Big Boi, the less flamboyant half of the Southern legends Outkast, is back with his first official solo disc since his effort on Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. ‘Sir Lucious Left Foot ….The Son of Chico Dusty was held up by label politics for three years, and Antwan Andre Patton chose to jump from Jive to Def Jam with his solo debut. What Jive found too artsy is actually contemporary pop in 2010. He brings new songs to the table, not including songs released the last few years or guest spots from Andre 3000 (exept for producing one track.) This is classic Big Boi and Outkast material; funky, filled with hooks, talkbox, organic production and up to date without following trends. It’s a showcase of Big Boi’s depth and complexity, but also southern party anthems. You can mature, meet expectations and still have your fun. The dynamic Atlanta scene is showcased with appearances from fellow ATLiens T.I., Janelle Monáe, Sleepy Brown, Joi, Khujo, B.o.B., and production by Organized Noize.

The record opens up with “Feel Me”, an early 90’s sounding G-funk intro before jumping into “Daddy Fat Stax”, where Big Boi reintroduces himself surrounded by heavy bass, sharp drums, and a crazy synth beat. “Follow Us” is the only weak track on the album. It has a nice riddim production by Salaam Remi, but it’s featuring Vonnegutt, an indie band signed by Big Boi on his Purple Ribbon Records. It sounds like an anemic radio pop song, and the purpose is probably creating a crossover hit. Luckily it’s followed by “Shutterbug”, maybe one of the best tracks of 2010, a heavy electro jam with handclaps, smashing glass and an infectious hook. And a welcome back to producer Scott Storch. “Tangerine” featuring T.I. is a heavy hitter of a song, with guitar samples and big drums, and their rhymes flow well together, effortlessly transitioning lines. “You Ain’t No DJ” featuring Yelawolf sounds like a strip club joint, and Andre 3000 is behind the crazy beat with rattling bottles. “Fo Yo Sorrows” featuring George Clinton and Too Short is classic southern style hip hop. George Clinton brings some dreamy and spacey vibes, and the post-Katrina lyrics now tragically also fits the BP catastrophe:  ”Yeah, I’m still speakin’ about it ’cause New Orleans ain’t clean, When we shoutin’ ‘dirty south,’ I don’t think that is what we mean/I mean, it mean the rough, the tough, the dangerous, we reign supreme/Can slaughter entire teams with the ink that my pen bleeds.”

Big Boi deliver the expected goods, and then some. Sir Lucious  reminisces classic Outkast, but you don’t miss his partner Andre 3000. He possesses flawless rap skills, artiness, tasty hooks and smart production. There are lots of strong tracks, but his debut is highly enjoyable as a complete listening experience. His funk infused hip hop is timeless, not nostalgic, and it’s easily one of the best rap albums of 2010.

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