Word: outkast
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: all
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
With the recent release of their double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, Outkast have become somewhat of a hip-hop R.E.M. The similarities speak for themselves: André 3000 and Big Boi have followed a path strikingly parallel to Michael Stipe and the boys—rising from underground success (both in the South, no less) to the top of the charts and pushing the boundaries of their sound even at the height of their popularity. Casual radio listeners are hooked by the catchy singles; more are captivated by their engaging lyrical content and constant musical experimentation; and college students everywhere...
Although there have been rumors of a feud, Outkast have dispelled any notion of a breakup, claiming instead that they had to keep their sound fresh by recording different albums. Although this “was a challenge” according to Big Boi, he overcomes it far more gracefully—albeit less experimentally—than his “eclectic” companion, the notoriously flamboyant Andr?...
...with, with its frantic bassline accompanied by wailing synths and piercing organ. His flow is as smooth as ever—witness “The Way You Move”, which starts “ready for action, nip it in the bud / we never relaxin’ Outkast is everlastin?...
Although there are stumbles along the way (a moratorium on cliched intros and interludes seems long overdue), Outkast still manage to pack more innovation, musicality and enjoyment into these two albums than most rappers do in their careers. It’s clear, however, that Big Boi has served as a much-needed anchor for some of his partner’s wilder musical tendencies. —Will B. Payne
Both halves of Outkast have created albums worthy in their own right. While Big Boi stays at home on Speakerboxxx with a star-studded roster of guests, André paddles alone into uncharted waters of modern pop, finding treasure in The Love Below...