Let’s get things clear so there’s no confusion throughout this review – I like Lil B. I like what he’s doing. If you ask me to name the 10 most entertaining rappers, Lil B would be in my “Top 5“. However, I’ve never reviewed a Lil B LP. Why is that? Because he is never serious.
The anti-Lil B-hive seems to consist of people who are “real hip-hop fans”, which is ridiculous in and of itself. Most simply don’t understand what Lil B is doing with his music, and who can blame them? Lil B‘s EXTRAvagance (emphasis on EXTRA) and unapologetic flamboyance is something I’ve never seen done in rap music, at this point.
Lil B CAN rap. Even if it’s just at a decent level, he shows the ability to spit (evidenced the songs Sendin Shots and The Age Of Information). However, in-song Lil B chooses to become THE BASED GOD – whom I see as a outrageously, hilarious, weirded-out marketing plan based on outraging as many people as possible (shock value).
At his most complex form, Lil B is simply mocking the rap game. He’s taking every aspect of mainstream and underground rap – the jewelry, fashion trends, overdone adlibs, braggadocio rhymes – and he’s exaggerating them to the fullest degree possible. Hence his skintight wardrobe, the exaggerated “SWAG” and “WOOP” adlibs, and obsessive self-ego stroking on pretty much every single song.
And as a result, Lil B‘s rabid fanbase are joining in on the inside joke by imitating/mocking casual rap fans who think their personal favorite rapper is the best rapper alive no matter what anyone else says. This explains why, in Lil B‘s Youtube comments, his fans are figuratively drooling all over him, even when the song was blatantly bad. At his most complex form, Lil B is mocking the rap game, throwing stereotypes back at listeners.
Rappers like Mysonne don’t seem to understand Lil B‘s movement, or why it’s getting more popular than your average underground rapper – even with virtually no advanced marketing promotion, no label help, and no single. Lil B only utilizes Youtube, Myspace, and Twitter, yet he’s selling out shows across the country and collaborating with the biggest rap artists across the spectrum – from Lil Wayne to 9th Wonder to Soulja Boy to Jay Electronica. What he’s managed to accomplish based on his limited resource pool is amazing, when you really think about.
Lil B shook the rap game up once more with the release of his album, titled “I’m Gay“. The titled received negative PR and hate from nearly every notable music blog on the internet. Which gave Lil B had all the free promotion he needed. Another score for Lil B.. hence why many view Lil B as a smart marketer.
Those coming into this album expected more “Wonton Soup” will instead got some kickass production and positive vibes from B. It shocked nearly everyone who listened….except the fans of Lil B, who knew he had it in him the entire time.
Lil B – I’m Gay (I’m Happy)
Released: 29 June 2011
Trapped In Prison (what a way to start off an album named “I’m Gay”): 4.75/5
Open Thunder Eternal Slumber: 3/5
Game: 4.75/5
Unchain Me: 3.75/5
Neva Stop Me: 3.5/5
Gon Be Okay: 3.5/5
The Wilderness: 3.5/5
I Hate Myself: 4/5
Get It While It’s Good: 2.75/5
I Seen That Light: 4.5/5 (I absolutely love this beat and the samples)
My Last Chance: 4/5
1 Time Remix: 3/5
3.75/5 – An album with great beats, good messages, and below average-decent lyrics is nowhere near “bad”, point blank. Whether you like B and his movement or not, this album is a success.
★★★1/2: Very good; a few bland songs or minor flaws throughout.
Part of what makes I’m Gay serviceable is the production, which is absolutely great throughout. Lil B’s rapping is tolerable, not great..tolerable, but there’s a positive message in nearly every song. Remain objective for a second.
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Rating Categories:
★★★★★: Best in show; pinnacle release from an all-time great artist.
★★★★1/2: Stellar example of genre; peak potential.
★★★★: Excellent; recommended to all fans of artist or genre.
★★★1/2: Very good; a few bland songs or minor flaws throughout.
★★★: Good; fans of the artist will find value here.
★★1/2: Average; does little to establish the artist or maintain quality.
★★: Unexceptional; a few highlights but otherwise bland.
★1/2: Weak; unrecommended for anyone but major fans of the style and/or artist.
★: Seriously flawed; very poor work but relatively listenable.
1/2: Terrible; a true embarrassment and akin to audio masochism.
★★★: Good; fans of the artist will find value here.
★★1/2: Average; does little to establish the artist or maintain quality.
★★: Unexceptional; a few highlights but otherwise bland.
★1/2: Weak; unrecommended for anyone but major fans of the style and/or artist.
★: Seriously flawed; very poor work but relatively listenable.
1/2: Terrible; a true embarrassment and akin to audio masochism.