Big Boi, known for his Southern rap, teamed up with Phantogram, an electronic rock duo. Together, they created Big Grams. Their debut EP, released on September 25, 2015, includes “Born To Shine.” This song mixes Big Boi’s rap with Phantogram’s unique sound.
“Born To Shine” is more than just a song. It’s a message of staying strong and believing in oneself. By looking into the lyrics, fans find deeper meanings. Big Boi uses metaphors to talk about overcoming challenges.
The song also features Run the Jewels. Their collaboration shows how different talents can come together. It’s a powerful example of what can happen when artists work together.
Key Takeaways
- Big Grams is a collaboration between Big Boi and Phantogram.
- “Born To Shine” blends Southern rap with experimental production.
- The song delivers a powerful message of resilience and confidence.
- Big Boi uses metaphors to highlight themes of success and determination.
- The collaboration features contributions from the renowned Run the Jewels.
The Collaboration of Big Boi and Phantogram
When Southern hip-hop star Big Boi teamed up with indie duo Phantogram, something special happened. Their project, Big Grams, mixed their unique sounds in a way that was unlike anything else.
Background of the Artists
Big Boi, known from OutKast, brought his rap skills and Southern hip-hop roots to the mix. He’s won Grammys and had a successful solo career. His album “Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors” featured Phantogram, starting a partnership.
Phantogram, made up of Josh Carter and Sarah Barthel, has a unique sound. Their music, like “Eyelid Movies” and “Voices,” complements Big Boi’s rap perfectly. This made their collaboration both fresh and exciting.
The Formation of Big Grams
The idea for Big Grams started in 2012 with Big Boi’s album. Phantogram’s work on it sparked a creative bond. This led to Big Grams, with seven tracks on their self-titled EP.
The EP, out on Epic Records, also featured Skrillex and Run the Jewels. Hits like “Fell in the Sun” and “Born To Shine” show their blend of styles. It quickly hit #5 on Billboard’s US Top Rap Albums chart and #9 on the US Top Alternative Albums chart.
The Big Boi and Phantogram collaboration in Big Grams breaks new ground. It celebrates a new era of music, full of experimentation and creativity.
Analyzing the Lyrics of “Born To Shine”
“Born To Shine” by Big Grams is a mix of metaphors and themes. It shows the special bond between Big Boi and Phantogram. The song talks about hope, success, and beating hard times through light metaphors. Big Boi’s Southern rap adds a real touch to the song.
The Metaphorical Use of Light
The song uses light as a symbol of success and strength. From the start, it paints a picture of victory over obstacles. Sarah Barthel’s voice and Big Boi’s flow make light a key theme in the song.
The Influence of Southern Rap
Big Boi’s Southern rap roots shape “Born To Shine.” His style adds a real and cultural touch. This mix of imagery and storytelling makes the song stand out.
- Spotify: Integrated Genius’s ‘Go Behind the Lyrics’ to enhance listener experience.
- Reddit: Fosters engaging discussions on album theories.
- Dissect Podcast: Deep dives into album analysis, led by Cole Cuchna.
- Song Exploder: Hrishikesh Hirway’s podcast where artists deconstruct their songs.
- Phantogram’s “Three”: Transition from indie to mainstream, showcasing varied influences.
- Spotify: Integrated Genius’s ‘Go Behind the Lyrics’ to enhance listener experience.
“Born To Shine” is a song full of depth and meaning. It celebrates success and shows the talent of Big Grams. The song is a result of Big Boi and Phantogram’s unique collaboration.
The Music and Production
“Born To Shine” by Big Grams is a hit because of its top-notch music and production. Big Boi and Phantogram worked together to create something special. Their mix of sounds gives listeners a unique listening experience.
The music mix is a perfect blend of Big Boi’s Southern rap and Phantogram’s electronic beats. This mix shows off the creativity of both artists. It balances Phantogram’s dreamy melodies with Big Boi’s powerful rap.
Big Boi’s work on this track is impressive. He has worked with many artists before, like on “Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors”. His skill in mixing different styles is clear.
The *Big Grams production quality* shines through in the sound design. For example, “Fell in the Sun” shows how well electronic and rap can work together. This quality is what makes Big Grams stand out, thanks to their production techniques.
Josh Carter of Phantogram produced most of the album. But tracks like “Put It On Her” show the album’s flexibility. This diversity shows the team’s ability to work together.
Run the Jewels, especially Killer Mike, add depth to “Born to Shine”. Big Boi’s influence is still there, even if he’s not the main focus. This makes the *music mix* even more special.
This project shows how different music styles can come together. Countries like India, the United States, and Japan show the wide appeal of Big Grams’ sound.
In short, the mix of Big Boi’s rapping and Phantogram’s electronic beats makes “Born To Shine” a hit. It’s a great example of what can happen when music and production come together.
Critical Reception of “Born To Shine by Big Grams”
“Born To Shine” by Big Grams has received mostly positive feedback, but some critics have mixed opinions. The song was praised for its unique mix of Southern rap and electronic beats. This blend created a fresh and exciting sound.
“‘Born To Shine’ is a captivating fusion of Big Boi’s gritty rap and Phantogram’s ethereal vocals, making it a must-hear track of the year,” remarked *Rolling Stone*.
Reviews of Big Grams show that the song has connected with listeners worldwide. It’s available in places like Algeria, Nigeria, and Japan, reaching a wide audience. This is thanks to its release in several languages.
| Region | Reception |
|---|---|
| North America | Highly Positive |
| Europe | Generally Positive |
| Asia | Mixed Responses |
| Africa | Varied |
*Pitchfork* called “Born To Shine” an adventurous track that breaks new ground in rap and electronic music. The collaboration with Run the Jewels added depth and skill to the song.
Fans have been very positive about the song. They love how Big Boi and Phantogram blend their styles. This makes “Born To Shine” a standout in today’s music scene.
The Big Grams EP, which includes “Born To Shine,” has done well commercially. It reached number 38 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 9,626 copies in the U.S. The song “Lights On” also hit No. 30 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, showing the project’s success.
The Cultural Impact of the Song
“Born To Shine” by Big Grams has made a big splash in the music world. It blends rap and electronic music in a unique way. This mix has won over fans from all walks of life.
The song talks about big themes like being too full, proud, and greedy. It adds depth to the album, giving listeners a lot to think about.
Community and Fan Reactions
Fans love “Born To Shine” for its fresh mix of Southern rap and electronic beats. They enjoy the honest lyrics, especially in the explicit versions. This has built a strong fan base.
These fans dive deep into the song’s meaning, making it even more impactful. Their lively discussions show how much the song has influenced music talks.
Performance and Chart Success
“Born To Shine” has done well on music charts, just like its creators. Big Boi has a history of success, including a top album and OutKast’s huge hits. This gives the song a solid base.
Millions of streams on platforms show its broad appeal. The song’s success and fan love make it a highlight in the music world. It proves Big Grams’ collaboration is a winning formula.
FAQ
What is the meaning behind Big Grams’ song “Born To Shine”?
“Born To Shine” talks about hope, success, and beating challenges. It uses light as a symbol for these ideas. This reflects Big Boi and Phantogram’s personal and artistic views.
Who are the members of Big Grams?
Big Grams is a team-up between rapper Big Boi from OutKast and Phantogram. They are Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter.
How did Big Boi and Phantogram come together to form Big Grams?
Big Boi was inspired by Phantogram’s music and contacted them. They shared a mutual respect and decided to make music together. They mixed Southern hip-hop with indie electronic sounds.
What are the distinct musical influences in “Born To Shine”?
“Born To Shine” mixes Big Boi’s Southern rap with Phantogram’s electropop. This creates a mix of lively beats and deep lyrics.
How does the song “Born To Shine” incorporate Southern rap influences?
Big Boi’s Southern rap style is in the song. His lyrics and rhythm show the Southern hip-hop influence.
What is the role of light as a metaphor in the lyrics of “Born To Shine”?
Light in the song stands for hope, success, and overcoming obstacles. It sends a strong message of resilience and determination.
What does the production process of “Born To Shine” involve?
The making of “Born To Shine” combines Big Boi’s rhythmic lyrics with Phantogram’s sound design. This teamwork creates a unique sound that blends genres.
How was “Born To Shine” received by critics and fans?
Critics and fans loved the song. They praised its lyrics and production. Fans enjoyed the mix of hip-hop and electropop.
What impact has “Born To Shine” had on fan communities and music culture?
The song has touched many listeners. It inspires with its message of hope and perseverance. It has also done well on music charts and in streaming and sales.
How did Big Boi’s rap influences and Phantogram’s electropop roots contribute to the unique sound of Big Grams?
Big Boi’s Southern rap and Phantogram’s indie electronic make Big Grams’ sound special. It combines strong beats with catchy synths, showing the artists’ teamwork.
