Outkast is certainly one of hip-hop's great duos, arguably the greatest there ever was. But whenever Outkast is discussed, it feels like André 3000 comes up more than Big Boi. Three-stacks is certainly the more artistic and flamboyant of the two, but I (and a growing number of others) believe Big Boi, aka Daddy Fat Sax is a better rapper. Not many have a voice for the genre like Big Boi. He can spit fast, and make it seem cool and easy.
Though we haven't really seen much music from André 3000 in the past decade, Big Boi has stayed busy. His two solo albums, though not smash hits, are universally well-liked. This EP, Big Grams, is not a solo effort, though. It's a collaboration between Big Boi and electronica duo Phantogram, and it marks Big Boi's first collaborative release since Outkast's Idlewild.
(I know next to nothing about Phantogram, which is my meager explanation for why this is almost all about Big Boi.)
The EP opens with "Run for Your Life", which is a terribly disposable opener. Fortunately, it's followed by the more exciting and futuristic "Lights On". "Lights On" feels more like Phantogram feat. Big Boi, but it's a standout track nonetheless. Vocals pop, and Big Boi is still as funky as ever. Big Boi dominates "Put It On Her", though. Features by Run the Jewels and Skrillex show up; the latter especially dominates the direction of the final song "Drum Machine".
I think Big Grams is bookended by poor tracks, but the meat of the EP is strong. At a brief 26 minutes, it feels all too short. Hopefully it's a taste of bigger things to come from the new group. I'm definitely open to anything new from either Big Boi, Phantogram, or the both of them.
7/10
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