Image via Complex Original
Big Boi’s got a little more work ahead of him. He’s nearing the creative finish line of his forthcoming sophomore solo album, Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors (a title inspired by his now passed grandmother), and though the Outkast MC has yet to close out the project, he’s already feeling good about it. Why? “My momma like it,” he joked in front of a few journalists last night at NYC’s MSR Studios during a brief preview of his rough work.
Between sips of his Starbucks frappuccino, Big explained that he’s not scheduled to submit his album to his Def Jam record label until September, but he should be finished with Rumors around August after he pulls around 12 tracks out of the pool of 30 he’s cut so far. The effort finds the Outkast member going in a different, less funk-soaked direction artistically—one that, in part, was inspired by the other half of ‘Kast, Andre 3000.
Last summer, when Big played ‘Dre more funk-inspired tracks intended for this album, his response was, “You’re doing more funk?” Big recalled. So after some thought, he started from scratch. The result is a fresh, indie-inspired groove. He’s been performing at festivals not often frequented by rappers, like Camp Bisco, and random run-ins with trendy small-time bands to thank for it.
First, he found Indie pop duo Phantogram. Their music was in a pop-up Internet ad he came across. In love, he whipped out his iPhone and Shazamed it, then hollered at lead singer Sarah Barthel on Twitter. Now she’s on several tracks on Rumors. Big went as far as calling her “my new Sleepy Brown.” He was joking again, but similar to the chemistry he’s got with the Organized Noize singer, Barthel sounds delightful with him.
There’s also a song featuring boutique pop group Little Dragon, who Big Boi first heard during a visit to Andre 3000’s house. Before ‘Dre could say “Hey Ya,” Big had them on a Rumors track, too. And there are more stellar features on the project as well. Learn more about the eight cuts Big Boi played us in the preview ahead.
Written by Brad Wete (@BradWete)
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"Intro"
Producer: Cy-Fyre, Big Boi, Chris Carmouche
The album's start finds Big being his boisterous self. He clowns other rappers who basically aren't welcome to his elite club, saying they're "temporary, substituting/We can't get you in."
"Apple of My Eye"
Producer: Mr. DJ
Big's pensive here, talking to a lady about seeing "the window to your soul." And though it's a thoughtful record, it still knocks like a club cut and closes out playfully with him taking a huge bite from an apple.
"Objectum Sexuality" f/ Sarah Barthel
Producer: Phantogram
This indie-slanted record is the first of many featuring Phantogram's Sarah Barthel. Here, she coos on the hook while Big talks reckless. At one point he tells a guy that he'll "rub my dick on your bitch like a violin." Obviously, that's not the kind of music that guy probably would like to hear. Barthel was in attendance. It was her first time hearing the completed song and she loved it.
"Gossip" f/ UGK & Big K.R.I.T.
Producer: Organized Noize, Chris Carmouche, and Big Boi
It's the set's street single, featuring UGK and Big K.R.I.T. Big Boi said this is one of his son Bamboo's favorite records. On it he laughs at men in "little bitty clothes like Dancing with the Stars without judges or the danceflo'."
"CPU" f/ Sarah Barthel
Producer: Chris Carmouche and Jeron Ward
This spacey track is about love in the Intenet era. Barthel returns here, singing, "It's you that's on my mind" to a boy toy. While Big raps, "I know it isn't too conventional/But it'll do until I get you in the physical." It wraps with a sexy piano addition.
"Lines" f/ A$AP Rocky
Producer: Organized Noize, Chris Carmouche, and Big Boi
A$AP Rocky opens this track. "Life is terrific," he starts before daring anyone to interrupt his flow. "Tell 'em pinch me if I'm dreaming." Barthel sings on this song as well, just over probing synths and double-time drums this time.
"She Hate Me" f/ Kid Cudi
Producer: Sharif Wilson, Chris Carmouche, and Big Boi
Kid Cudi joins Big Boi on this cut about a relationship on the rocks. Big's not sure if him and wifey will last much longer: "The shoe still fits/But I'm wearing out the sole." On the hook Cudi sings, "I'ma make her love me... Baby, let me fix it." This will be the album's official first single. They plan to shoot the video in a few weeks.
"Mama Told Me" f/ Little Dragon
Producer: Royal Flush, Chris Carmouche, and Big Boi
This one sounds like a throwback Prince jam (or maybe something The-Dream might conjure up) and features Little Dragon. Lead singer Yukimi Nagano warns "Be careful how you play your cards...Try not to break too many hearts."
