It’s inevitable in a group setting one person is going to stand out. Rapper Big Pooh has experienced this standing in the shadow of his partner-in-rhyme Phonte. Not fazed one bit, Pooh has focused on his craft and continually improved with every outing. Following up his debut Sleepers, which for lack of a better word was criminally slept-on, he’s back with his sophomore effort The Delightful Bars. Following the mantra that Phonte stated on The Minstrel Show’s “Not Enough” (dope beats, dope rhymes what more do y’all want,) Rapper Big Pooh has assembled a stable of head nod inducing beats and an assortment of delectable bars for your auditory pleasure.

The biggest problems most group members have when going solo is holding down a song alone. Those extra 16-32 bars per song have derailed many a respectable emcee, but thankfully Pooh can hold his own in the booth. On the Khrysis produced “The Comeback,” he reacquaints his self with the listening public over dusty sample loop, while letting everyone know he’s out to show and prove. Along with Darien Brockington he creates a two-step anthem on “Move.” Over a mosaic of piano chords and tuba blurts, Pooh plays maestro, while Brockington deliver an undeniably infectious chorus that have the staunchest wall holders looking for a free body. Feeling a bit reflective, he takes a flow down memory lane on “The Life” featuring Muhsinah & “Rearview Mirror.” Both tracks take an honest look on his past including the Little Brother separation from the songs producer 9th Wonder on the latter, giving you a glimpse of who Thomas Jones is when the microphone is put down.

And when Pooh’s ready to share the limelight, The Justus League is ready and willing to provide assistance. “Nothing Less” will have 80’s babies reminiscing of Hyrule, as the beat provides and understated yet lively backdrop for him to trade boisterous bars with the likes of Ab Soul, Jay Rock and K.Dot. Jake One provides a heat rock on the smoldering “Something Like Stars” where he breaks down why he’ll take money over fame any day alongside Big Treal. With few exceptions, the guest verses keep the energy and quality of the songs up to Pooh’s level making for a good time all around.

The Delightful Bars lives up to its name because Pooh’s able to create a persona separate from what he’s achieved with Little Brother. He’s got a little dirt under his nails and he’s not afraid to show it. His lyrics are a little more abrasive at times and things move at a steady pace. The production and sequencing are superb throughout and really compliment his deadpan delivery. His subject matter is diverse as he’s able to create party jams & tell stories, in addition to letting us know how dope he is. Proving he has big time talent to match his stature, Rapper Big Pooh cooks up an album that more than likely rank both as one the year’s best and slept-on at the same time come December 31st.

4 CIGARETTES