DJ X-Rated and DJ Esco's Big Boi's Mixtape for Dummies: A Guide to Global Greatness: A Review

When you think of Outkast lyrically, many tend to think of Andre 3000. One of the game's most highly regarded emcees, the more eccentric half of the duo has always tended to overshadow his more earthy counterpart. But while Andre tends to have a knack for the (increasingly rare) quotable poetic verse, people tend to overlook the craft, technique, and poetry of his partner Big Boi. Of 2004's Speakerboxxx/Love Below, Andre's crooned ballads overshadowed Big Boi's remarkably varied and funky solo set, but Big Boi proved that his own remarkable talent could stand on its own. So it's not surprising, that on the heels of some very strong, very eclectic singles from his own solo set, Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son of Chico Dusty, that someone (in this case DJ X-Rated and DJ Esco) would release a mixtape showcasing Big Boi's own past triumphs as a precursor.

That mixtape, Big Boi's Mixtape for Dummies: A Guide to Global Greatness, includes highlights from each Outkast album, starting from their stellar debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik to singles from his forthcoming album. The mixtape also serves as a great guide for any new fans of Big Boi and/or Outkast, and features some great verses from less well-known tracks as well, such as Benz or Beamer, and Youngbloodz's stellar 85 South. Other highlights include Outkast'sB.O.B., Elevators, Hootie Hoo, Kryptonite, and 8Ball and MJG's Throw Ya Hands. Unfortunately, there are only two tracks from Big Boi's own 2004 solo set Speakerboxxx, the singles The Way You Move and Ghetto Musick, which is disappointing as there are several less-well known tracks on that album that highlight Big Boi's talents. The Rooster, Flip Flop Rock, Tomb of the Boom, and Bowtie readily come to mind.

The contrast between then and now is readily apparent. Contrast his youthful early verses on Player's Ball, to his more mature verses on Shutterbugg. It is refreshing to hear how much Big Boi has evolved as an emcee: lower- pitched and relaxed vocals, greater ability to control his flow, more varied use of metaphor and simile, among other obvious changes. Wisely, DJs X-Rated and Esco do not eschew Andre's verses; they merely cherry pick Big Boi's stronger tracks; and upon an initial listen, it becomes quite clear that not only do few emcees today come close to matching Big Boi's level of lyrical sophistication, but also that he is every bit the equal of his partner in rhyme.