It was a difficult decision as to what Outkast album I should include on this list, as it is arguable that all of their albums are considered classic in their own right. "Speakerboxx/The Love Below" was an ambitious double album that showcased Andre's diverse style and influences, but as a whole, I feel "The Love Below" overshadowed Big Boi's still exceptional "Speakerboxx" contribution. For that reason I chose not to review that album. "Stankonia" was also pretty hot, with "Mrs. Jackson" and "B.O.B." to speak for it. People hail their first two albums, "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik" and "ATLiens" as landmark achievements as well, but for my money, I think "Aquemini" showed the duo at their cohesive and artistic best.
The first thing to be said is the lyricism that is on display. Andre 3000 is heralded my his peers as one of the best MC's doing it, and is often overlooked by mainstream fans on their top 5 dead or alive lists. Truth be told, he deserves more props and he and Big Boi put on lyrical clinics on this album. Their quick witted and nimble tongued flows matched up with the funky and soulful production made this album really stand out from everything else at the time it was released.
I mean, take for instance the big radio hit off the album, "Rosa Parks". The stomping and clapping, harmonica solo, it was crazy to hear in contrast to the Puff Daddy's, DMX's and the like on the radio and MTV at the time. Big Boi and especially Andre was portrayed a crazy style and way of dress that had people talking and helped them stand apart from the pack.
My personal favorite track on the album is the collabo with Raekwon, "Skew it on the Bar-B". The beat was absolutely sick, and as a diehard Wu-Tang fan and uninitiated at the time to Outkast, I was impressed to see Big Boi and Dre hold their own with the Chef in an absolutely killer cipher that still gets play from me to this day. The awesome attention to detail and descriptive narratives of "Da Art of Storytellin'" hooked me, and there was no denying the smoothed out vibes of "SpottieOttieDopaliscious". I'm not a weed smoker but if I was, that track would definitely be a perfect soundtrack to a smoke session.
This album, along with Goodie Mob's "Soul Food", really solidified and crafted that signature Atlanta sound that would remain prevalent until Young Jeezy, TI and the likes took over with their brand of dope boy rapping. "Aquemini" received tons of accolades: it was certified double platinum, ranked #500 on the list of the 500 Best Albums of All-Time, and received 5 mics from The Source, which at the time, was a legitimate honor. You can't go wrong with any of Outkast's works but for someone looking for a place to start, I would say you can't do much better than "Aquemini".
BEST VERSES: Andre 3000 on "Return of the G", "Rosa Parks" and "Skew it on the Bar-B"
Big Boi on "Da Art of Storytellin" and "Y'all Scared"
some youngen once told me that outkast was overrated...... i slapped the shit outta him
ReplyDeleteKids these days, what can ya do?
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