Live Review: Big Boi, Baro

With an impressive flow of down-to-earth rhymes that glide over his oddly hazy and tropical beats, tonight's opening act, Baro, is one of Melbourne's best-kept secrets. Songs like Lay U Down and Pretty seem to be trapped inside Mac Demarco's Chamber Of Reflection, although Baro's sweet tenor and opiate-infused instrumentals are strong enough to ensure this dreamy sound becomes pleasing and beautiful rather than dull and derivative.

Following the release of 2017's trap-infested Boomiverse, the former OutKast star's latest international tour has brought him to the stage of Melbourne's own 170 Russell. Despite his recent ventures in the world of film and television, Big Boi is here tonight to remind the crowd that he definitely hasn't gone all family friendly on us; sorry, Ice Cube. It's true that Boomiverse was criticised by some for its celebrity features and trap leanings, but without the presence of Adam Levine's pop pomposity, Big Boi's classic southern flow plunges these hits down to rumbling, bass-infested depths.

As you might expect, the man's live presence is undeniably big. Sharing the stage with fellow rapper/producer Sleepy Brown, the dynamic duo control the crowd with electric confidence and humour. How many times can you raise your hands and say, "Hell, yeaaah"? Around these two, the answer is not enough. The energetic crowd reeks of weed, sweat and tequila, an atmosphere that Big Boi righteously describes as "some real tight shit". Even those who would normally stick to a sensible rhythmic bop are grooving out their inhibitions, hands out of their pockets and all.

Set to a selection of big tracks from Boomiverse, the psychedelic projections beaming onto the walls behind Big Boi and Sleepy Brown quickly become a third player in tonight's performance. Cartoon renditions of Big Boi and Gucci Mane fight dragons from the seats of their fabulous rides, naked women cover themselves in melted chocolate, CGI aliens probe the audience from their flying saucers and much more. Choreographed to many of the song's lyrics, these eclectic visuals quickly turn the night into something of a three-dimensional Big Boi variety hour.

For the final song of the night, Big Boi spits the verses to Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You) alongside the digital presence of his old partner, Andre 3000. And while a real OutKast reunion may never occur, it's clear from his diamond rings and golden charisma that Big Boi was never holding his breath anyway. Now let me hear you say, "Hell, yeaaah!"