The 5 Best Guest Appearances on Big Boi's 'Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors'
Sorry, Outkast fans! But, if you haven't seen the tracklist for Big Boi's new album, Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors, which hit stores on Tuesday, Andre 3000 did not make the cut. Prior to the album dropping, Big Boi revealed that he had tried to get Dre onto the album—and had even sent him five different tracks to rap over—but, due to contractual issues, the two couldn't appear on VLADR together. But, don't worry! That doesn't mean that Big Boi didn't call in some favors to get other dope artists onto his latest project.
In fact, there are more than a dozen artists who lent their voices to VLADR. From Big Boi's Purple Ribbon labelmates Sleepy Brown and Scar to his fellow Atlanta rappers T.I. and Ludacris to acts like Little Dragon and Phantogram, Big Boi put together quite the collection of guests for VLADR. And, because of it, there's a lot going on on the album. So, to help you try and make sense of it all, we picked a few of our favorite guests spots and a created a list of The 5 Best Guest Appearances On Big Boi's Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors. These guest appearances almost make up for the fact that Andre 3000 had to sit this one out.
In fact, there are more than a dozen artists who lent their voices to VLADR. From Big Boi's Purple Ribbon labelmates Sleepy Brown and Scar to his fellow Atlanta rappers T.I. and Ludacris to acts like Little Dragon and Phantogram, Big Boi put together quite the collection of guests for VLADR. And, because of it, there's a lot going on on the album. So, to help you try and make sense of it all, we picked a few of our favorite guests spots and a created a list of The 5 Best Guest Appearances On Big Boi's Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors. These guest appearances almost make up for the fact that Andre 3000 had to sit this one out.
The Guest Appearance: T.I.
The Song: "In The A"
Why We Enjoyed It: While you could make the argument that Ludacris (who is also featured on this track) deserves a spot on the list, we've gotta give it up for Tip. He sets this hard-hitting A-Town anthem off properly by riding the beat to perfection. If this doesn't get you excited for T.I.'s new album, Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head, to drop later this month, nothing will.
The Song: "In The A"
Why We Enjoyed It: While you could make the argument that Ludacris (who is also featured on this track) deserves a spot on the list, we've gotta give it up for Tip. He sets this hard-hitting A-Town anthem off properly by riding the beat to perfection. If this doesn't get you excited for T.I.'s new album, Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head, to drop later this month, nothing will.
The Guest Appearance: Phantogram
The Song: "CPU"
Why We Enjoyed It: Big Boi is obviously a big fan of this Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-based indie band. In addition to "CPU," they also appear on "Objectum Sexuality" and "Lines." But, Big Boi gives the duo the most shine on "CPU" and vocalist Sarah Bethel makes the most of it by crafting a catchy hook that'll be stuck in your head long after you log off iTunes.
The Song: "CPU"
Why We Enjoyed It: Big Boi is obviously a big fan of this Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-based indie band. In addition to "CPU," they also appear on "Objectum Sexuality" and "Lines." But, Big Boi gives the duo the most shine on "CPU" and vocalist Sarah Bethel makes the most of it by crafting a catchy hook that'll be stuck in your head long after you log off iTunes.
The Guest Appearance: A$AP Rocky
The Song: "Lines"
Why We Enjoyed It: Is Big Boi playing to the younger generation a little bit by including Rocky here? Of course. But, the Harlem MC uses the opportunity to drop a stellar opening verse that features a nod to Outkast's classic "Da Art of Storytellin'" songs. And, once again, Phantogram's Sarah Bethel also contributes an effective hook on what is arguably the album's strongest overall song.
The Song: "Lines"
Why We Enjoyed It: Is Big Boi playing to the younger generation a little bit by including Rocky here? Of course. But, the Harlem MC uses the opportunity to drop a stellar opening verse that features a nod to Outkast's classic "Da Art of Storytellin'" songs. And, once again, Phantogram's Sarah Bethel also contributes an effective hook on what is arguably the album's strongest overall song.
The Guest Appearance: Little Dragon
The Song: "Thom Pettie"
Why We Enjoyed It: Unfortunately, most of the contributions that the Swedish band made to VLADR didn't make the final album. They appeared on the original version of "Mama Told Me" (Kelly Rowland appears on the album version) and also appear on "Higher Res," a bonus song on the deluxe edition of the album. But, they didn't get scrapped altogether. LD's Yukimi Nagano is all over "Thom Pettie" and we love it. Her vocals help bridge strong verses from Big Boi and Killer Mike.
The Song: "Thom Pettie"
Why We Enjoyed It: Unfortunately, most of the contributions that the Swedish band made to VLADR didn't make the final album. They appeared on the original version of "Mama Told Me" (Kelly Rowland appears on the album version) and also appear on "Higher Res," a bonus song on the deluxe edition of the album. But, they didn't get scrapped altogether. LD's Yukimi Nagano is all over "Thom Pettie" and we love it. Her vocals help bridge strong verses from Big Boi and Killer Mike.
The Guest Appearance: Wavves
The Song: "Shoes For Running"
Why We Enjoyed It: Wavves is a "surf punk" band from San Diego that you probably wouldn't normally associate with Big Boi. But, don't be surprised if you hear this track on a commercial sometime soon thanks to the catchy Wavves hook and the B.o.B verse. By adding acts like Wavves to the bill, Big Boi has definitely created a new lane for himself and made his music appealing to new audiences.
The Song: "Shoes For Running"
Why We Enjoyed It: Wavves is a "surf punk" band from San Diego that you probably wouldn't normally associate with Big Boi. But, don't be surprised if you hear this track on a commercial sometime soon thanks to the catchy Wavves hook and the B.o.B verse. By adding acts like Wavves to the bill, Big Boi has definitely created a new lane for himself and made his music appealing to new audiences.
