OutKast often are one of the most critically acclaimed hip hop acts of all time, with good reason. One of the most creatively ambitious hip hop groups ever, with two of the best MC's of all time, one of them an undeniable top 20 MC. Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik is not one of the reasons why, mainly because of how little attention it gets in comparison to their following albums, and it isn't nearly as acclaimed. However, the album still deserves to be called a classic, because of the quality, and it is an important piece of southern hip hop.
The album isn't filled with much substance, but André 3000 (who just went by André at the time) and Big Boi's lyrics are impressive, and highly entertaining. There are several tracks with substance though, however. "Git Up, Git Out", is a message to people who don't care about education or getting a job. The track features an outstanding verse from Cee-Lo Green, who has one of, if not the best verse on the album. Although based on the title, you've probably made the assumption that "Crumblin' Erb" is simply about smoking weed. However, the song promotes peace, and how the duo would rather get high then get involved in gangs or violence. "Call of da Wild" talks about being tempted to drop out of education and pursue a life of crime.
The duo's chemistry on the mic is fantastic as well, as the two go back and forth effortlessly. Although both do offer great performances, André seems to carry the album lyrically. Sometimes they're equal, but often André does noticeably outshine his partner in rhyme often. This doesn't detract from the overall quality of the album though. The production on this album is handled by Organized Noize, and is layered with elements of southern music, implementing live instrumentation into the production, which makes for an authentic sound. Some of the beats are stripped-down and minimalistic, but some are extremely rhythmic and funky. The best beat on the album is probably "Funky Ride", which has Dr. Dre-level attention to detail, and simply sounds fantastic. There's even guitars thrown in for good measure.
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik is a classic album, and although not one of the duo's best, that goes to show how talented OutKast is. The album even took the east coast a long time to appreciate, as many hip hop fans hailing from the east were stuck in a close-minded notion that the south makes weak music. Artists like UGK, Scarface, and OutKast proved those people wrong, and made people appreciate what the south has to offer, and this album is one of the reasons why.
Ratings:
1. Peaches (Intro)
2. Myintrotoletuknow: 4.5/5
3. Ain't No Thang: 5/5
4. Welcome to Atlanta (Interlude)
5. Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik: 5/5
6. Call of da Wild (feat. Goodie Mob): 4.5/5
7. Player's Ball: 5/5
8. Claimin' True: 5/5
9. Club Donkey Ass (Interlude)
10. Funky Ride: 5/5
11. Flim Flam (Interlude)
12. Git Up, Git Out (feat. Goodie Mob): 4.5/5
13. True Dat (Interlude)
14. Crumblin' Erb: 5/5
15. Hootie Hoo: 4/5
16. D.E.E.P.: 4.5/5
17. Player's Ball (Reprise): 4.5/5
Best songs:
Crumblin' Erb
Ain't No Thang
Funky Ride
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
Player's Ball
Weakest song: Hootie Hoo
Production: 9.5/10
Lyrics: 9.7/10
Overall rating: 96/100
Grade: A
