Big Boi delivers a hip-hop track, “Mic Jack,” than can easily be mistaken for a hit intended for the dance floor.  Adam Levine guests on the groovy single.   

Big Boi has always been one of a kind.  Pair him with André 3000, and things get really crazy.  Unfortunately, OutKast seems to be a thing of a past, so we have to settle for solo albums from Big Boi (André 3000 has yet to bless us with a solo LP).  Being the unique individual that he is, Big Boi returns with a unique new single, “Mic Jack,” assisted by Adam Levine.  

https://youtu.be/CINczfU1o5Y

Being honest, “Mic Jack” sounds suspect from a first listen. There’s very little hip-hop about its sound.  “Mic Jack” seems like it fits the dance floor as opposed to rap.  The groove is infectious, but again, not for what should be a southern rap record.  Prejudging anything is a mistake, and the same can be said of this record.  It doesn’t supplant a banger, but there’s more charm than a first listen allots for.

Despite the danceable vibe, Big Boi kicks things off tough, aka profane.

“N*ggas still ain’t f*ckin’ with Hollywood Court / ‘Cause they f*ckin’ wit ya boi like the Hollywood dough.”

Need a translation? Essentially, Big Boi paints himself as the shit.  He continues on brag about half-court game-winning shots, fellatio, and in general, impressing women with his skills in the bedroom.  That’s all on the first verse and it’s cliché.  Despite being cliché, the delivery is compelling, particularly given the production work.

Adam Levine comes along and does work on the hook, which is a perfect match for him given the poppy nature of the record.  No, Adam doesn’t deliver a knockout punch, but it’s a successful collaboration.

“You’re hotter than July / Super colder than December / You got me dancin’ / The dancefloor tells no lies / Give them something to remember / You got me dancin’.”

Expectedly, Big Boi references Michael Jackson on the second verse.  Say the title of the song to yourself, and it’s clear there’s definitely a double meaning.  No, this song doesn’t focus on the legendary artist, but given the production work and a play on his name, it’s clear that Big Boi knew what he was doing in crafting “Mic Jack.”

“Stayin’ fresh that’s the game plan / Out the oven cause we never microwavin’ / We break it up like the smile of Michael Strahan / And keep shinin’ like the glove on Michael J hand.”

Final Thoughts

So, how does “Mic Jack” stack up ultimately? All in all, this is another creative, worthwhile Big Boi record.  This won’t appeal to hardcore rap fans and may come off light from an initial listen.  Given time, “Mic Jack” is more appealing.

Big Boi • Mic Jack • Epic • Release: 4.21.17

Photo Credit: Epic