October 20th, 2009 7:21am
The Weak-Minded Are Falling By The Wayside
Big Boi with Gucci Mane “Shine Blockas”
No disrespect to Gucci Mane, but I’ve heard this song at least two dozen times in the past week, and I can never remember anything about his performance, even when I’m actually listening to it. There isn’t even anything wrong with what he’s doing here, it’s just that his shine is so thoroughly blocked by Big Boi that his parts just feel like something to kill time while the star catches his breath for the next verse. As brilliant as this is, this is business as usual for Big Boi: Immaculately constructed and rhythmically complex yet extremely playful lyrics delivered with an effortless yet freakishly high level of charm. He has a great way of making everything he raps sound casual and conversational, as if he raps his way through virtually every verbal exchange on a daily basis. Gucci Mane can’t help but recede into the background — he’s exactly the kind of monochromatic rapper who seemingly exists to highlight the color and versatility in the voice of a guy like Big Boi. At least in this track he’s complementing his style, and not dragging it all down.
10/20/09 9:28 am
Yes, you’re right: Big Boi’s been doing this for years. It took me a minute to realize it, but not only are his contributions the most consistently fun aspect of Outkast, but he’s one of the best MCs of his generation.
10/20/09 11:48 am
Yeah, people really reveal how little they know or care about hip-hop when they talk about Big Boi like he’s Art Garfunkel or Andrew Ridgeley or something (which I guess doesn’t happen much anymore, but I used to see it all the time).
10/23/09 7:34 pm
Don’t know how good it really is, since a bunch of other stuff already leaked that’s better. “Dubs”, “Royal Flush” and “For Your Sorrows” make this sound feeble.
When dude’s accompanied by rappers with a little style and imagination you get something better. That way you don’t have to sit through a garbage verse, or keep your finger on fast-forward in anticipation of Gucci.
To me, complementing his sound would mean his presence is an asset.
Sorry, but it isn’t.