Most contemporary high-profile rap albums last too long and use too much filler. Folks like Jay-Z, with last year's "Blueprint 2," release ill-advised double CDs packing too much into one release. However, Outkast, comprised of Big Boi and Andre 3000, reigns the rap genre with its latest effort of two solo albums packaged into "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below." While the duo can be heard on a few songs on each record, both Big Boi and Andre declare their individual voices on the majority of the content. Big Boi and Andre each sound unique compared to each other and compared to pop music.
The opening techno drum beats on "GhettoMusick," layered over a howling keyboard line and a groovy organ will melt all worries away. With funky rhythms and a horn section used to its fullest extent, Big Boi's "Speakerboxxx" simultaneously channels the funkiest dance party in creation with standout tracks like "Bowtie" and "The Rooster," while including relevant social commentary on war and violence. Guest spots from less talented emcees like Lil' John and Ludacris, who impossibly try to keep up with Big Boi's machine-like mouth with a slow southern-drawl, mark the album's only setback. Usual Outkast collaborator Killer Mike earns a newfound respect as he holds his own with Big Boi and Jay-Z on "Flip Flop Rock" on "Speakerboxxx."
While "Speakerboxxx" is a paradigm of what mainstream rap should be, Andre 3000's "The Love Below" stretches the meaning of rap and hip-hop, fusing it with other genres. After the orchestral intro leaves you amazed at the music's beauty, a squealing electric guitar crashes in at the start of "Love Hater," and as soon as you think you're about to relive the 'funktified' "Stankonia," a jazzy beat takes over and Andre sings.
The previous four Outkast releases prove Andre 3000 is the best emcee on the planet, but on "The Love Below," he rarely raps. Andre stretches his own skill by exploring new territory, and like the Beatles in "Sgt. Pepper," Andre crafts a landmark in rap experimentation. Andre clearly accomplishes a feat with his first single "Hey Ya!" a sonic masterpiece of pop-funk that is as significant as it is infectious.
Organized Noize, which brilliantly crafts the production and the beats with Big Boi and Andre, signify the most notable contributions to "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below." On "My Favorite Things" a jam cover on "The Love Below" Noize plays with the artists' abilities and creates a signature sound for both Big Boi and Andre, separating them from other artists, and ultimately each other. "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" conquers rap music and pushes it to another funky stratosphere, making a successful double rap LP.