There's a saying in the show business that says "the show must go on". That phrase couldn't have been more relevant for the Big Boi concert on October 1. The concert took place at 1200 N. Jordan Ave., where previous concerts such as GLOWfest took place. Anticipation was building in the crowd as opening acts such as David Costa, Riddles, Brittany Street, Them Dudes performed, and DJ Topspeed kept the records spinning throughout all the opening acts. Fans in attendance were eager to see Big Boi (Antwan Andre Patton), one half of one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all-time, in OutKast, as the opening acts performed. Fans started chanting, "Big Boi! Big Boi! Big Boi!"
As Big Boi's entrance grew closer, DJ Topspeed and the MC's of the event put on a choreographed dance performance, a dancing competition, and a freestyle-rap battle competition. Fans were then selected to come on stage to show their hip-hop dance moves and rap. The crowd really enjoyed the rap battle portion of the opening ceremonies, as students tried their best to show their rhyming skills.
After the opening acts and festivities concluded, there was an unusually long break before Big Boi took the stage. Big Boi's tour manager came out and explained that they didn't receive the amount of money that was stated in the contract, and that Big Boi wouldn't perform unless they paid up. Fans were obviously upset and confused. There continued to be an awkward silence and the stage remained empty. After about ten minutes of waiting, Big Boi's personal DJ, DJ Gusto, explained that despite the money differences between Big Boi and concert host, JS Marketing, Big Boi would indeed perform because "it's all about the fans." The crowd obviously rejoiced with happiness and the show went on. I really thought this showed Big Boi's true character.
Finally, Big Boi came on stage with fellow rapper C-Bone and started ripping up the stage, rattling off bars in a fast, southern way. Wearing an all black jump suit and his classic oversized-aviator type sunglasses, and his hometown Atlanta Braves Hat, Big Boi strutted from side to side playing hits that go back all the way to the early 1990's.
Big Boi's set list included both old OutKast songs and new tracks off his latest, well-praised album Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. Big Boi performed OutKast classics like "Ghetto Musick", "So Fresh, So Clean", "Mrs. Jackson" and "B.O.B.". The whole crowed sang along to the chorus' of these songs and attempted to keep up with Big Boi's blistering-quick verses as well.
Behind Big Boi, near the back of the stage, OutKast music videos were played on repeat as Big Boi performed. The videos really showed how the duo of Andre 3000 (Andre Benjamin) evolved and grew over time. Both Andre 3000 and Big Boi have different styles and approaches to music and fashion, and I thought the videos showed that very well. It obviously would have been very fulfilling to see Andre 3000 perform alongside Big Boi, but I digress.
Towards the end of the set, Big Boi transitioned to tracks from his most recent album, and first solo-album, Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. The crowd seemed to enjoy these songs as much as the OutKast songs, I know I did. Big Boi played "For Yo Sorrows", "Shine Blockas", "General Patton", the hit single "Shutterbug", and he finished his set with his most recent single "You Ain't No DJ". He delivered his solo songs with just as much energy and passion as he did his OutKast tracks. By the end of the set, the crowd was jumping up and down, forgetting about all the money drama earlier, and enjoying the music from one of the biggest figures in southern hip-hop history.
After the show concluded, Big Boi's manager came back out from backstage and explained more about the contract dispute, but by that time no one cared. The people in attendance were high on emotion after witnessing a hip hop legend do what he does best. This was Big Boi's night, and that's how everyone will remember it.
Words by Paul Crary
Pictures by Andrew Olanoff
