar. Big Boi, good work sir.

4.7/5.0

-D. Griff