While it remains unclear when we will get some new original music from Outkast, today marks the first track featuring both MCs in about five years as Big Boi hops on the remix of Frank Ocean‘s Andre 3000 collaboration, “Pink Matter.” As expected, the result is pretty awesome and is a must listen for any music fan. Hopefully we see a project from the legends in 2013, but for now enjoy this slice of dopeness below. Happy Friday night ninjas!
Two TMN favorites hook up here on this stellar track from Big Boi‘s upcoming album, Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors. The focus of this fresh new track revolves around winning back the affection of an ex lover, with Kid Cudi providing the convincingly hopeful chorus. Cudder brings a unique vibe to this track that only he could provide through his mellow melodies, while Big Boi continues to thrive as a solo artist on the mic. It’s definitely a divergence from what we’ve gotten used to hearing from Big Boi, but we’ve seen that this album is all about stepping out of the box for the ATL veteran.
Judging by the releases thus far, Big Boi‘s upcoming album will be one of the strongest hip-hop projects of the year. Today, he provides yet another confirmation teaming up with fellow Atlanta veterans, Ludacris and T.I., for a southern banger with production that sounds like a marching band on steroids. All three emcees go all the way in putting their respective boastful, ATL-branded raps on prime display. Stream “In The A” below and look out for Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors, due out on December 11th.
As half of the legendary rap duo Outkast, the Atlanta-based Big Boi, requires little introduction. His solo career, on its own, has placed him in the highest echelon of emcees. Recently, the ATLien has shown an openness to collaborating outside of the genre, most memorably in his work with Little Dragon.
On his latest single, Big Boi brings in the indie electro duo, Phantogram, and Harlem’s PMF, A$AP Rocky, to create quite the dope clash of musical styles. Rocky kicks the track off with his trademarked flow over the captivating and epic multi-layered instrumental. The heavenly vocals of Phantogram’s Sarah Barthel grace the chorus before Big Boi himself comes in with his veteran delivery and southern wisdom. Phantogram takes over for the last minute leaving the listener suspended well above the clouds in yet another example of successful genre fusion. Stream “Lines” below and look out for Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors, out December 11th.
Although fans of Outkast will have to wait indefinitely for some new material, Big Boi has kept fans happy by consistently dropping new material. A live version of his latest single “Mama Told Me” debuted awhile back with Little Dragon on the hook. Now, the studio version has dropped and Kelly Rowland graces the chorus and hook. Her soft vocals compliment The Flush‘s 80s funk beat and Sir Luscious Left Foot delivers some dope verses. Fans can hear more when his sophomore LP Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors drops 11/13 via Def Jam.
It’s always important to watch our favorite artists evolve, especially the legends (even the transformation from a dogg to a lion). It’s great for the artists because it gives them room to expand and even better for the fans, because we know that even our most cherished idols are still hungry for growth as they push the boundaries of their music. It’s this hunger that I feel really separates the elite artists from the average and a characteristic we can find in the greats from all genres.
For music as a whole, collaboration is great because it breaks down barriers between genres making it tougher and tougher to apply labels to each new song that comes out. Hell, I didn’t even know what exactly to count this new entry as. While this new cut isn’t much of a departure from the traditional Little Dragon fare, it manages to still feel like home turf for Big Boi once he steps up to the mic bringing that same funky, tricked-out ATLien swagger that made him stand out so many years ago as a member of Outkast and more recently with his successful solo career.
When the final version of this drops, it will likely be on constant repeat until the end of the year for us ninjas. “Mama Told Me” will be featured on Big Boi’s upcoming album, Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors, which is due out later this year. For now, though, you’ll have to keep replaying the footage above of Little Dragon bringing out Sir Luscious Leftfoot at Vitamin Water and Fader’s uncapped concert series.
Following his first single “She Said OK” from his upcoming second solo album Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors, Big Boi releases “Gossip”. Featuring both halves of UGK – with the late Pimp C – and Big K.R.I.T, this juicy track has a great underground feel while still delivering a clean production. Listen to the radio rip below.
