Stankonia
OutKast

Banger after banger. OutKast has consistently put out innovative albums trying new things every album, hitting the mark every time. Our first three tracks make up the strongest opening in their catalog. Tight production, clear, fast, and clever raps, and strong influences from funk, jazz, and rock, though still having the structure of pop hip hop of the late 90s, making it accessible to both mainstream audiences and fans of other genres. "Gasoline Dreams" starts us off strong with some p-funk licks (reminds me of Maggot Brain) and impressive raps with a corresponding fun chorus. The next two are super hits. "So Fresh So Clean" shows like four distinct styles of singing and rapping, super funky. "Ms. Jackson" is reminiscent of other pop songs of the time, but has super memorable hooks, a catchy chorus, and a funk style like no other. "Snappin & Trappin" moves us into hardcore territory, but is characterized by surreal "alien futuristic" samples. Strange how this is so early in the album as it might turn off some listeners, but the raps are nevertheless insane as always. I'll stop talking about each track since that'll take forever, but it's more or less the same strengths, but yet ton of diversity to keep me interested in what they'll do next. The interludes are weird and hilarious. They're inclusions are welcome all throughout the album to keep it fresh and interesting, giving me small breaks to contemplate on what the next track is like. BREAK The only major weakness is the length. I know it's Aquemini and The Love Below are just as long, but starting with "Humble Bumble" I lose focus. They're great tracks for sure, and it doesn't take much to appreciate them, but there's a lack of standout tracks to attract your attention. However, I do speculate it'd be easier with more listens with how much character they all have.

4