Le$ - Bigger In Texas (Album)

Back in March, Le$ announced that an EP would roll out first and hold us over until the release of his upcoming album. The month saw his “Le$ Is More, Vol. 2” EP begin anticipating his full-length project titled “Bigger In Texas,” which would undoubtedly prove the wait was worth it. The album features verses from Slim Thug, Killa Kyleon, Freddie Gibbs, Bun B, Paul Wall, Jaszy Shavers & an excerpt from Donnie Houston, with production immaculately being covered by Tavaras Jordan & DJ Mr. Rodgers to top off creative direction from Jorgey. Even with a prominent group of creatives enlisted like this, you still see a lot of Le$ shine bright throughout the project on the solo efforts instead of being carried, which will always be a definite thing entering one of his eminent albums. Being blessed with a core talent doesn’t knock him off his game; if anything, he welcomes it by setting the bar high, where he exceeds the height and progresses every time.

The album opens up with an intro by Slim Thug, who checks in with the Steak N Shrimp head honcho and begins setting the focus on Texas, more particularly Houston explaining the sizes of the whips, riding on 4’s with the fifth wheel hanging, and the spokes poking out. An actual Texas-sized intro before we enter the city of gold, “El Dorado.” The piano builds up the track, arriving at Le$, steadily increasing in efficiency, explaining his path hasn’t shifted with the success he’s seen. He’s the same person when he first entered the rap game, and the only changes made have been the bank account increasing and the friends falling off due to envy. So many opportunities with the possibility of it all ending in one false choice, but he’s glad to see the better outcomes from it all. It pays big to be the boss, and he hasn’t left off the gas to stop when it matters. Le$ has reached levels in this shit; he isn’t afraid to mention defeat if it comes to him since it all became a learning lesson, so when the win did come, it was much more significant to enjoy. “Bout Rap,” curated by DJ Mr. Rodgers, is that clean record you can enjoy in the nighttime of this Texas weather, where days have usually been hot, but it’s been cooling these last few days, so it touches on the feeling of the track. It’s a fact that Le$ makes some of the best tunes to cruise to, no stress, no care, just vibes throughout, and this joint gots to one of the finest additions to the examples of the fact. “Candy Blue” with Killa Kyelon, “Pappadeaux Platter” with Freddie Gibbs & “Game Plan” with Bun B has to be some of the highlights of remarkable collaborations where Le$ steadily drifts with ease in impeccable rap form throughout each of these records. The star-studded feature for the track reflects a bit of his charisma that pushes the boundaries of creativity into another world. Another track to raise attention has to be the Paul Wall feature “Holdin 4ever,” which sounds special right from the gate; it sounds like the montage of a dirty south cinematic clip from syrup sippin to slabs in the streets creating a ruckus with the sound system blaring out the window. I wouldn’t feel right not to mention “Spokes & Vogue” & “4am,” which immediately got my attention during the first listen, which had me anticipating reaching it on my subsequent few visits to the album. As I mentioned before, even with a sharp group of features, Le$ still stands out as being gifted with the pen; from the storytelling of his journey to the successful gems he drops in his music, it’s greatness to enjoy from start to finish. He doesn’t miss the mark in making fly shit look easy; he tops each release and doesn’t mimic the formula. He embraces his recent experiences in his music, and I think that’s what inspires the sound for the next project; it’s a theory, but I think I’m hitting it on the head. Le$ defines his work as otherworldly; his presence in Texas is impactful and continues to rise with his successful endeavor to the next.

Since the release, Le$ has already dropped merch & some behind-the-scenes footage with him, Bun B & Donny Houston, which I believe could be the first visual treatment from the album. Freddie Gibbs has already expressed wanting to shoot a visual for his featured record “Pappadeaux,” and I think “Candy Blue” will also get one as well. Stay tuned to see what is next from the Houston All-Star, and always continue to run ups the plays and share it across your social media feed.