‘Left Foot’ right in so many ways

We’ve come to expect the unexpected from the members of Outkast. Their convention lies in their unconventionality and ability to creatively look at hip-hop.

With the discographies of both Big Boi and Andre 3000, words like “groundbreaking” and “novel” have become understatements for the artists’ abilities to consistently deliver. Isolated from ‘Dre, Big Boi steps into the ring to give a knockout performance.
“Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty” showcases the Southern Shakespeare’s lyrical capability and adaptability in a loose compilation influenced by multiple genres. Here, Big Boi and his producers, including long-time collaborators Organized Noize and Scott Storch, are inventive and original, dabbling in funk, R&B, crunk and indie-rock for inspiration.

Guest appearances include artists such as Janelle Monae, Gucci Mane, T.I., Too Short and even Parliament Funkadelic’s George Clinton.

The tracks evoke all facets of Big Boi, from the ruthless “General Patton” to the more reflective ego of the rapper in personal tracks like “Be Still.” Big Boi’s wit often adds substance to his storytelling. He sometimes addresses topics such as drug issues or the current standing of hip-hop, as described in “Follow Us,” a song featuring jumping synth-lines and a pop-rap hook from fellow Georgia musicians Vonnegutt: “Left foot, right foot, stepping over biters / It’s like the game is haunted ‘cause there’s so many ghostwriters.”

Other times, though, the lyrics discuss more common rap themes like sex and style.
Regardless of the subject, Big Boi masters the sounds of the English language with his slang and cadence. The album’s punctuated flows serve to educate other emcees about phonetics and Atlanta dialects.

Pick up this album and bear witness to the often-overshadowed member of Outkast, Sir Lucious Left Foot. This album proves the work of the artist can be as experimental, entertaining and as out-of-this-world as that of his counterpart, Andre 3000.