A lot of albums are considered "Underrated". But few really are. Most are really just buried under better albums. "Underrated" means that people give something a 4 that deserves a 5. Well, not only is Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik buried under it's own artist's later releases, but it was passed off as just another Rap album, but it was most certainly more than that.
I want to play a little word association with you, the reader. I say a word, and you tell me what comes to mind. Okay, the word is "G-Funk" (Meaning the combination of Gansta Rap and Funk).... Now what comes to mind?..... I'm going to guess you said "Dr. Dre" (If you didn't, then I am a said excuse of a music reviewer). Well, while Dr. Dre brought G-Funk to the mainstream the way no one else could, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik perfected G-Funk. It is G-Funk in every sense of the word. Every song has the Funkiness of a 90's reincarnation of Funkadelic, yet the Harsh, street smarts and brash attitude of the average N.W.A. song.
The album is probably the funkiest and most retro Gangsta Rap album ever. It starts out with
Peaches which is a 70's Radio Station-Esq tribute to a 70's-Esq album. But for those that are prepared for a good time will be surprised by the hard core of
Ain't No Thang Which has a truly great hook, and agressive lyrics. It stars out with Andre 3000 loading up a gun saying "Niggas in the Point (East Point, Georgia) ain't changed" The song embraces a repetitive, but lovely beat while Andre boasts
Quote:
3-5-7 to your fo'head, there'll be mo' dead
cause I' ma pro, kid
But Lord forgive me, I gots to keep my Milli right Vi-near me
My nine be doin fine until these niggaz wants to clear me off my street
But in my hood hood , they hollerin ghetto
Don't got no neighbors, they hit the pipe and never let go
But I feel for them like Chaka Khan feel for you
Ain't *** that we can do but rest in peace, pour a brew
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Not only are the rhymes tough, but there are great similes and analogies with each line. Something that shines through especially in
Hootie Hoo, the album's highlight. Which has an irresistible Bass line that sounds like it's being played live, as well as the great drums that join in after the first hook. Andre steals the show again
Quote:
Now playin these bitches is my favorite sport
But ain't no game when they be callin your name in the court
Oh, it's Saturday night, I guess that makes it alright
Got an obese twenty sack, fully packed, it's so tight
That it's bustin out the seems, yes sir, I'm set
Oh, but let me tuck the 380 before I jet
Hops off in the Lac with Big Gipp, you got a light(Hootie Hoo)
Communication device dun went off twice
Should I answer the call, yes, I'm mackin 'em all
We met 'em up in the mall, recall Player's Ball
Well, it's Player's Ball 2, so I guess I'll call you
Later on, and then your whole crew can fall through
Now later on done got here
I takes a peek, now let me see, what do we got here?
Draws, fallin down like niggaz in a drive-by
I got up in them hoes and I told 'em bye bye
About two weeks later, she called me with some bull***
Talkin 'bout her period late, guess what I did
Click
Naw, it couldn't be me. Not me
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If you aren't a fan of verses that are so good, that you try and repeat them to everyone you know, than too bad. Go listen to something else, because this album is incredibly funky and clever.
Many people don't like this album as much as outkast's other efforts because it actually falls under a genre, unlike their other albums, but that said, it isn't all savvy, funky Gangsta Rap.
Funky Ride is a song that wouldn't be out of place on a Midnight Booty radio station play list. With an Isley Brothers Flow, to a Roland 808. The song is a Mind*** (with emphasis on "***") The bass in the song is something out of an early porno movie, with more Waah's than the average bass fan can handle. I personally find having sex to music a little theatric and not as cool as it's cracked up to be, but if I was to have sex to a song. It would certainly be this (Though the song is Well over 6 minutes, so it really only needs to be 30 seconds long for me :p)
But if your like me, Being a Gangster and Having Sex isn't enough. I want Aliens!!!
D.E.E.P. provides a cheesy "Greetings, Earthlings. Take me to your leader" followed by some of the greatest lines of '94 bundled into one songs including but not limited to
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Andre 3000
you won't catch me spreadin no white thighs
I only see afro bitches up in my eyes
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Big Boi
no pain, no gain, some I'm ma hurt you
Breakin knees and elbows like I used to break my curfew
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Andre 3000
I grab my tablet and get busy with the pen
Y'all could not be just like me if y'all was my twin
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And My Personal Favorite...
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Big Boi
I'm gettin deeper than that prostitutes vagina
And pimpin way more ho's than those peoples out in China
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This song doesn't even need a good beat, but it still provides one. with a strong bass line and that live sounding drum beat, this is yet another great point in Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.
Crumblin' Erb is another highlight, a very introspective song with irresistible Bongos and more clever lyrics courtesy of Andre and Antwan. Not to mention more awesome Waah's to boot.
Oh and yes, Outkast do enjoy Recreational use of Marijuana as they claim in The title track
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik they have that "College Park Hemp Smoke Style" as well as other loves such as Cadillac's, Kicking Khakis and Adidas, and having a crew "As Thick As Two Fat Hoes Sitting Off In A Brougham" which contains a beat with bass that was made for a Cadillac with a nice system.
But even though Outkast enjoys hanging with Mary Jane, they also realize that they don't want the Weed, Guns, and Money define them. They show this in
Git Up, Get Out Which features A certain Cee-Lo Green before he was Dressing up as Pedro, and hanging out With Dude in a Mouse Suit. In fact, he has more than a great Voice, Cee-Lo isn't too shabby as a rapper either.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Cee-Lo
Every job I get is cruel and demeanin
Sick of takin trash out and toilet bowl cleanin
But I'm also sick and tired of strugglin
I never ever thought I'd have resort to drug smugglin
Naw, that ain't what I'm about
Cee-lo will just continue travelin this route
Without any doubt or fear
I know the Lord ain't brought me this far so he could drop me off here
Did I make myself clear?
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But the album is a 4.5 and it isn't all Asian last names, and comparing an entourage to 2 overweight women.
The album has a little Filler, with 4 "Interludes" and the draggy "
Call Of Da Wild" but The album has too many high points to get anything less than a 4.5.
All of this talking, and I still haven't even mentioned the song that put them on the map
Player's Ball Which is another great example of early Outkast. Great, clever, cocky lines, with another great sets of a bass speaking the "Waah-Waah" language fluently, and another great drumbeat, and a great hook that would make Maurice White proud.
As good as
Player's Ball is. The Reprise,
Player's Ball (Reprise) is probably the most Harmonic song on the album, with an irresistible, high pitched performance and a Jazzy, pretty Piano.
So If Ice-T don't have enough Waah's for your liking, and Sly And The Family Stone isn't Gangster enough, I strongly recommend picking up Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, It will be one of your favorite Rap Cd's faster than you can say...... Well........ Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
