Big Homie ‘This Is Not About You’ Review

Big Homie is his own genre. There’s so many elements to his presentation that when it works, it’s actually relatively surprising.

First, BH has an innate commercial feel. His borderline over-the-top delivery, perfect annunciation, colorful ad-libs & low-concept themes all scream “mainstream”. Take “Dramatic“, a “sad rap” of sorts, except it sounds like it could be played on non-rap radio stations. Equipped with pop strings, a full chorus and to-a-tee formulaic songwriting and production, it lives in the realm of Tom MacDonald.

Second, he may be a better lyricist than anyone in his “world”. Like, on “Trust” where he drops multiple flows and muti-syllable rhymes, seemingly effortlessly. “F*ck them taxes, no more teachers, no classes/No more phony preachers preaching phone blessings to the masses” he spits on the aforementioned track.

There’s not all mental health topics by way of sadness & doubt. This Is Not About You is front-loaded with braggadocio and unwavering confidence; even some gangster. “WYA“, “Great!” and “Wavy” are all clear examples.

But who is this album not about? There’s two ways you can look at it.

This Is Not About You is either a metaphor for the album actually being about the listener. After all, there is not one non-reletable topic throughout this 18-track effort. Or the more left-brained theory: Big Homie is actually not over it (Maybe “her”, see “Come Over (Dinner Party)“.

This project’s setting seems to be in the middle-ground between being cut and being scarred. The healing process itself plays a backdrop to Big Homies rhymes as New York City does for the show ‘Power’. “Time Heals All” is a consistent theme on TINAY. The bridge on “911 (fin)” pretty much sums up Big Homie’s current state, when he raps: “All those folks I left behind/All that hope just left me blind/Got a new watch but I got no time/I’mma get lost & I’mma be fine“. Yup.

Can’t forget his sensai’s contribution. About a fourth of the album is billed under Ahava Sol, Caveman and/or TetraHedronCrew. Ahava’s Interlude in particular is not only a standout but a clear highlight.

Before we go, one blatant misstep comes in the form of possibly the best track on the album, “BRUH…“. Big Homie’s subject matter goes over 10x smoother over a more classic Hip-Hop sound. The instrumental is reminiscent of early Earl Sweatshirt, while BH’s 2nd verse goes full sociopolitical. I mean Ice Cube level! With the messages he’d like to convey, there’s a world where their heard more clearly through this style of production choice. Alternative universe, I guess.

G-HOLY.COM, 2024