Sir Lucious Leftfoot – The Son Of Chico Dusty (Mercury)
Rated: 4 stars
If Outkast’s 2005 one-album-each concept, Speakerboxx/The Love Below, highlighted the contrasts between Andre 3000 and Big Boi’s respective musical styles, it also hinted that the hip-hop duo were ready to go their separate ways. Confirmation may be here in the form of Big Boi’s first solo album proper. Rejected by Outkast’s label, Jive, for not being commercial enough, and subsequently released on Def Jam, Sir Lucious Leftfoot – The Son Of Chico Dusty is, ironically enough, packed with the kind of eclectic, innovative yet accessible hip-hop that would give Kanye West a run for his money. The standout tracks, such as, Turns Me On, Follow Us and the filthy Tangerine, are easily up there with Big Boi’s biggest hit to date, The Way You Move. Who needs Andre 3000?
