COMPACT DISCussions
Rich Boy
Issue date: 4/9/07 Section: Arts & Culture
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Rich Boy
4/5
Mobile, Ala., native Rich Boy brings an eclectic and balanced collection of mostly hits on his self-titled debut.
Packing a southern drawl dipped in an international sensibility, Rich Boy does his thing over strong production and well-placed guest spots. Never falling prey to lyric-lacking contemporaries, Rich Boy serves up a musical feast.
With Rich Boy, delivery is key and this album connects with whom ever might be listening. Giving a little piece to the East coast Hip-hop head, the 'Dirty South' club bouncer, Midwest swinger and West coast rider, the album is all encompassing without selling out.
Featuring Hip-hop heavyweights like David Banner, Nelly, Big Boi, Pastor Troy, The Game and Jim Jones, all sides get to get in on the fun.
On the Banner-assisted banger, Role Models, the emcees trade verses about the anti-role model lifestyles they lead. Rich Boy shines on this and several other tracks, never getting lost in the presence of the stars featured on the song.
Always giving credit to the old school, the album version of Rich Boy's radio-friendly smash-hit lead single, Throw Some D's, producer and featured guest Polow Da Don, loops a little of the original DeBarge sample that started it all.
The artist also throws a hook in the mix with typical rowdy crowd pleaser, What It Do, and a track for the ladies, Good Things.
On the successful and catchy Good Things, Rich Boy manages to drop a little game on the ladies with the use of a tight beat and smooth storytelling.
It is apparent that storytelling is this artist's forte. Sliding quickly between pimpin', making a living and his decision
to leave college to pursue music reveal a level of vulnerability that is rare in Hip-hop, especially from a newcomer. Rich Boy can definitely ride a beat.
Though the album comes in at a slim 16 tracks, Rich Boy bounces effortlessly and smooth enough between tracks and subjects that noticing the brevity of album a tough call.
The album's only real drawbacks come in the form of the length and wingspan of topics. Though Rich Boy marks some striking innovations, it is easy to catch on to what's coming next.
Bottom line: Rich Boy has proved himself as a lyrical bright spot in a plot-free hip-hop universe.
Gregory Brand
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