He can be identified by his rapid delivery and intricate rhymes, a style which has become more distinct since the album ATLiens.
In addition to his OutKast and Dungeon Family work, Big Boi has featured in other artists' songs. His most notable guest appearances were on the 1999 Missy Elliott hit, "All N My Grill," the Youngbloodz' "85 South," and Trick Daddy's 2001 single "In Da Wind."
After four increasingly successful albums as a duo since 1991, André 3000 decided to make a solo album as a side project. Big Boi also produced a solo effort, and the two albums were packaged together as Speakerboxxx/The Love Below in 2003. Big Boi's single from the album, The Way You Move featuring Sleepy Brown, was originally supported by urban radio then crossed over to pop charts. When "The Way You Move" supplanted Hey Ya! as the #1 song on the US pop charts, OutKast achieved the rare honor of a group replacing itself at the top of the charts. The second single from Big Boi's side of the album was Ghetto Musick, which featured André 3000 and a sample from Patti LaBelle's Love, Need & Want You.
Def Jam Records has announced "Sir Lucious Left Foot: the Son of Chico Dusty," a Big Boi solo effort will be released in the summer of 2010.
He released a mixtape/compilation album, "Got Purp? Vol 2," in conjunction with the Purple Ribbon All-Stars in November 2005 on Purple Ribbon Records. The first single from the album was "Kryptonite", which cracked the Billboard Hot 100 and was a hit on hip hop radio.
Big Boi is married to Sherlita Patton, with whom he has two children: a daughter, Jordan, and a son , Bamboo. His oldest son, Antwan Jr., is from a prior relationship. Numerous references to the Patton family are present in Big Boi's rhymes.
His younger brother James raps under the name Lil' Brotha, and is a member of hip hop group Konkrete.
Big Boi and André 3000 star in "Idlewild," a film about music in the Depression-era South. It was released in August 2006.
Big Boi also appeared in season 3 of Nick Cannon's "Wildin' Out," as well as guest starring and appearing as a musical guest on "Chappelle's Show." Besides "Idlewild" he has appeared in T.I.'s movie, "ATL," and starred in "Who's Your Caddy?"
Lines
Big Boi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
DF to the ASAP Mob
Lines, tell them read between it
Tripping while I'm slipping, busy fighting off these demons
Listen while I'm spitting boy, you probably won't believe it
But life is so terrific, tell them pinch me if I'm dreaming
Revenue's what I get get, your bitch is what I did hit
Made a hit, had a fix, they saying you’s the shiznit
Tell them get off my diznick, you bucket headed bitches
Crossing all the lines, time is only racing time
He flippin' to the bars so I'm only raising mine
Depending on the grind is the only way to shine
So I'm feeling like that odds is the only state of mind
And it's finna give me peace, life up in these streets
Equipped with a piece, case you niggas wanted beef
Cause man gave us laws and God gave us time
It's the art of storytelling and I'm only telling mine
The lines we've crossed, the lines we crossed
Have always been why I've lost
It changes all the time
Cause I've wondered how (I've wondered how)
I’m happier when I lose what I’ve needed all my life
(Talk that talk boy)
Straight out of the belly of East Point, yea that's my origins
Was born in West Savannah, Georgia then I was born again
Like the baby in the manger
I gave my life to Jesus because he could protect me from the dangers
In the circle of angels, just to help me shine my halo
Attended Sunday school but it felt like it was every day though
I didn't have a suit or no fancy shoes, we went in our play clothes
Received the word and it moulded me like Play Doh
We don't play though, we don't play though
They say we get lower than an alligator's navel
And when I say gator I mean that gator that match that sable, fur coat
I wish that PETA would throw some blood off on my fur, folk
Boy, ass whoopin'
They out 'chea eating flesh but wanna worry how I'm looking
I stay simply fresh to death, Sir Luscious Left Foot, best foot forward
You reap what you sow, and now it's showing
The lines we've crossed, the lines we crossed
Have always been why I've lost
It changes all the time
Cause I've wondered how (I've wondered how)
I’m happier when I lose what I’ve needed all my life
(Talk that talk boy)
In "Lines," Big Boi speaks about the struggles of life and how he overcomes them. He starts by telling his listeners to read between the lines, referring to the deeper meaning of his lyrics. He talks about fighting his demons and how life is terrific but challenging. He advises his audience to pinch him if he's dreaming because of his success. The rapper brags about his achievements, including getting revenue and interacting with beautiful women. He warns his detractors, the "bucket-headed bitches," to stay out of his way as he crosses lines and rises to the top. Big Boi also speaks on the importance of staying focused on achieving greatness despite the obstacles.
He then shifts gears, talking about his religious background, being born again, and attending Sunday school. Big Boi criticizes PETA, making light of their outrage about his fur coat, which he wears despite the consequences. Despite his upbringing and challenges, he says he stays "simply fresh to death," always putting his best foot forward. "Lines" is a song that promotes self-belief, hard work, and resilience, no matter what the circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Now that's what I'm talking 'bout
I'm excited about this
Lines, tell them read between it
My lyrics have hidden meanings
Tripping while I'm slipping, busy fighting off these demons
I'm struggling with my inner demons
Listen while I'm spitting boy, you probably won't believe it
My rhymes are so good, you might think they're lies
But life is so terrific, tell them pinch me if I'm dreaming
My life is amazing, too good to be true
Revenue's what I get get, your bitch is what I did hit
I made a lot of money, had sex with someone else's girlfriend
And I'm bout my business, them pesos what I did get
I'm focused on making money, got paid in pesos
Made a hit, had a fix, they saying you’s the shiznit
My music is great, people think I'm the best
Tell them get off my diznick, you bucket headed bitches
Leave me alone and stop bothering me
Crossing all the lines, time is only racing time
I'm pushing boundaries, time is always moving forward
He flippin' to the bars so I'm only raising mine
Other rappers are weak, I'm going to elevate my rhymes
Depending on the grind is the only way to shine
Working hard is the only way to succeed
So I'm feeling like that odds is the only state of mind
I'm confident in myself even when the odds are against me
And it's finna give me peace, life up in these streets
My lifestyle is chaotic, but it brings me a sense of peace
Equipped with a piece, case you niggas wanted beef
I carry a weapon in case someone wants to start a fight
Cause man gave us laws and God gave us time
We have rules to follow, but time is ultimately the most important factor in life
It's the art of storytelling and I'm only telling mine
My music is all about telling my personal story
Straight out of the belly of East Point, yea that's my origins
I'm from East Point, Georgia
Was born in West Savannah, Georgia then I was born again
I had a rebirth experience
Like the baby in the manger
Like Jesus in the manger
I gave my life to Jesus because he could protect me from the dangers
I became Christian to protect myself
In the circle of angels, just to help me shine my halo
I have a support system to help me be my best self
Attended Sunday school but it felt like it was every day though
I went to church a lot
I didn't have a suit or no fancy shoes, we went in our play clothes
I didn't dress up for church
Received the word and it moulded me like Play Doh
I was influenced by the teachings of the Bible
We don't play though, we don't play though
We don't mess around
They say we get lower than an alligator's navel
People think we are low-class
And when I say gator I mean that gator that match that sable, fur coat
I'm talking about expensive alligator and sable fur clothes
I wish that PETA would throw some blood off on my fur, folk
I don't care about animal rights activists
Boy, ass whoopin'
I'll beat someone up
They out 'chea eating flesh but wanna worry how I'm looking
People criticize me for fashion choices but eat meat
I stay simply fresh to death, Sir Luscious Left Foot, best foot forward
I always dress well and put my best foot forward
You reap what you sow, and now it's showing
You get what you deserve, and it's showing in my life
The lines we've crossed, the lines we crossed
The boundaries we've pushed
Have always been why I've lost
I've faced consequences for pushing those boundaries
It changes all the time
The consequences change depending on the situation
Cause I've wondered how (I've wondered how)
I've questioned why things happen
I’m happier when I lose what I’ve needed all my life
I'm sometimes happier when I let go of things I thought I needed
(Talk that talk boy)
Keep speaking truthfully and confidently
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: RAYMOND MURRAY, SARAH DEMAREST BARTHEL, CHRISTOPHER CARMOUCHE, JOSH CARTER, RAKIM MAYERS, ANTWAN PATTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind