Jus NBL Casts Himself as the Architect of the Ocean on "BIG FISH"

On "BIG FISH," Philadelphia rapper Jus NBL isn't interested in proving he's swimming with the competition; he's making it clear he built the waters they're all navigating.

Serving as the second track from his 2025 conceptual album Thoughts, "BIG FISH" stands apart from the project's largely introspective landscape. While much of the album explores internal reflections and personal observations, this record flips the perspective outward, allowing Jus NBL to embrace a more confident, commanding presence without abandoning the thoughtful storytelling that defines his work.

From the opening skit, listeners are pulled into a carefully constructed world where Jus NBL positions himself as the creator of the ocean itself, engaging in a symbolic conversation with the so-called "big fish." Through vivid sea-life imagery, references to Atlantis, and layered metaphors rooted in nature, he crafts a narrative that challenges hierarchy and perception. The message is simple but effective: someone may appear larger than life to everyone else, but in the grand scheme of creation, they're still operating within a world someone else built.

What makes "BIG FISH" compelling isn't just the confidence behind the bars, it's the intentionality behind the concept. Jus NBL approaches songwriting with the mindset of a composer rather than simply a rapper, building records as immersive experiences rather than collections of verses. Every element feels deliberate, from the thematic production choices to the cinematic use of skits and character-driven storytelling. The result is a track that functions as both a lyrical showcase and a chapter within a larger narrative.

That attention to structure reflects Jus NBL's broader artistic philosophy. Influenced by everyone from Miles Davis and Prince to 2Pac and classical composers such as Ravel, Rachmaninoff, and Stravinsky, he brings an arranger's mindset to hip-hop. Rather than focusing solely on technical ability, he prioritizes crafting songs that serve a larger vision, allowing each piece to contribute to the overarching story of an album.

As a standout moment on Thoughts, "BIG FISH" showcases Jus NBL's ability to balance sharp lyricism with ambitious world-building. It's a reminder that confidence in hip-hop can be most effective when it's backed by imagination, purpose, and a clear artistic identity. For an artist who hopes listeners see him as one of the defining voices of hip-hop's next era, "BIG FISH" makes a convincing case that he's already charting his own course.