Review Summary: "...a timeless composition even 20 years later."
Creativity in music can stem from anywhere; whether it's thought provoking lyricism, vibrant production, or an insightful theme.
When it comes to separating yourself from the rest and standing out as not only a wonderful piece of music - but as a special composition to connect with; there is no better time to release such an intricate idea than after your own fans assumed that you have changed too much - to prove them wrong and reach new heights of groundbreaking that even new listeners twenty years later will still able to find something fresh to enjoy.
Aquemini is the third outing by southern hip-hop group OutKast and it's recently just had it's 20th birthday, many consider it to be both a classic and important landmark of the 90's.
Sprinkle some live instrumentation, laid-back funky production, and a meditative aura of both aware and clever lyrics - and you will get OutKast's virtuosic pièce de résistance, because this has much more to offer than your typical hip-hop project.
Let's start with the rapping ability that André 3000 and Big Boi have; throughout the album both wordsmiths give very captivating deliveries and cadences that compliment every other musical aspect very well - it just makes you want to rewind the track and listen to what they're saying again.
Their flows and rhyme schemes are impeccable more often than not, it just gives the rhythmic oomph that has great chemistry with the relaxing funk vibes delivered throughout.
These vibes are everywhere in Aquemini with the help of the appropriate production from beginning to end and are presented in a very welcoming way on the intro "Hold On, Be Strong" and in my opinion are at their peak on tracks like "Return of the G", the title track, "Synthesizer", "West Savannah", "Da Art of Storytelling Pt. 1", "Mamacita", and "Liberation" - speaking of that last track, the soulful singing and piano playing work very well in giving a tranquil feeling of bliss, and it's perfect as the song to close off the album.
Another very memorable moment is the harmonica solo on the track "Rosa Parks" - it goes perfect with the theme of this album, and it's also something that no one would expect to hear in a hip-hop album.
In fact, this entire album's arrangement is well thought-out; there's not a single track that I'd rearrange or remove completely since all of them bring something enjoyable to the table, and it's also not cluttered with pointless features or mediocre verses (Raekwon kills it with the boys on "Skew It on the Bar-B") - as for the skits, I personally don't think that they're long enough to make the project drag on or take anyone out of their zone.
It almost makes you feel like you're watching a film, one with an enthralling message.
Speaking of the message that OutKast delivers; their lyrics often focus on issues and dealing with ruthless experiences in black neighbourhoods, multiple relatable obstacles and struggles in life such as battling inner demons, addiction, and relationship problems.
They also touch on their criticisms of the hip-hop community in tracks like "Return of the G", and they talk about all of this in such a way where it feels genuine and meaningful while still delivering plenty of very memorable lines such as;
"Return of the gangsta, thanks ta'
Them n-ggas that think you soft and say y'all be gospel rappin'
But they be steady clappin' when you talk about
Bitches, and switches, and hoes, and clothes, and weed
Let's talk about time travelin', rhyme javelin
Somethin' mind unravelin', get down
Return of the gangsta thanks ta'"
"Them n-ggas that get the wrong impression of expression.
Then the question is Big Boi, what's up with André?
Is he in a cult? Is he on drugs? Is he gay?
When y'all gon' break up? When y'all gon' wake up?
N-gga I'm feelin' better than ever what's wrong with you
You get down!"
"If n-ggas all dogs, then what you call broads? Felines in heat, meowing for some yarn balls.”
"Even the sun goes down, heroes eventually die
Horoscopes often lie, and sometimes 'y'
Nothin' is for sure, nothin' is for certain, nothin' lasts forever."
"Sin all depends on what you believing in.
Faith is what you make it—that's the hardest sh-t since MC Ren.
Alien can blend right on in with your kin.
Look again, 'cause I swear I spot one every now and then,
It's happening again, wish I could tell you when,
André, this is André, y'all are just gon' have to make amends."
With all of the themes that they touch on it still never really seems like they lose their direction or focus, and that just goes back to the amazing arrangement.
Overall this is easily seen as OutKast's magnum opus by many, even the most stoic hip-hop critic will find something that sets this album apart from many other projects released both back then and today.
It's a timeless composition even 20 years later, and can undoubtedly be considered an important hip-hop creation of the 90's and southern rap altogether.
Favourites:
The whole album
Least Favourites:
N/A
AWARDS:
Daddy's Little Girl: Aquemini
The Son I Never Wanted: N/A
