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Boomiverse
Boomiverse
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Boomiverse
Studio album by
ReleasedJune 16, 2017
Recorded2016–2017
GenreHip-hop
Length45:23
Label
Producer
Big Boi chronology
Big Grams
(2015)
Boomiverse
(2017)
The Big Sleepover
(2021)
Singles from Boomiverse
  1. "Mic Jack"
    Released: April 21, 2017
  2. "Kill Jill"
    Released: April 21, 2017
  3. "All Night"
    Released: July 17, 2017[2]

Boomiverse is the third studio album by American rapper Big Boi. The album was released on June 16, 2017, by Epic Records .[3] The album features guest appearances from Adam Levine, Jeezy, Killer Mike, Gucci Mane, and Curren$y. It contains production from frequent collaborators Organized Noise, DJ Dahi, Dr. Luke, and Scott Storch, among others. It was supported by the release of three singles – "Mic Jack" featuring Adam Levine, Scar and Sleepy Brown, "Kill Jill" featuring Killer Mike and Jeezy, and "All Night". The latter is Big Boi's highest charting single as a lead artist. Boomiverse was later reissued under Concord Music Group by way of their reissue label, Craft Recordings.

Background

[edit]

After the release of Big Grams (2015), a collaborative extended play (EP) from rapper Big Boi and rock band Phantogram, Big Boi began writing for his upcoming third solo studio album. He cited influences on the album which included Kate Bush and A Tribe Called Quest.[4] On April 19, 2017, he revealed the title for the album and released the first two singles, "Mic Jack" featuring Adam Levine of Maroon 5, Scar and Sleepy Brown and "Kill Jill" featuring Jeezy and Killer Mike of Run the Jewels two days later.[5]

On May 16, 2017, he revealed that Boomiverse was scheduled for release on June 16, 2017, and includes guest appearances from Gucci Mane, Janelle Monáe, among others.[6] A music video for "Kill Jill" was released on June 2, 2017.[7]

The song "All Night" was featured in an iPhone X commercial in November 2017.[8]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic70/100[9]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarHalf star[10]
Clash Magazine7/10[11]
Courier JournalStarStarStarHalf star[12]
Exclaim!8/10[13]
The GuardianStarStarStarStar[14]
Paste Magazine8.4/10[15]
Pitchfork7.4/10[16]

Boomiverse received positive reviews from critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 70, based on 13 reviews.[9] Jayson Greene of Pitchfork commented: "Boomiverse doesn't have the same freewheeling, blitzkrieg energy as Sir Lucious, but it reestablishes Big Boi as a dependable record maker who will always make music worth checking for, no matter what else is going on around him. He's not really in a position to be competing against Migos on rap radio, and he doesn't want to, at all."[16] Alex Macpherson of The Guardian stated: "A sprinkling of electro bleeps throws Boomiverse back to the 1980s and on irresistible highlight Chocolate, Big Boi morphs into Missy Elliott in her house-dabbling phase. He's careful to drop a Future reference here and borrow Kendrick Lamar's cadence there to root it in the present, but Boomiverse's self-conscious stylistic plurality is the new old-school. "All Night", simultaneously too wacky and too obvious, is a moment to cringe at, but for the most part this is dad rap that can hold its head high."[14]

Nastia Voynovskaya of Paste Magazine commented: "Boomiverse is an exuberant record that dabbles in different subgenres of hip-hop to emerge with a crisp, cohesive final product that stays true to Big Boi's roots while cultivating an up-to-date sound. With Outkast collaborators Organized Noize handling the majority of the album's production, Boomiverse is steeped in the classic Southern sound that predated what we know as trap music today. The album is far from the work of a legend resting on his laurels; instead, its inventive and genuinely fun sound makes a compelling case for why, 20 years after his debut, we should still be paying attention to Big Boi."[15]

Will Lavin of Clash Magazine praised Big Boi's lyricism and production style: "Laced with complex rhyme styles and diverse lyrical content Boomiverse is a welcomed return for Daddy Fat Sack. Walking a thin line between pretty much every musical genre known to mankind, don't be surprised when on Boomiverse one minute you’re breaking your neck on a bed of 808s, electro drum patterns and screaming synths and the next you're kicking back to a selection of funky rhythms, sax solos and acoustic guitars."[11]

Exclaim! critic Erin Lowers commented that "Big Boi continues to reinvent himself, and the Boomiverse signifies something of a new start. And while new beginnings aren't without their flaws, Big Boi's lyrical prowess and effortless delivery provide the thread that link the old Big Boi universe to this, the Boomiverse."[13]

Track listing

[edit]
Boomiverse track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Da Next Day" (featuring Big Rube)Organized Noize2:33
2."Kill Jill" (featuring Killer Mike and Jeezy)
  • Patton
  • Murray
  • Kristopher Bailey
  • Tobias Thomas
  • Aura Qualic
  • Shelton Oliver
  • Milton Poole III
  • Sarah Johnson
  • Masspike Miles
  • Hollis Mason
  • Michael Render
  • Jay Jenkins
  • Organized Noize
  • Young Cali
  • Big Boi
4:24
3."Mic Jack" (featuring Adam Levine, Scar and Sleepy Brown)
3:22
4."In the South" (featuring Gucci Mane and Pimp C)
  • Cory Mo
  • TM88
  • Organized Noize
4:05
5."Order of Operations"
3:39
6."All Night" (featuring LunchMoney Lewis)
4:01
7."Get Wit It" (featuring Snoop Dogg)
Organized Noize4:39
8."Overthunk" (featuring Eric Bellinger)
Organized Noize3:27
9."Chocolate" (featuring Trozé)
  • Patton
  • Jacob Troth
Jake Troth3:01
10."Made Man" (featuring Killer Mike and Kurupt)
3:48
11."Freakanomics" (featuring Sleepy Brown)
4:32
12."Follow Deez" (featuring Curren$y and Killer Mike)Mannie Fresh3:52

Notes

  • ^[a] signifies a co-producer
  • "Kill Jill" features background vocals from Rock D the Legend and Hatsune Miku.
  • "Mic Jack" and "In the South" features background vocals from Miss C.C. LaFlor
  • "Order of Operations" features background vocals from Eric Bellinger.
  • "Get Wit It" features background vocals from Scar and Miss C.C. LaFlor.
  • "Freakanomics" features background vocals from Sleepy Brown, Ian Kirkpatrick, Scar and Sean Douglas.

Charts

[edit]
Chart performance for Boomiverse
Chart (2017) Peak
position
Canadian Albums (Billboard)[17] 76
New Zealand Heatseeker Albums (RMNZ)[18] 7
US Billboard 200[19] 28
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[20] 12

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Boomiverse is the third solo studio album by American rapper , formerly of the hip hop duo . Released on June 16, 2017, through , the album comprises 12 tracks and runs for approximately 45 minutes. It features guest appearances from musicians including , , , , , and , with production handled by , , , , , and . The album marks Big Boi's return to solo work following his 2012 release , blending Southern hip hop with , , and electronic elements to create an energetic, party-oriented sound. Themes explored include personal reflection, social commentary on issues like police brutality, and celebratory vibes, delivered through Big Boi's signature witty lyricism and intricate wordplay. Recording took place primarily in , with Big Boi emphasizing a return to his roots by collaborating with longtime associates like , the production team behind OutKast's early hits. Singles from Boomiverse include "Mic Jack" featuring , released in April 2017, and "Kill Jill" with and , which debuted alongside the album. The project debuted at number 29 on the chart, with 19,000 album-equivalent units in its first week (13,000 in traditional album sales), and received generally positive reviews for its vibrant production and Big Boi's charismatic performance. Notable tracks highlighted by critics include "Da Next Day," "Order of Operations," and "All Night," praised for their infectious grooves and collaborative energy.

Development

Background

Boomiverse serves as American rapper Big Boi's third solo studio album, succeeding his debut effort Sir Lucious Left Foot... The Son of Chico Dusty released in 2010 and his sophomore project Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors from 2012. As a continuation of his solo trajectory, the album represents Big Boi's ongoing exploration of hip-hop artistry outside the constraints of his OutKast partnership with André 3000. The conceptual origins of Boomiverse draw heavily from OutKast's foundational sound, particularly the innovative blend of Southern hip-hop with experimental flair evident in their early albums like (). sought to infuse the project with "boom bap" rhythms—characterized by hard-hitting drum patterns and sampled beats rooted in East Coast hip-hop traditions—while incorporating cosmic and futuristic elements to evoke a sense of otherworldly exploration. This fusion aimed to honor his heritage while pushing boundaries, creating a sonic universe that merges gritty street narratives with expansive, space-age production. Big Boi first teased and announced Boomiverse in April 2017 through social media posts and media interviews, where he elaborated on his intent to evolve his musical identity following OutKast's high-profile reunion activities. In discussions, he highlighted a desire to return to core hip-hop essences while innovating, stating that the album captured a vibrant, energetic vibe distinct from his prior works. The announcement coincided with the reveal of the lead single "Mic Jack" featuring , setting the tone for the project's thematic depth. In the broader context of Big Boi's career, Boomiverse emerged after OutKast's reunion tour commemorating the 20th anniversary of their debut album, which reignited interest in the duo but also underscored Big Boi's commitment to solo independence. Free from , he positioned the album as a personal statement of artistic autonomy, allowing him to channel influences from his roots into a self-directed vision unburdened by collaborative expectations.

Recording and production

The recording of Boomiverse primarily took place at Studios in , Georgia, with co-owning the facility alongside his collaborator ; additional sessions occurred in for about a week, resulting in a roughly 60-40 split between the two locations. The process spanned approximately four to five years, beginning after the release of 's previous solo album in 2012, during which member Ray Murray relocated to to facilitate daily beat production—often generating up to 50 ideas per day for to select from and record over. Big Boi served as executive producer and handled vocals, collaborating closely with (Rico Wade, Ray Murray, and ) as co-executive producers, who contributed to multiple tracks and brought their signature Southern hip-hop sound rooted in live band elements. Other key producers included and on "Mic Jack," where sessions incorporated Adam Levine's guest vocals alongside and Scar; on "Kill Jill," featuring and ; and , Cory Mo, and on tracks like "In the South" with and a posthumous hook. Engineers such as Chris Carmouche, , and Renegade El Rey handled recording, with mastering by Dave Kutch and across various tracks. The production blended live instrumentation—such as horns and bass lines characteristic of Organized Noize's style—with electronic and contemporary hip-hop elements from producers like Dr. Luke and Cirkut on "All Night" featuring LunchMoney Lewis. Specific techniques included sampling, as seen on "In the A" featuring T.I. and Ludacris, which drew from William DeVaughn's 1973 funk classic "Be Thankful for What You Got" for its groove, alongside self-sampling from Big Boi's earlier track "Shutterbugg" to emphasize Atlanta's cultural legacy. This approach aimed to create a cosmic, expansive sound evoking the Big Bang theme, prioritizing innovative pockets and melodies over traditional rap structures.

Music and themes

Musical style

Boomiverse exemplifies a fusion of Southern hip-hop and , incorporating psychedelic effects through cosmic-themed synths and electronic fusions that evoke a sense of otherworldly exploration. The album draws from Atlanta's hip-hop legacy, blending y horns, soulful production, and Southern bounce with modern electronic twists, as heard in tracks like "Da Next Day," which features heavy bass and classical influences. Sonic innovations include heavy basslines that drive the tracks, trap-influenced beats with swinging drums and snapping snares, and upbeat synths layered over funky keys. For instance, "All Night" showcases rollicking piano arrangements and vibrant synths, creating an infectious, party-ready energy with subtle orchestral flourishes reminiscent of Southernplayalistic vibes. These elements contribute to a dynamic sound that balances rapid-fire flows with layered instrumentation, produced by collaborators like and . Spanning 45 minutes across 12 tracks, the album forms a cohesive , where each song interconnects through recurring motifs of funk-infused party rap and intergalactic themes, avoiding overstaying its welcome while maintaining a unified "boomiverse" aesthetic. This structure echoes the experimental sprawl of OutKast's , but with a more mature, celebratory vibe focused on bass-heavy bangers and unpretentious Southern rap mastery.

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of Boomiverse emphasize themes of Southern pride, personal relationships, and cosmic , creating a arc that portrays a dynamic explosion of cultural and individual vitality. In tracks like "In the South," featuring and the late , celebrates Atlanta's street culture and Southern resilience with lines such as "I-G B-O-I, why? / Effortlessly fly," evoking a sense of effortless regional identity and swagger. This motif extends to broader reflections on heritage, positioning the album as a sonic homage to the South's enduring influence in hip-hop. Big Boi's , rich with double entendres and intricate cadences, often addresses the challenges of aging in rap while maintaining lyrical sharpness. On "," he raps, "Alright, alright, I'm old-fashioned / But my style cannot be cloned," highlighting his evolution and timeless appeal amid younger competitors. Similarly, "," featuring Trozé, uses metaphors to reflect on life's temptations and maturity, with verses blending and , such as cashing checks to "blow it all on ." These elements underscore a theme of personal growth, where experience becomes a strength rather than a limitation. Collaborations amplify the album's and relational depth, contributing to its explosive "boomiverse" concept—inspired by the as a fresh start in hip-hop. "Kill Jill," with and , delivers pointed critiques of urban violence and inequality, as in Big Boi's line "Chicago's full of shooters, my garage is full of hoopties," while adds "Just kill 'em softly with my presence." Relationships appear in escapist contexts, like "All Night," where Big Boi navigates romantic dynamics with "Players gonna play when they wanna play," blending charisma and caution. Overall, the form a vibrant tapestry of confession, humor, and wisdom, evoking a parallel universe of boundless energy and cultural explosion.

Release and promotion

Singles

The lead single from Boomiverse, "Mic Jack", was released on April 21, 2017, featuring vocals from Adam Levine, Scar, and Sleepy Brown. The track, produced by DJ Dahi and DJ Khalil, blends funky synths with rapid-fire rhymes, serving as an energetic introduction to the album's cosmic theme. Big Boi performed the song on NBC's The Voice on May 16, 2017, and on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on April 24, 2017, boosting its visibility ahead of the album's release. Released simultaneously with "Mic Jack" on April 21, 2017, "Kill Jill" features and , delivering a booming collaboration rooted in Atlanta's hip-hop heritage. The song's music video, directed by and released on June 2, 2017, depicts a regal, throne-room with the artists adorned in opulent attire, emphasizing themes of triumph and legacy. By early May 2017, "Kill Jill" had amassed over 3.1 million streams on , contributing to the pre-album buzz. The third single, "All Night", arrived on July 17, 2017, featuring guest vocals from and capturing a lively, party-anthem vibe with its upbeat production by . The track gained traction post-album release, peaking at number 16 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart and marking Big Boi's highest-charting solo single to date. Its official video, released in June 2018, showcases vibrant, neon-lit scenes that align with the song's celebratory energy, further amplifying its radio and streaming play.

Marketing and release

Boomiverse was released on June 16, 2017, through as Big Boi's third solo studio album. The album was distributed in physical formats including CD and double vinyl, with the vinyl pressed on blue and white marble-colored discs. The rollout featured promotional efforts such as the announcement of the Daddy Fat Saxxx Tour in August 2017, which supported the album with live performances across . Merchandise tied to the release included limited-edition apparel like promotional T-shirts featuring album artwork and references. Digitally, Boomiverse launched on streaming platforms including and , enabling immediate global access. Exclusive promotional content, such as behind-the-scenes video clips from the recording of tracks like "Kill Jill" featuring and , and "Mic Jack" with , was shared on to build anticipation. In subsequent years, the album's distribution shifted under , a division of , facilitating continued availability on digital and physical platforms.

Reception

Critical reception

Boomiverse received generally favorable reviews from music critics. According to the review aggregator , the album earned a score of 70 out of 100 based on 13 reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reception. Critics frequently praised the album's energetic flows and inventive production, highlighting Big Boi's continued relevance in hip-hop. Pitchfork gave it a 7.4 out of 10, commending Big Boi's nimble, lively delivery as a "fire hydrant of jokes, insights, insults, wisdom, and confessions," while noting the funk-infused tracks and strong collaborations that reestablish his dependability as an artist. Similarly, described it as "dad rap that can hold its head high," appreciating its charm, nostalgic eclecticism, and highlights like the Missy Elliott-inspired "." However, some reviews noted uneven hooks and inconsistencies in the tracklist. The Guardian pointed to "All Night" as a cringe-worthy moment that felt too wacky and obvious, contributing to a lack of subtlety. Aggregated criticisms on echoed this, citing weak production, terrible hooks, and disjointed creative direction in certain tracks, with one review scoring it 60 out of 100 for irritations like ghastly synthetic sounds and awkward features. Despite these flaws, the album's party-oriented energy was seen as a strong point by most reviewers.

Commercial performance

Boomiverse debuted at number 29 on the US chart, earning 19,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, of which 13,000 were from traditional sales. Over time, Boomiverse achieved steady streaming success, surpassing 219 million plays on as of September 2025. Following its original release on , the album was licensed to under , contributing to ongoing digital sales without attaining major certifications from bodies like the RIAA.

Track listing and credits

Standard edition

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)LengthSamples
1."Da Next Day" (featuring )Patton, A. · Patton, R. · Murray, R.2:33
2."Kill Jill" (featuring and )Patton, A. · Patton, M. · Jenkins, J.Rock D The Legend4:24"Who U Wit?" by & The East Side Boyz; "DATA 2.0" by Aura Qualic feat. ; "400 Degreez" by Juvenile
3."Mic Jack" (featuring , Scar and )Patton, A. · Levine, A. · Brown, S. · Ramirez, D., 3:22
4."In the South" (featuring and )Patton, A. · Davis, R. · Butler, C.4:05
5."Order of Operations" (featuring )Patton, A. · Patton, R.3:39
6."All Night" (featuring )Patton, A. · Lewis, G., 4:01
7."Get Wit It" (featuring )Patton, A. · Broadus, C.4:39
8."Overthunk" (featuring )Patton, A. · Bellinger, E.3:27
9."Chocolate" (featuring Trozé)Patton, A. · TrozéJake Troth3:01
10."Made Man" (featuring and )Patton, A. · Patton, M. · Moore, R., Cory Mo3:48
11."Freakanomics" (featuring )Patton, A. · Brown, S.4:32
12."Follow Deez" (featuring and )Patton, A. · Carraby, S. · Patton, M.3:52
The total runtime for the standard edition is 45:07. No deluxe edition was released for Boomiverse.

Personnel

Big Boi served as the lead vocalist and executive producer on all tracks of Boomiverse. Guest vocalists included , , and on "Mic Jack," on "Kill Jill," "Made Man," and "Follow Deez," Jeezy on "Kill Jill," and (posthumously) on "In the South," on "All Night," on "Get Wit It," on "Overthunk," Trozé on "Chocolate," on "Made Man," Curren$y on "Follow Deez," on "Da Next Day" and "Order of Operations," and on "Freakanomics." Backing vocals were contributed by Rock D The Legend, Miss C.C. LaFlor, , , and Renegade El Ray across various tracks. Instrumentation featured live elements from producers , who handled horns and additional arrangements on tracks like "Da Next Day," "Get Wit It," and "Overthunk." Other production credits included Rock D The Legend on "Kill Jill," and on "Mic Jack," (co-produced with Diego Ave) on "," and on "All Night," Jake Troth on "," and Cory Mo on "," on "Freakanomics," and on "Follow Deez." Scratches were performed by Cutmaster Swiff on "Mic Jack," "," "," and "Follow Deez." Technical personnel comprised mixing engineer for the album, with mastering by Dave Kutch on most tracks (1–5, 7–12) and on "All Night" (track 6). co-executive produced the project alongside . Additional credits went to art direction and design by Jeff Schulz, with by Brian Ziff.

References

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