# Underground Luxury Review

- Link: https://exclusiveaccess.net/underground-luxury-review/
- Published: 2013-12-10T19:58:00-05:00
- Author: EAN

Amongst a bevy of creative souls, _AllHipHop.com_ enjoyed the exclusive New York,
listening event for, B.o.B.’s,[_Underground Luxury_](https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/underground-luxury/id737018832).
Upon descending the narrow staircase to the lower level of  ACME restaurant, the
intimate ambiance of the cocktail bar was heightened with the  tasteful décor and
the black and gold balloons which lined the ceiling. An endless array of spirits,
courtesy of Hennessy and Vitamin Water, were freely shared with the attendees, as
B.o.B.’s latest artistic expressions bolstered the celebratory mood.

Smoothly navigating the captivated listeners, Bobby Ray’s easy demeanor dispelled
any preconceived notions associated with his platinum-earned success.  At the photo
booth, unique memories were instantly created. A signature gold-fronted smile, the
exclamation point, was sincerely displayed as, Bobby Bands, took countless pictures
with his invited guests. Encouraging handshakes, respectful hugs, along with an 
[impromptu breaking session](http://www.complex.com/tv/music/bob-album-listening-party-recap#ooid=NyNWk2aTp3NVTynq8o3cyhPMFDPoK5zp)—
B.o.B’s fluid moves did not disappoint—encapsulated the peaceful event.

Renowned as a gifted MC, singer / musician, and producer, the native ATLien, has
challenged himself. _Underground Luxury_ presents a cohesive depiction of his luxurious
and labored life experiences. The Juicy J, T.I. assisted “[We Still In This B*tch](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AABgXnPBqk&w=560&h=315]),”
Future-embedded “[Ready](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l72IZMfh1yw&w=560&h=315]),”
and the 2 Chainz-enhanced “[HeadBand](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2rqUlYN1m8&w=560&h=315])”
easily elevated the party’s atmosphere. Thumping speakers, nodding heads, and gyrating
hips accompanied these crowd favorites. Features from Ester Dean  on “Wide Open,”
from Mike Fresh  on “Cranberry Moon Walk,” and from Chris Brown on “Throwback” showcase
B.o.B.’s coveted ability to create arousing art without being too crass.

Whereas, the compelling tracks like “All I Want,” an introspective account of excess,
solidifies his universal appeal.  He speaks to the ingrained American-condition 
that cultivates an aspiration to accumulate material things, people, and power.

B.o.B. time-travels on “One Day.” Candid lyrics shade a stark existence. Recollections
of want summon all too-common experiences,  _“…and if you wanted hot water we had
to microwave it / and every day the power cut off, but we tolerate it / the thoughts
they ought to be so lost, because I forgot to save them / I’m screaming at me in
the mirror, because I got to make it…” _Speaking on the “Paper Route,” which has
entrapped millions, the insightful narrator spits, “…o_f course it’s unfortunate
that n*ggas out here robbing for Jordans / can we not afford them, but can get a
glock for them / is our views on reality kinda distorted…”_

Overall, it’s the near balance of the thought-provoking, the party-educing, and 
the unabashed confident lyricism that constitutes the solid effort of, B.o.B.’s,
_Underground Luxury_.

**AHH’s Ratings**:

**Lyricism:**                                8 /10

**Production:         **                 8** / **10

**Album Cohesiveness: **   8 /10

**Replay value:                      **7 /10

[_AHH_](http://allhiphop.com/2013/12/09/ahh-album-review-b-o-b-underground-luxury/)