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Boomiverse
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| Boomiverse | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | June 16, 2017 | |||
| Recorded | 2016–2017 | |||
| Genre | Hip-hop | |||
| Length | 45:23 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Producer |
| |||
| Big Boi chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Boomiverse | ||||
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]| Aggregate scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Metacritic | 70/100[9] |
| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic | |
| Clash Magazine | 7/10[11] |
| Courier Journal | |
| Exclaim! | 8/10[13] |
| The Guardian | |
| Paste Magazine | 8.4/10[15] |
| Pitchfork | 7.4/10[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]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Da Next Day" (featuring Big Rube) | Organized Noize | 2:33 | |
| 2. | "Kill Jill" (featuring Killer Mike and Jeezy) |
|
| 4:24 |
| 3. | "Mic Jack" (featuring Adam Levine, Scar and Sleepy Brown) |
| 3:22 | |
| 4. | "In the South" (featuring Gucci Mane and Pimp C) |
|
| 4:05 |
| 5. | "Order of Operations" |
|
| 3:39 |
| 6. | "All Night" (featuring LunchMoney Lewis) |
| 4:01 | |
| 7. | "Get Wit It" (featuring Snoop Dogg) |
| Organized Noize | 4:39 |
| 8. | "Overthunk" (featuring Eric Bellinger) |
| Organized Noize | 3:27 |
| 9. | "Chocolate" (featuring Trozé) |
| Jake Troth | 3:01 |
| 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 Fresh | 3:52 |
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 (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]- ^ "Big Boi's "Boomiverse" To Feature Gucci Mane, Organized Noize, Kurupt & Possibly 2 LPs". HipHopDX. April 25, 2017. Retrieved June 17, 2017.
- ^ "Top 40/R Future Releases". All Access Media Group. Retrieved March 26, 2018.
- ^ "BOOMIVERSE by Big Boi on Apple Music". Apple Music. Archived from the original on June 17, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ^ "Big Boi on 'Boomiverse' Album: 'I Kinda Took it Back to 'Southernplayalistic' With Elite Street S–t'". Billboard. May 4, 2017.
- ^ "Big Boi Announces New Album Boomiverse, New Song Featuring Adam Levine Coming Tomorrow". spin.com. April 19, 2017. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
- ^ "Big Boi Confirms Boomiverse Album Details, Shares Video For "Mic Jack"". The FADER. Retrieved May 19, 2017.
- ^ "Watch Big Boi's Regal 'Kill Jill' Video With Killer Mike, Jeezy". Rolling Stone. June 2, 2017.
- ^ "Apple iPhone X TV Commercial, 'Animoji Yourself' Song by Big Boi". iSpot.tv. December 5, 2017. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
- ^ a b "Reviews and Tracks for BOOMIVERSE by Big Boi". Metacritic. June 21, 2017. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
- ^ Kellman, Andy (June 18, 2017). "BOOMIVERSE - Big Boi : Songs, Reviews, Credits". All Media Network. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
- ^ a b Lavin, Will (June 16, 2017). "Big Boi - Boomiverse: A varied and undoubtedly welcome return from Daddy Fat Sacks..." Clash. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
- ^ Gamboa, Glenn (June 19, 2017). "Big Boi seeks life in the 'Boomiverse,' finds Adam Levine and Killer Mike". Courier Journal. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
- ^ a b Lowers, Erin (June 16, 2017). "Big Boi Boomiverse". Exclaim!. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
- ^ a b Macpherson, Alex (June 18, 2017). "Big Boi: Boomiverse review – brand new, he's retro…". The Guardian. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
- ^ a b Voynovskaya, Nastia (June 19, 2017). "Big Boi: Boomiverse Review". pastemagazine.com. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
- ^ a b Greene, Jayson (June 19, 2017). "Boomiverse Album Review". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 21, 2017.
- ^ "Big Boi Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
- ^ "NZ Heatseeker Albums Chart". Recorded Music NZ. June 26, 2017. Archived from the original on June 25, 2017. Retrieved June 23, 2017.
- ^ "Big Boi Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
- ^ "Big Boi Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
Boomiverse
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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.[6] 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 Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (1994). Big Boi 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 Dungeon Family heritage while pushing boundaries, creating a sonic universe that merges gritty street narratives with expansive, space-age production.[7][8] 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 Adam Levine, setting the tone for the project's thematic depth.[6][9] In the broader context of Big Boi's career, Boomiverse emerged after OutKast's 2014 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 group dynamics, he positioned the album as a personal statement of artistic autonomy, allowing him to channel influences from his Atlanta roots into a self-directed vision unburdened by collaborative expectations.[1][9]Recording and production
The recording of Boomiverse primarily took place at Stankonia Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, with Big Boi co-owning the facility alongside his OutKast collaborator André 3000; additional sessions occurred in Los Angeles for about a week, resulting in a roughly 60-40 split between the two locations.[7] The process spanned approximately four to five years, beginning after the release of Big Boi's previous solo album Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors in 2012, during which Organized Noize member Ray Murray relocated to Stankonia to facilitate daily beat production—often generating up to 50 ideas per day for Big Boi to select from and record over.[10][11] Big Boi served as executive producer and handled vocals, collaborating closely with Organized Noize (Rico Wade, Ray Murray, and Sleepy Brown) as co-executive producers, who contributed to multiple tracks and brought their signature Southern hip-hop sound rooted in live band elements.[12] Other key producers included DJ Dahi and DJ Khalil on "Mic Jack," where sessions incorporated Adam Levine's guest vocals alongside Sleepy Brown and Scar; Organized Noize on "Kill Jill," featuring Killer Mike and Jeezy; and Mannie Fresh, Cory Mo, and TM88 on tracks like "In the South" with Gucci Mane and a posthumous Pimp C hook.[13][11] Engineers such as Chris Carmouche, Manny Marroquin, and Renegade El Rey handled recording, with mastering by Dave Kutch and Chris Gehringer across various tracks.[13] 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.[13] 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.[14] This approach aimed to create a cosmic, expansive sound evoking the Big Bang theme, prioritizing innovative pockets and melodies over traditional rap structures.[11]Music and themes
Musical style
Boomiverse exemplifies a fusion of Southern hip-hop and funk, incorporating psychedelic effects through cosmic-themed synths and electronic fusions that evoke a sense of otherworldly exploration.[15][16] The album draws from Atlanta's hip-hop legacy, blending jazzy horns, soulful production, and Southern bounce with modern electronic twists, as heard in tracks like "Da Next Day," which features heavy bass and classical jazz influences.[17][18] 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.[17][3] 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.[3][16] These elements contribute to a dynamic sound that balances rapid-fire flows with layered instrumentation, produced by collaborators like Organized Noize and Mannie Fresh.[18][17] Spanning 45 minutes across 12 tracks, the album forms a cohesive sonic universe, 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.[17] This structure echoes the experimental sprawl of OutKast's Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, but with a more mature, celebratory vibe focused on bass-heavy bangers and unpretentious Southern rap mastery.[18][3][19]Lyrics and themes
The lyrics of Boomiverse emphasize themes of Southern pride, personal relationships, and cosmic escapism, creating a narrative arc that portrays a dynamic explosion of cultural and individual vitality. In tracks like "In the South," featuring Gucci Mane and the late Pimp C, Big Boi 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 lowrider swagger.[20] This motif extends to broader reflections on heritage, positioning the album as a sonic homage to the South's enduring influence in hip-hop.[16] Big Boi's wordplay, rich with double entendres and intricate cadences, often addresses the challenges of aging in rap while maintaining lyrical sharpness. On "Made Man," he raps, "Alright, alright, I'm old-fashioned / But my style cannot be cloned," highlighting his evolution and timeless appeal amid younger competitors.[20] Similarly, "Chocolate," featuring Trozé, uses indulgence metaphors to reflect on life's temptations and maturity, with verses blending hedonism and introspection, such as cashing checks to "blow it all on chocolate."[20] These elements underscore a theme of personal growth, where experience becomes a strength rather than a limitation. Collaborations amplify the album's social commentary and relational depth, contributing to its explosive "boomiverse" concept—inspired by the Big Bang as a fresh start in hip-hop. "Kill Jill," with Killer Mike and Jeezy, 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 Jeezy adds "Just kill 'em softly with my presence."[20][11] 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.[16] Overall, the lyrics form a vibrant tapestry of confession, humor, and wisdom, evoking a parallel universe of boundless energy and cultural explosion.[3]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.[21] 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.[22][23] 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.[22][1] Released simultaneously with "Mic Jack" on April 21, 2017, "Kill Jill" features Killer Mike and Jeezy, delivering a booming collaboration rooted in Atlanta's hip-hop heritage.[22] The song's music video, directed by Bryan Barber and released on June 2, 2017, depicts a regal, throne-room narrative with the artists adorned in opulent attire, emphasizing themes of triumph and legacy.[24] By early May 2017, "Kill Jill" had amassed over 3.1 million streams on Spotify, contributing to the pre-album buzz.[22] The third single, "All Night", arrived on July 17, 2017, featuring guest vocals from LunchMoney Lewis and capturing a lively, party-anthem vibe with its upbeat production by Dr. Luke.[25] The track gained traction post-album release, peaking at number 16 on the Billboard 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.[26]Marketing and release
Boomiverse was released on June 16, 2017, through Epic Records as Big Boi's third solo studio album.[1] The album was distributed in physical formats including CD and double vinyl, with the vinyl pressed on blue and white marble-colored discs.[27] 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 North America.[28] Merchandise tied to the release included limited-edition apparel like promotional T-shirts featuring album artwork and OutKast references.[29] Digitally, Boomiverse launched on streaming platforms including Spotify and Apple Music, enabling immediate global access.[30][2] Exclusive promotional content, such as behind-the-scenes video clips from the recording of tracks like "Kill Jill" featuring Killer Mike and Jeezy, and "Mic Jack" with Adam Levine, was shared on social media to build anticipation.[31][32] In subsequent years, the album's distribution shifted under Craft Recordings, a division of Concord Music Group, facilitating continued availability on digital and physical platforms.[33]Reception
Critical reception
Boomiverse received generally favorable reviews from music critics. According to the review aggregator Metacritic, the album earned a score of 70 out of 100 based on 13 reviews, indicating "generally favorable" reception.[34] 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.[3] Similarly, The Guardian described it as "dad rap that can hold its head high," appreciating its charm, nostalgic eclecticism, and highlights like the Missy Elliott-inspired "Chocolate."[35] 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.[35] Aggregated criticisms on Metacritic 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.[36] 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 Billboard 200 chart, earning 19,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, of which 13,000 were from traditional album sales.[5] Over time, Boomiverse achieved steady streaming success, surpassing 219 million plays on Spotify as of September 2025.[37] Following its original release on Epic Records, the album was licensed to Craft Recordings under Concord Music Group, contributing to ongoing digital sales without attaining major certifications from bodies like the RIAA.[30]Track listing and credits
Standard edition
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length | Samples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Da Next Day" (featuring Big Rube) | Patton, A. · Patton, R. · Murray, R. | Organized Noize | 2:33 | |
| 2. | "Kill Jill" (featuring Killer Mike and Jeezy) | Patton, A. · Patton, M. · Jenkins, J. | Rock D The Legend | 4:24 | "Who U Wit?" by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz[38]; "DATA 2.0" by Aura Qualic feat. Hatsune Miku[39]; "400 Degreez" by Juvenile[40] |
| 3. | "Mic Jack" (featuring Adam Levine, Scar and Sleepy Brown) | Patton, A. · Levine, A. · Brown, S. · Ramirez, D. | DJ Dahi, DJ Khalil | 3:22 | |
| 4. | "In the South" (featuring Gucci Mane and Pimp C) | Patton, A. · Davis, R. · Butler, C. | Organized Noize | 4:05 | |
| 5. | "Order of Operations" (featuring Big Rube) | Patton, A. · Patton, R. | Scott Storch | 3:39 | |
| 6. | "All Night" (featuring LunchMoney Lewis) | Patton, A. · Lewis, G. | Cirkut, Dr. Luke | 4:01 | |
| 7. | "Get Wit It" (featuring Snoop Dogg) | Patton, A. · Broadus, C. | Organized Noize | 4:39 | |
| 8. | "Overthunk" (featuring Eric Bellinger) | Patton, A. · Bellinger, E. | Organized Noize | 3:27 | |
| 9. | "Chocolate" (featuring Trozé) | Patton, A. · Trozé | Jake Troth | 3:01 | |
| 10. | "Made Man" (featuring Killer Mike and Kurupt) | Patton, A. · Patton, M. · Moore, R. | TM88, Cory Mo | 3:48 | |
| 11. | "Freakanomics" (featuring Sleepy Brown) | Patton, A. · Brown, S. | Beat Butcha | 4:32 | |
| 12. | "Follow Deez" (featuring Curren$y and Killer Mike) | Patton, A. · Carraby, S. · Patton, M. | Mannie Fresh | 3:52 |
