Amazon.com

At a time when experimentation is taboo in most overground rap, that’s all Outkast seem intent on executing. Firstly, this double CD has no cohesive link, other than the fact that it sounds like a pair of solo albums stitched together to demo exactly how Andre’s yin works to augment Big Boi’s yang. Andre 3000’s Love Below disc rates as the more eclectic of the two, given that he’s turned in his emcee credentials to become a full-on funk-soul-jazz vocalist who mostly sings about items of love ("Happy Valentine's Day"), carnal lust ("Spread"), and female adoration ("Prototype"). Minus the big band schmaltz of "Love Hater" and cheesy cover jobs ("My Favorite Things"), Andre’s disc is sick (meaning great). As is to be expected, the Big Boi disc is less arty, more gangsta and worldly, and features the less-progressive guest raps of ATL crunk purveyors Lil’ Jon and The Eastside Boyz ("Last Call") and Jay-Z who rhymes the hook on "Flip Flop Rock". Unlike Big Boi, Andre keeps his collabos to a minimum, once crooning alongside Norah Jones on the cool yet sappy "Take Off Your Cool", and once with Kelis. Boi fulfills his Dungeon Family duty with flying colors by flipping some dirty southern up-tempo raps over electro beats on "GhettoMusick". By the time Cee-Lo sermonizes on "Reset", Speakerboxx and Love Below rate mostly as majestic and inspiring, with the remaining 23 per cent being just plain incredible --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Reviews (722)

Thank You Andre!
This is by far the most refreshing cd, hip hop or whatever genre, I've heard since I can remember. I cannot stop playing "the love below" because it is simply a stroke of genius. Mainstream heads will sleep on it because like most people who bought the cd just for "way you move", they're looking for something mindless and dull. If that's the case, go cop DMX, Nelly or some other repetitive, boring, follow the leader type music.
Yeah we know what you want..."true"outkast fans want an album just like "ATLiens". But you know what? As much as I would like to see that too...it's not reality. Think about it. The reason outkast is so dope is because they're constantly pushing the hip hop boundaries. They're pushing the boundaries on speakerboxx/love below just like they did in 95. And some of you might not think so now, but this is a true classic, ahead of its time and one day you'll see.
Speakerboxx to me, is sort of half genius, half average. The more I listen to it though the more I like it, because it kind of combines all 4 albums together into one. My favorite on skrbxx is probably "reset" which has so much ATLiens feel I swear it was a last second cut from the actual album.
The Love Below is just genius. Only way to describe. I truly do feel for the people who don't feel this album, because what the h*** are they listening to??? You all are missing out on so much! And I really don't mind if people don't feel this album because everyone is entitled to their opinion, but don't say andre 3000 is being different just for the sake of being different. Because that is such BS. If you can't hear good music when you hear it, than sucks to be you.
It's hard to say which is my favorite song because I truly, DO like them all, but I really like "she lives in my lap", "love hater", "Roses", "dracula's wedding" and "take off your cool"(altough that was too short!).
Overall, 5 stars to love below, 4 stars to speakerboxx
and outkast: Keep doin your thang...

The odd couple
Not sure exactly how to react to this double-set quite yet. Speakerboxxx/The Love Below are two very diverse records from one another, simply put. First off, Big Boi presents Speakerboxxx, a collection of songs any fan of Outkast will recognize. The beats are reminiscent of old 'Kast material without the strange element Andre brings to the table. Big Boi also has his share of guest artists that help showcase the more gangsta half of the group. "Unhappy" is a smooth track that is sure to please any and all ear drums with an appearance by Sleepy Brown. "Tomb of the Boom" is a tight track with spots from Ludacris, Big Gipp, and KONKRETE. "Flip Flop Rock", another highlight which sounding reminiscent to Aquemini's "Chonkyfire", features Jay-Z and Big Boi's protege, Killer Mike. Also check out "War", "Ghettomusick", and "Church".
Ah, then there's Dre. The quirky, silly-dressed half of the legend of Outkast. Don't expect another Speakerboxxx. The Love Below is not necessarily what you want playin' in ur ride. Other than the lead-off single, "Hey Ya", this record is different from anything ever recorded. With jazzy-laced tracks in full control of this disc, Andre proves to be the more creative half of the duo, not just different. Not a sound for everyone, this disc should be left up to the listener to determine how it sounds, that's it. All in all, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is another appreciatable effort from Outkast in their attempt to be different from anything on the market. How they could possibly get any more diverse is unclear and mind-blowing in itself.

HOTT
ok. these CDs are both awesome and entertaining. and although i do love Andre (fav songs on his CD are Happy Valentines Day, Behold A Lady, and Pink&Blue) i wanna give more credit to Big Boi. Ok speakerboxxx most def has not gotten his fair cut out of the Outkast fame, i absolutely LOVE his CD, more than the Love Below. He's got some really great beats, and Number 4, Bowtie, should have definitly been a single. anyway yeah hope this helps!

The lyrics
Ok, the lyrics are pointless i must admit but its the music that counts to me! The way they play music is unbelievable!!!! They used to be this wierd band that just came out of nowhere and sang "Sorry Miss Jackson" and that was it!

A few years later, look how much they are proressing! It's like from Model T Ford to Porsche Carrera GT! The first thing was good, at the time!

Roses is a great track and i just love the style of music, piano towards trumpets! Classic!

playaz fall
stick together. afromanmusic.com. sign up for the street team. get your money's worth and buy the new disc ... Read more

Amazon.com

The biggest (and only relevant) member of the St. Lunatics crew fully indulges his rap-meets-R&B fixations on the enjoyable (if predictable) Suit. Whereas companion CD Sweat is geared toward the male thugs in the clubs, this one's for the thugettes. More lyrically compelling than Sweat, Suit shows a softer, more cerebral, less flashy side to St. Louis's favorite son. Check out "Die for You," Nelly's ode to youth, and the calypso-tinged, introspective "In My Life," which reveals a more worldly rap duke underneath the band aids and chunky jewelry. Nelly's unique "singjay" flows tend to take a backseat to the beautiful harmonies of guests such as Jahiem, who sounds like a modern-day Teddy Pendergrass on "My Place," and Anthony Hamilton, whose spot on "Nobody Knows" reminds us why he's the most underrated of the contemporary soul balladeers. When Nelly said he was going to introduce his Midwest style to a wider audience, he wasn't kidding: even country star Tim McGraw joins the fray on "Over and Over." --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Nellys greatest
dang i love this whole album, it shows the many sides of nelly that not everyone knew he had. my fav. song is "in my life". that song can put anyone in a happy mood. and "die for you" is so sweet, his lil girl sounds soo cute and i didnt know he had 2 kids till hearing this track but the whole album is off the chain if u aint got it go cop it! and Sweat too!!

I LOVE NELLY!!!
this album is the bomb! all of the songs are so awesome. it is way better than sweat. fans of songs like "ride wit me" "utha side" and "pimp juice" will be very pleased with this work. here is a rating of all of the songs.

Play it off: w/d Pharell Williams
this is a good first track. it really sets the mood, with its killer lyrics and chorus by nelly and pharell.
I give it 9/10.

Pretty toes: w/d Jazze Pha and T.I.
this is my second fav track. it has a smooth flow and sounds sort of like MY PLACE. I love it!
10/10

My Place: w/d Jaheim
this is absolutely marvelous. i cant say anymore. this lead single is really a classic
11/10

Paradise:
this is the best song on suit. it is very sexy and sensual. nelly is not only a good rapper but a good singer. this song has excellent vocals and a nice beat.
12/10

She Don't Know My Name: w/d Ron Isley and Snoop
this song is pretty good. snoop's verse is nice and ron does an excellent job on the chorus.
8/10

N Dey Say:
this song is okay. if you listen to the lyrics it has a good message. the chorus is a little weak however. overall it is a nice song.
8/10

Woodgrain and Leather Wit a Hole
this song is pretty good except for the first minute where nelly just talks. it is about his pimped-out car. it sounds almost identical to pimp juice.
7/10

In My Life: w/d Mase and Avery Storm
This is my FAV song!!!!!!! it is awesome. mase and nelly tear the mic up. Avery Storm's chorus is very cool. the whole track is very laidback. congrats nelly!
15/10

Over and Over: w/d Tim McGraw
i DO NOT like country music but this track surprised me very much. It is very nice. It shocked me to hear nelly wit' tim mcgraw. They did a nice job. A+
8/10

Nobody Knows: w/d Anthony Hamilton
very laidback and subtle. anthony's chorus was nice. he has such a nice voice. the verses are a little weak however.
7/10

Die for You
i dont really care for this song. the whole vibe doesnt do anything for me. oh well, not bad nelly.
5/10

Overall album: 10/10
you gotta give nelly his props for this album.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

go nelly
quite frankly, i was disappointed with this cd. it has a few good songs but the repetitive chorus' get old fast. heres a rate of each song. Heart of a champion verses to slow to music however awesome chorus by lincoln university vocal. 7/10 Na-nana-na: jazze pha killer chorus and verses. my second fav track. 10/10 Flap your wings a classic!!! youve all heard it. 10/10 American dream: lunatics nice verses by nelly and his crew. sorry chorus. i normally skip this song. 4/10 River don't runn: murph lee an ok song with an ok chorus 6/10 Tilt ya' head back: Christina Aguilera next single. awesome beat and verses by xtina. cool chorus 10/10 Grand Hang Out: T-squad nice thats all i can say . one of the best tracks. 8/10 Getcha getcha: lunatics cool nice track nice chorus 8/10 Another One somewhere inbetween all the other tracks. not a standout. 7/10 Spida Man AWESOME!!! my FAV track! totally awesome. I love this song. killer verses and chorus. 15/10 Playa: mobb deep and missy my second favorite track nice verses by mobb deep. shocking chorus by missy.NICE!!! 11/10 Boy: lil' flip Horrible. this song is a total disaster. The absolute worst nelly song ever, even worse than luven me off of country grammar. the whole song is retarded. -5/10 ... Read more

Amazon.com

With the No Limit and Cash Money crews having permanently seared the once-ignored Deep South into the hip-hop map, Nelly arrives to make a mark for the heretofore uncelebrated St. Louis scene. After outlining the rules of the game from lifestyle (gats, grass, and sex) to wardrobe (he cuffs his jeans like Beaver Cleaver), the rapper offers scenario after scenario depicting the gangsta world as one big party; he and his crew seem much more interested in fellatio than shootouts. The title single, which preceded this CD's release by months, is the clear standout with its low-rider groove, but the midtempo R&B-flavored flows of "Utha Side," "Greed, Hate & Envy," and "Steal Da Show" are also seductive.--Rickey Wright ... Read more

Reviews (278)

Nellys got SOME Grammar goin
2. St. Louie- not his best songs, but yah, its ok. 3/5

3. Greed, Hate, Envy- this is one of my favorite songs on the cd, going with Ride Wit Me. i love it so much, its got a great beat and is so unique. 5/5

4. Country Grammar (Hot....)- great song and all but like most of his songs, its the chorus over and over again. i usually skip to the next song when i get to the middle of the song. 3/5

5. Steal the Show- 4/5

7. Ride Wit Me- my favorite on the cd, is great and really has a good beat to it and great for anything. partying, relaxing, etc. rate it 5/5

8. E.I.- great song! read "Ride Wit Me". 5/5

9. Thicky Thick Girl- 5/5

10. For My- 1/5

11. Utha Side- 0/5.

12. Tho Dem Wrappas- an okay song, like the rest. 2/5

13. Wrap Sumden- whats with Nelly and "wrap"? wrappas, wrap lol. after listening to 12, im sort of tired of hearing itbut overall i give it 4/5

14. Batter Up-if theres a song im gonna hate, its this one. i find it quite annoying!!!! >:( 0/5

15. Never Let 'Em C U Sweat- i like it. its ok, not his best nor his worst. i usually just listen to half of it then skip. 3/5

16. Luven Me- 3.5/5

overall, Nellys cd is pretty good but most songs are rated 3/5. if you extrememly like rap and nelly, then go for it. but otherwise, its all the same thing. there is only one steady pace with Nelly in his songs. its hard to explain, but if u hear all of them. you will know. i hope this was helpful :)

AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!
GREAT C.D.!!NELLY IZ TRUELY #1

1.INTRO-8/10
2.ST.LOUIE-NEEDS SOME WORK-7/10
3.GREED,HATE,ENVY-UM...OK I GUESS-6.5/10
4.COUNTRY GRAMMAR-WOW!-10/10
5.STEAL THE SHOW-AWSOME SONG ST.LUNATICS MAKE IT BETTER-10/10
6.INTERLUDE-8/10
7.RIDE WIT ME-ALL CITY SPUD BABY!-10/10
8.E.I.-GREAT SONG NO DOUBT-10/10
9.THICKY THICK GIRL-ALI ALL ALI-9/10
10.FOR MY-LIL WAYNE MAKES IT BETTER-10/10
11.UTHA SIDE-OK-8/10
12.THO DEM WRAPPAS-BEST SONG ON THE ALBUM!-10/10
13.WRAP SUMDEN-ALL KYJAUN ALL KYJUAN-10/10
14.BATTER UP-GREAT BASEBALL SONG-9/10
15.NEVER LET EM C U SWEAT-ILL!-8/10
16.LUVEN ME-GREAT SONG!-10/10
17.OUTRO-IIGHT-7/10

Nelly's Only Good One
In my opinion, this is Nelly's only good cd. He's had good singles since this album, but the albums that they're on are horrible. "Greed, Hate, Envy" is one of the coolest songs on the album. All the singles(you already know which ones) are really good. "Luven Me" is a nice song about his mom and is one of the best on the album. "Steal the Show" is almost a St. Lunatics freestyle, but it still delivers tight stuff.

Nelly Sux
Did Nelly honestly try to even diss KRS One?? How can this f@ggot do that. If you call urself a rap fan and like nelly, go suck ur own d!ck.

GREAT CD BUY ONE OF THE GAMES BIGGEST HITMAKERS
THE CD IS GREAT STILL BUMPS THIS
TOP 5 SONGS ON CD IS
1.THO DEM WRAPPAS -THE BEST SONG HE EVER DONE
2.EI-PROLLY THE 2ND OR 3RD BUT DEFINETLY THE BEST SINGLE
3.FOR MY
4.STEAL THE SHOW
5.GREED HATE ENVY, LUVEN ME, RIDE WIT ME-CANT CHOOSE BETWEEN THEM ... Read more

Amazon.com's Best of 2000

Imagine if the ghetto got electrified. That's Stankonia, an album ofstreet smarts doused with gasoline and ready to burn. When a thundering electric guitarcollides with a relentless drumbeat on the molten "Gasoline Dreams," it dominates mindand body, setting the tone for the album. Dre and Big Boi spin a world of freaks, poets,preachers, and pimps, but most importantly, possibilities. This music messes with yourhead. --Lizz Mendez Berry ... Read more

Reviews (287)

Stankonia-A Great Album Despite The Haters
After pushing the musical envelope of hip-hop while still being accessible to current hip-hop fans for three albums, OutKast has gone and done it. They've made an album that pushes that envelope to the point that some current hip-hop fans start hatin. They make ridiculous claims that the album is garbage--don't believe them.

"Stankonia" is an album where OutKast mixes other music genres into their hip-hop stew. "Gasoline Dreams" sounds a little like what a Jimi Hendrix hip-hop song would sound like. "Bombs Over Baghdad" has a faster beat than usual for OutKast with influences from Drum-and-Bass. "Stanklove" has a old-school, Prince-like slow funk to it.

The album's lyrics are extraordinary. The chorus of "Humble Mumble" describes the hopelessness of poor African-Americans like poetry. The popular "Ms. Jackson" is much more than its sing along chorus with lyrics that will hit home for a lot of people. "?" asks some deep questions like: ..."

All in all this is a great CD with innovative beats and lyrics, great guest appearances (Erykah Badu, B-Real, Goodie Mob), and nods to genres that predated hip-hop and are heavily influenced by it. It's a sad state of affairs when you have closed-minded hip-hop fans ready to pounce on this album because it's different. Only through innovation does music get better. If groups like De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest had made the same music as everybody else at the time, would hip-hop be where it is today?

Don't everybody like the smell of Stankonia?
Anyone who listens to hip-hop, not just the videos or radios, but real hip-hop, knows that OutKast makes better music than anyone working in the genre today, solos or groups. All Stankonia does is further that argument, and prove that these cats are just getting warmed up. Every track here is excellent, though the album does slow down considerably in the last few songs, but slower doesn't mean it's any worse. Let's start from the top: "Gasoline Dreams" cuts right to the heart of what's going on with kids today, and it's guitar line picks up where "Chonkyfire" on Aquemini left off. "Ms. Jackson" is a font of natural wisdom, whose message extends farther than the song's babymama story. "Spaghetti Junction" is one of OutKast's best songs ever, in terms of tight flows and head-spinning rhymes. "BOB" is a beats "at a thousand miles per hour" marathon. "Humble Mumble" sounds like the sophisticated future of hip-hop. and "Gangsta Sh*t" reaffirms that when it comes to walking the line between artistry and representing the streets, no one beats OutKast. in fact, no one beats OutKast at anything they do. Stankonia is Stanktastic, and everyone should own a copy.

outkast!!!
this cd is pretty good. very old school and funky. the stand outs are:

B.O.B.- very nice beat and lyrics by andre 10/10
So fresh, so clean- nice lyrics 10/10
Ms. Jackson- killer beat 10/10
Snappin' and Trappin'- awesome verses by killer mike
" box ya in ya mother f@#%&$
mouth" 10/10
We luv dez Hoez- hilarious song by big boi 8/10

~OUTKAST~ WILL NEVER DIE!~
it's been 11 years and outkast are still ripping it up..in my opinon they are the best group ever!so this is my review below.

Gasoline dreams-4/5-great song!big boi has some great rhymes in this song..

So fresh,So clean-5/5-great song..one of my fav's

Ms.Jackson-5/5-get's old to some ppl,but not to me!

Snappin&Trappin'2/5-I dont care much for this song,get boring quick

SPAGHETTI JUNCTION-6/5-my fav on the whole cd..this is the defination of rap,one of the best outkast songs.kinda reminds me of the oldschool outkast!

I'll call before i come-2/5-this song is plain horrable

B.O.B-5/5-ANDRE SPITS FIRE..GREAT SONG!!!

XPLOSION-4/5-GETS BORING TOWARDS THE END,BUT IT'S OK,GOOD TRACK

WE LUV DEEZ HOEZ-5/5-FUNNY AS HELL,I LAUGHED THE WHOLE SONG

HUMBLE MUMBLE-5/5-REMINDS ME OF SPAGETTI JUNCTION..BUT ERYKAH BADU IS IN THIS ONE.

?-THE RHYMES ARE CRAZY IN THIS SONG..EVEN THO IT MAKES NO SENSE AT ALL

RED VELVET-3/5-NUTTIN SPECIAL..AVERAGE SONG

TOLIET TISHA-OK TRACK,THE END IS EMOTIONAL BUT IT'S ALL GOOOD

SLUM BEAUTIFUL-5/5-AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO LIKES THIS SONG?

STANKONIA(STANK LUV)-2/5-I HATE THIS SONG,DEFINATLY THE WORST ON THE ALBUM

overall the cd is definatly a must,worth every penny

Ok Stankonia 4 1/2
This album may take you some time getting used to because its really not in the same unison as their other three classics Atliens, Southernplayastic, and Aquemini (Get this these first so you can hear the real Outkast sound). If you have the first three then you?ll get the feeling that this is a turn left from other three classics as far as song structure and content. Then you may want to throw it away, but give it another listen and trust me the songs will start growing on you. My advice is if you do not like their previous releases then do not get it! But if you do, and like Andre?s singing, like me, then give it a listen.

P.S. On this album you can see where Andre started his singing career. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It takes a few listens to sink in, but on Aquemini, Outkast have pulled off a rare feat in hip-hop: they've made a good record that's a masterpiece of subtlety. What's more, it's their third record, and they've yet to fall into a rut--and that alone puts them in line for an award. The Organized Noize production crew is sublime, working with live musicians and crafting hook-filled soundscapes that complement Big Boi and Andre Benjamin's melodic patter. (See "Rosa Parks," "Chonkyfire," and the epic "Liberation," which features Erykah Badu, Cee Lo, and Big Rube--and clocks in at just under nine minutes.) Classy and intelligent, Outkast haven't sacrificed anything in their quest to make challenging, innovative hip-hop that forgoes idle boasting for the duo's message. A sample, from the title track: "Now, question: Is every nigga wit dreads for the cause? / Is every nigga wit golds for the fall? Naw / So don't get caught in appearance." --Randy Silver ... Read more

Reviews (246)

Outkast- Aquemini
Outkasts(Andre Benjamin & Big Boi) third album "Aquemini" is a classic. Love the innovation, entertaining lyrics,and sick beats on this album. Executive produced by ONP, A. Reid, K. Edmonds and Outkast. Guest appearances come from: Raekwon, George Clinton,Cool Breeze,Lil Will, P.Brown,J.Gillian, D.Killings, Witchdoctor T-Mo, Big Gipp, Khujo, Cee-Lo (Goodie Mobb)and Erykah Badu. Album starts off with "Return of the G" a banging track where Outkast talks about what they represent, and what they have faced. "Rosa Parks" is the track that got alot of radio play off this album, funky track with a funny hook, with use of Haromica. "Skew it on the Bar-B" feat. Raekwon is a nice adrenaline laced track. The title track "Aquemini" is a sad track where Outkast goes deep while talking about their hometown. "Synthesizer" Feat. George Clinton is a funkified track, with a whole different feel to it. "Slump" is a sick track, where Outkast talks about the Cops,Drugs and representing the South. Big Boi comes out solo on "West Savannah" a track where he talks about growing up, and his roots, love it, and the hook on it. "Da Art of Storytellin" (Part 2) uses sick background beats, and Outkasts flow is deadly and banging on this one. "SpottieOttieDopaliscious" uses trumpets, mixed in with impressive R&B vocals from P. Brown, relaxed track, which like its name is dope. "Y'All Scared" feat. Goodie Mobb, is a dark track, about Drugs and Death. "Liberation" feat. Cee-Lo is a soulful track, Outkast comes out deep and memorable on this one. Album ends with "Chunkyfire" a strong closer, to a great album from Southern Raps best rap group. Like all there releases, "Aquemini" is definetly an album worth getting.

Aquemin-amazing!
No, you won't find any bad puns like "Aquemin-amazing" while listening to Aquemini, you would probably be too engulfed in the hypnotic beats and catchy lyrics to notice. Aquemini is easily the best rap album I have ever heard. I know that's a rather bold statement, but it's so amazing that you won't even mind the after-song skits, usually wastes of time, but not in this case. Aquemini reminds me of a mix of ATLiens and Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, Outkast's 2 albums that came before Aquemini. The crunk beats of Southernplayalistic are here (Slump, West Savannah, Y'All Scared), but on the other hand, some parts of Aquemini have the same low-key, compelling dark beats of ATLiens (Return of the "G", title track, Da Art of Storytellin' 1 & 2).

It's wonderful to see that Outkast was only moving forward at the time, and it was obvious with "Rosa Parks", the hip-hop anthem of '99, and "Spottieottiedopalicious", a 6-minute long super-funky spoken word joint. Though the guest appearances are at a minumum (Goodie Mob is present, and Raekwon spits a sick verse on "Skew it on the Bar-B"), Outkast pushes the creativity to a maximum. The last track on this album, "Chonkyfire", complete with a nice guitar riff, is absolutely unforgettable and it's a perfect way to close out this remarkable album. The only albums that come close to Aquemini are albums by Outkast themselves. If you're looking to climb out of the trash bin of mainstream rap today, turn off MTV, throw out your radio, and buy Aquemini. It's all you need.

ThErEs JuSt SoMeThInG aBoUt It
This album is beyond amazing.I'm really getting into Outkast's music-I have three of their albums now(this one,stankonia,and speakerboxx/luv below) and all three of them r classic.This one is just the most original.But its still cool!That's what you'll love about it.It doesn't matter what kind of music you like, you'll love this album.Obviously Andre is one of the best rappers ever-his verse on da art of storytelling reminds me of how Biggie was-u know how they could rap about something they experienced and you'd feel like you were there experiencing it with them?That's it.Big Boi is great too-but if u really wana hear the best of him listen to speakerboxx.andre always stands out on their albums together.rosa parks was a huge hit-and i can see why it has a nice beat,catchy hook, and unbelievable verses-especially andre.GOD,he is good.But anyways-return of the g has a nice fast delivery and it has an orchestra on it-how many other rappers can rap over an orchestra?then theres skew it on the barb which is another nice track with raekwon,aquemini-which sticks in my head alot-is classic,synthesizer is weird but it grows on u.I luv slump-tht is a great song 2 jus chill2,same 4 west savannah and the funky,mellow spottieottiedopalicsious.I wish theyd rapped on that song,tho.I enjoy most every track,I like the guitar on chonkyfire-tho i like mostly rap,I'm a sucker for guitars,i actually play bass.To close,this album is just a classic up there with life after death,reasonable doubt,and all eyez on me.To represnt the South in their classic record report,the Source chose this record.Im not surprised-its soooo great.If u like rock,funk,rap,hiphop,soul,r and b,hell music period...youll love this record.CLASSIC.

The reviews are right on this one
this is a great album. I have to admitt that i never bought an outkast album before speekerbox/thelove below (i actually think it's brilliant because it's different). Anyway back to this album i love every song and to anyone dissapointed because it's not mainstream enough, outkast's first few album's aren't nearly as commercial as the new ones. Even though the new ones are good these are classics.
There are also great guest appearances especially in "Liberation" which features outkast singing alongside erykah badu and see-lo.
This is one of the best albums i own and i own over 300 albums

Almost as good as ATLiens!!!
you would have to have skill to come back from ATLiens and still be good. The songs are soooooo different from other rap cds. its a must have whether or not you like rap. Some of the things to remember is they do more storytelling in this album then in there others. In my opion the energy in this album is huge, this is where Andre starts his hyper stage in some of the songs even though his energy in Stankonia and The Love Below is even higher. This Album is up there with Illmatic, and Resonable Doubt in my opinion. The only album i would recomend more than this one is ATLiens, or possibly Illmatic(except Illmatic is really short). Nearly a flawless album. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Digable Planets deliberately disavowed the toughness of hip-hop culture: the trio's leader called himself Butterfly, his foil Ladybug purred like Eartha Kitt, and they produced hooks out of lines like "We're just babies, man." Despite occasional flashes of sorrow (like the pro-choice recitation "La Femme Fétal"), the group's happy and laidback on this debut, with tracks made out of old jazz records and finger-snaps, and words that draw on 50s hipster slang. Reachin' spawned the Grammy-winning single "Rebirth Of Slick (Cool Like Dat)," and after this album, their joyous Blue Note-and-black-lights bounce lost some of its novelty.--Douglas Wolk ... Read more

Reviews (34)

It's "Cool Like Dat".
"Digable Planets" just about started their own sub-genre of rap when they meshed the beats of hip-hop and the coolness of jazz together. They aren't the only ones to have ever done it, but they did it incredibly well. Some people may think of them as a one hit wonder, but if you liked "Rebirth Of Slick (cool like dat)", you'll love the whole album. Even a decade later, this is still one of the most unique albums I own, rap or not. The only current group I know similar to them might be "Jurassic 5". Other phat tracks on this disc are "It's Good To Be Here", "Pacifics", and my favorite "Where I'm From". Such good lyrics. Anyway, if you need a change from the rap norm, check out "Reachin' (a new refutation of time and space)".

I miss the early 90's
I've recently started listening to this (tape) about a week ago after a long time and then wonder what took me so long to dig the bad boy back up. Like A Tribe Called Quest's "Low End Theory", Reachin' is another album that you can play all the way through. This album is just as smooth and jazzy as the Best of Sade with a hip hop feel to it. Man, I long for jazzy hip hop to be the mainstream in pop music as long as no one loses their touch. Maybe it will happen we everyone tires of the hip hop that's out now. My favorite track are 'Jimmi Diggin' Cats', 'Femme Fatale', 'Nickel Bags' and the popular 'Rebirth of Slick'. Where are bands like Digable Planets, Arrested Development and Public Enemy when you need them.

DJ Moe Choi & Ladybug Mecca
This is one of the all time best hip-hop record ever!!! The era, the music, the vibe, the delivery, everything about this record is classic!!!!! Everybody knows Mecca is the one of the illest emcees that came in the game. Mecca is coming back!!!! Mec and her DJ - Moe Choi has a dope mixtape out called "Unfolding the Serious Mystery". This thing is fire. I mean really really crazy. I never heard a mixtape like this before. Mecca is rockin' over Mantronix to DJ Shadow to Kenny Dope, etc etc. She sounds so good. I specially love where she does spoken word over the Rehash track - beautiful & timeless. Where have you been Mec??? I really look forward to hearing her new album.

Childhood Memories
Whenever I hear "Rebirth of Slick" it brings me back and I feel like I'm 6 years old again and it's 1993. The song is just so smooth and completely unique for its time.

One of the best parts of being a teen in the 90s
I loved this cd to death. I even had the pleasure of meeting Cee-Knowledge from the group and it was a beautiful time. Real down to earth people and real music. Perhaps not always the best lyrically, but overall this was great listening. I would recommend this to anyone just for the experience. Rebirth of Slick, Where I'm from...Anyone who doesn't have it should. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When your debut album scans 8x platinum, why mess with the formula? That's what Nelly must have been thinking on Nellyville, as he virtually carbon-copies the Country Grammar template on his follow-up. This time around, though, unusually large chunks of his rhyme schemes are fixated on tales of his rise from rags-to-bitches. On tracks like "Work It" (which sadly features Justin Timberlake of toy band 'N Sync) and the title track, hip-hop's materialistic excess hits a fever pitch. Still, "bling, bling" never sounded so good over St. Lunatics in-house producer Jay E's beats.

Nelly takes his down-home St. Louis rap cadence to, er, identical heights on "Country Grammar II," one of the many similar-sounding sequels to original chart blazers "Country Grammar" and "E.I." The anthemic "Hot in Herre," whose hook implores hotties to get undressed over a poppy Neptunes beat, is the 2002 version of "Ride wit Me." Nelly even pulls a Q-Tip routine, mutating his already singsong delivery into full-on balladeering on "The Gank" and "Pimp Juice," with mixed results. KRS-One has called for a boycott of this album because he's decided Nelly has no respect for hip-hop elders, and, well, maybe he's right. But that won't stop this St. Lunatic from taking his fresh approach to commercial hip-hop to the nearest Chase Manhattan. --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Reviews (374)

Welcome To Nellyville!
After his debut release "Country Grammar" went nine times platinum and produced the hit singles "(Hot Sh*t) Country Grammar", "E.I", "Ride Wit Me", and "Batter Up" Nelly attempts to score the same or even more sucess with his sophmore effort "Nellyville".

The album opens with the tipical hip hop songs "Nellyville" and "Gettin' It Started", then the album goes into party mode with the Neptunes produced hit single "Hot In Herre". Next is a set of seven or eight normal hip hop party and street songs like "The Gank", "Dem Boyz", and "Air Force Ones". There's also the duet with Justin Timberlake of *NSYNC called "Work It" and the next party single "Dilemma".

After the group of annoyingly normal songs is the remix of the rap hit "Roc The Mic" off the "State Property" soundtrack. Then yet another hit single "#1" off the "Training Day" soundtrack. To end the album, Nelly puts down the remix of the title track off his debut album "Country Grammar Pt. 2 (Cg2)" and gives one more track and a skit.

The skits on Nelly's album are very boring, considering all of them are about bootlegging, not even the skits off "Country Grammar" were really worth listening to, he should take lessons in making skits from Ludacris or Ja Rule.

So, in all, "Nellyville" is a good follow-up record but might not reach the same success do to the lack of infectious beats and rhymes.

A Look Into Nellyville (6/26/02)
Cornell Haynes is back with his follow-up to his multi-platinum LP "Country Grammar." This time he introduces us to his utopian world he calls "Nellyville." Nelly's vocals along with beats from probably THE most underrated hip-hop producer, Jason Epperson (Jay E.) look to make this album just as successful as his first. Guest spots on "Nellyville" include "Country Grammar" skit man, Cedric The Entertainer, LaLa (I believe to be the same LaLa from MTV's Direct Effect), King Jacob, *NSync'er Justin Timberlake, Destiny Child's Kelly Rowland, Beanie Sigel, Freeway, and also, of course, his fellow St. Lunatics (Murphy Lee, Ali, & Kyjuan).

Track by Track Review:

1. "Nellyville": Pretty solid track in which the Mayor Of Nellyville, Nelly, explains this hip-hop star utopia. I don't think it would make a strong single, but it would be interesting to see a video for this one. Ranking: 7 out of 10
2. "Gettin' It Started"(Skit): Ced the Entertainer try's to show his game with LaLa, but fails to fulfill her want for the "Nellyville" CD. Not that funny of a skit, except for the Akinyele comment by Ced. Nelly should have used the same concept as the "Country Grammar" skit sequences. Also, since when is a song the first track on an album and a skit the second.... 4 out of 10
3. "Hot In Herre": Probably the most overplayed song everywhere in the world currently, but, the Neptunes produced track still is a pretty hot track which is a good first single for this album. 8 out of 10
4. "Dem Boyz": Nelly and the rest of the Tics put this one together and it seems to be their theme song of sorts. But, this song seems to cut short at the end, most likely for needed space on the CD. 6 out of 10
5. "Oh Nelly": A catchy hook by the Lunatic's next big thing: Murphy Lee, and a phat beat by Jay E. Put a video with this one and you got yourself a hit. 8 out of 10
6. "Pimp Juice": Nelly brings a funk style to this track and explains the juice that he seems to have an abundance of. Very original type of song with good beat and decent chorus. 7 out of 10
7. "Air Force Ones": "'Err' Force Ones" is an ode to his kicks, featuring the rest of the 'tics. Very good beat by the Trackboyz, nice flows, good hook, this song puts a smile on your face and makes you want a pair. This track is butter. 9 out of 10
8. "In The Store"(Skit): Ced at the record store trying to score the new Nelly CD but only can find the Edited version. Skit has no laugh out loud moments, just brings the story along. 4 out of 10
9. "On The Grind": This one has definitely the best beat on the album. Jay E is very impressive. Featuring King Jacob, whom kind of sounds like Kyjuan and raps similar to someone other than G. Dep. Good chorus, and, once again, great beat. 8 out of 10
10. "Dilemma": If Nelly ever stops rapping, he probably could have a career in the R&B field. Kelly Rowland from Destiny's Child provides the vocals for the chorus. Very good slow jam. Definitely would be a tremendous hit, but alot of rappers don't release there slower songs as singles. 9 out of 10
11. "Splurge": Good song in which Nelly explains that what you see on tv and in the media might give the wrong impression, but sometimes he does go all out. Solid B side song. 8 out of 10
12. "Work It": Hmm, Nelly is most likely gonna take alot of heat for this track. It features *NSync's Justin Timberlake. Decent track, good vocals by Justin. Maybe a single in the future. 6.5 out of 10
13. "Roc The Mic-Remix": Obviously, a remix of the State Property song, "Roc The Mic." Although Nelly and Murphy Lee are featured on the track, it seems kind of weird that this track would be on a Nelly CD, especially in the middle of all the tracks. Should be bonus song. I'm guessing it's on this CD because of the nicely inserted KRS-1 diss by Nelly Nell. Anyway, really good song. Murphy Lee's flows are hot. Don't be surprised to see this school-boy blow-up in the near future. 9 out of 10
14. "The Gank": This one is my personal favorite on this CD. Nelly's in and out voice is spectacular as he tells the story of his girl leaving. Produced by Wally Yaghnam, this track has a nice beat, smooth verses, and a laughable pause in which Nelly explains that his girl took his stash. Best song on album. 10 out of 10
15. "5000"(Skit): You think you wanna laugh with all the laughing going by the 'tics. But, honestly, I have no clue what they're talking about. Maybe when I find out it'll be funny. 5 out of 10
16. "#1": Y'all know this one. Track is significantly shorted than the version on the "Training Day" soundtrack, CD space again. 8 out of 10
17. "CG 2"(Country Grammar 2): Nelly has traded in his Range Rover for a Six-Fo', and put together a remix of some kind to his first ever hit. This time, the rest of the 'tics put their flows on this version. Has a similar beat to the original version, but it is unique still compared to "CG 1." 7 out of 10
18. "Say Now": A slower song that puts an end to the musical side of the album. Decent track, but the chorus doesn't really match the verses. Mediocre beat, average flows. 6 out of 10
19. ... It Then"(Skit): Ced brings his girl the clean CD, but she isn't too happy that its edited and leaves. Again, not too funny, except for Ced's interpretation of *NSync's gone, that's pretty comical. 5 out of 10

Overall, "Nellyville" is a great follow up to his debut album. Nelly is sure to stay on top of the hip-hip game and so are the rest of the Lunatics, especially Murphy Lee.

Not bad......
This is a pretty good follow up album to country grammer.

1. Nellyville-nothin special 1/10
2. Gettin' it started-again... nothin special 1/10
3. Hot in herre-good party song 7/10
4. Dem boyz-dont really like this one 5/10
5. Oh nelly-pretty good track with a nice beat 8/10
6. Pimp juice-i like this one 8/10
7. Air force one-i like this one also 9/10
8. In the store-havent really listened to this one
9. On the grind-one of my favs, good beat 9/10
10. Dilemma-another one of my favs 9/10
11. Splurge-havent really listened to this one
12. Work it-pretty dumb 1/10
13. Roc the mic (remix)-i like this one 8/10
14. The gank-probably my fav song 10/10
15. 5000-not that good 5/10
16. #1-not bad 7/10
17. CG2-first one was awsome this one sucks 3/10
18. Say now-havent really listened to this one
19. F*** it then-this one either

overall it was a pretty good album, some forgettable tracks some good ones. and whoever keeps sayin nelly is gay, you should probably stop because you arent selling multi-platinum records.

nelly is a trillion times better than young gunz.
nelly is a trillion times better than the young gunz.

nelly is a trillion times better than limkin park.
nelly is a trillion times better than limkin park. ... Read more

Reviews (114)

The best album from the Atlanta duo, period.
"Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik" was good, and I do not doubt that it was groundbreaking and put Outkast on the map. But "ATLiens" was by far and best album they put out. The Source gave it 4 mics and gave "Aquemini" 5, but I really believe that they were giving "Aquemini" an extra mic to make up for not labeling "ATLiens" a hip-hop classic. I can understand how fans of the first album might not have understood or liked the new sound, and it truly is a departure from the pimp stylings of their debut. "ATLiens" runs deeper, fusing soul, R&B and smooth-as-molasses hip-hop with Big Boi's street-wise raps and Dre's spiritual soliloquies. It's a beautiful album, and one that any real hip-hopper should have in their collection. Highlights, well, every song is a highlight, but when it comes down to it, the driving beats of "Ova Da Wudz," "Jazzy Belle" and "Elevators" surpass anything Master P or the Hot Boys ever came out with. And "13th Floor/Growing Old" is one of the most poignant hip-hop spirituals of all time. Get this album.

Deserves Close Encounter
Everything about Outkast's second release is an experience. The intro sets the mood for a funked-out Alien joy ride through the ATL. From there, the album only gets better; "2 Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac)" is catchy with its eery beat and soothing hook. Next is "ATLiens", whose hook is bound to get the party going (and who doesn't recall the line "cooler than a polar bears toenails"?). Every cut from then on uses the same formula: laid back E.T. style beats with soft R&B-like-flowing hooks. other stand-out tracks include "Wheelz Of Steel", "Jazzy Belle", "Elevators", and "Millenium", whose hook of soft grunting creates an incredibly smoothe, clean sound. And the lyrics? Off the hook; neither Dre nor Big Boi miss a beat anywhere on the album. Only Outkast can pull off aruging black rights and boasting their fur coats in the same verse. And guest appearances by Goodie Mob & Babyface only make the album better. Throw together tight lyrics with crisp production and a couple great featured artists, and the listener is immersed into Outkast's extraterrestrial world of players, pimps and hoes. The hook for "E.T., Extraterrestrial" descride the album perfectly; "Out of this world".

If you like ATLiens, check out: "Dead Prez - Let's Get Free", "Goodie Mob - Soul Food", "The Roots - Do You Want More?!!!??!", "Blackalicious - Nia"

Another Classic from the One and Only Outkast
If you have the first album then you can really see the growth of Andre and Big Bio as artist and musicians. Everything is stepped up on this album from the production, lyrics, flow, and originality!! You can tell from this album that they are no one hit wonders, but made to last true stars especially Andre 3000.

P.S. Listen to 13th floor/Growing Old and E.T. then you'll get this album right off the back.

Innovative creative and out of this world
Outkast's best album by far nothing else compares. Aquemini and Southernplayalisticaddilacmusik were also great albums as well the rest were ok but nothing special personally not something I could listen to over and over again the way I did the others

The first Hip-Hop album you should listen to
If you were looking for an album that was thoughtful and moving, you wouldn't generally buy a rap album, but this is some beautiful music dudes and dudesses! It is certainly the most thought provoking hip-hop album I have ever heard. Songs like 13th floor and Millenium are simply timeless.
'Some things gotta change, sounds of laughter and happiness turn my teardrops to the rain, like memories of yesterday'.
There is eroticism too- 'Im fascinated by the way your nipples poke at me through your blouse'.
The only thing better than the deep (yet unpretentious lyrics) are the tremendous, soulful hooks, which combine great vocal harmonies with an organ or a piano say.
The three best times to play this album are; Driving alone at night (but watch not to crash with relaxation!), when hungover (when profoundity and sensitivity is heightened), or at the end of a hot party or night out. One cant say that ATLiens is the best Outkast album, because there is not a best Outkast album, that is the brilliance of the group- that there is an album for each mood. Yet this is hip-hop and music at its' best. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In 1993, the Digable Planets, a trio of New York MCs with happy insect monikers (Doodlebug, Butterfly, and Ladybug) and nonthreatening auras, created manna for the pseudo-beatnik crowd. On Reachin': A New Refutation of Time and Space they melded jazz records, hip-hop beats, and rhymes--like Gang Starr and the Dream Warriors before them. Much to their dismay, the single "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)," which combined their be-boppy flows with a catchy Art Blakey loop, captured the clove cigarette contingent. Their sleeper follow-up, Blowout Comb was a De La Soul-esque reaction to their pop success. They forsook the bohemians (and probably scared them as well) by waxing poetic about the Black Panthers and Fidel Castro and giving shout-outs to their peeps in the Five Percent Nation of Islam. Loaded with live instrumentation, the album includes "Black Ego," an interpolation of a popular Meters composition laced with nice guitar plucks, and "K.B.'s Alley," where a schizophrenic trombone perfectly complements their wordplay. Despite strong guest spots by vet female DJ Jazzy Joyce, Guru, and Jeru the Damaja, it's the hidden messages, somber mood, and understated beats of "9th Wonder (Blackitolism)" or "Dial 7 (Axiom Of Creamy Spies)" that outshine the gloss of their debut. --Dalton Higgins ... Read more

Reviews (34)

What The Hell Is This:
All the reviewers have kinda got it right. I got this album yesterday and I havent got over it yet.When the first few songs breezed by I didnt know what to make of it. Its just so loose and Jazzy kinda like Monk, Tribe, with hints of ESG, Sly, Hancock and classical elements like Holst.Track 2 is the one. Its just epic. yet again loose is a word I use because it just seems so fragmented, all of it, but in a good way. Theres so much going on and the rapping is just so laid back and subterrainen. As the rest of the album flooded my ears it just got to me. The Digable Planets have got so much brains about music, culture and politics. Each track is loose but together, a melting pot of social satire and muliple musical paths.It makes you think how punks like 50 cent get away with it. Why Oh Why is Hip Hop flooded with so much crap like 50 cent & others. Outkast and others do deserve credit but if ya wanna hear amazing music this is a good place to start along with De La Soul & The TRIBE.

This Is Amazing Buy It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blowout Comb blows the others away
This is still the freshest, most exciting, timeless hip hop I've heard, and while some critics may have felt that it was too focused on Brooklyn (after all, they mention Brooklyn in every song), it is actually a powerful testament to their roots. Light years beyond their first album, much deeper and darker. I have not tired of this record after five years, and have found this to be the ultimate jazz/hip hop hybrid. De La Soul, Tribe, and others have not made a record as consistent as this. The music keeps sounding better with age, a very cool jazz approach with guitar and vibes, and even sitar! The mood is very street, very funky and loose. The words and delivery are so sophisticated that you can listen to this record over and over and still never quite get to the bottom of it all. But you'll have pleasure trying. The perfect tape to play cruising around the city streets or hanging out at a house party. But like everybody else is saying: why the hell did they break up after such a masterpiece?

Slowly, surely, vindication.
How can we still say this album is so slept-on when most knowledgeable folks concede that it's a bona fide classic? Not that I'm complaining. Not at all. I'm glad folks are finally on board. But this album isn't as overlooked as it used to be, that's all.

It still hasn't received the recognition it deserves, though.

I'm not sure how you can craft an insightful review for this album. Whenever I listen to it (and that's what you do when this is on: listen), I get lost in the words, beats, and chords. It's hard to think rationally about this music, because it's more an emotional than analytical experience. Suffice it to say Digable hit it way out of the park on this one.

They've reissued this on double vinyl. I got mine in the mail last night and put the album on for the first time in a couple years. It sounded wonderful. My half-asleep girlfriend was hearing it for the first time. She wouldn't let me turn it off...

buy/steal/beg/plead - get this!
I consider myself a rock head primarily,
but this album is superb from start to end!
Jettin', Dial 7 etc are all excellent tracks,
Dog It is simply amazing when u pay attention
to the whole confluence of different sounds, in addition
to killer vocals and killer lyrics!
any serious music fan gotta have this..
-Zaph

Flawless Victory
A classic. I can't express with words how much I love this album.It's just .... so...(tear in my eye).....so....dope. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Following their ascension from the Atlanta music scene in 1994, Outkast have spent the greater part of a decade creating innovative and challenging music that disproves the persistent rumor of hip-hop's imminent demise. That's because Andre 3000 and Big Boi are artists of the first order. Coming off a run of four critically acclaimed albums, plus a successful collaboration with their extended clan, the Dungeon Family, Big Boi and Dre present a collection of their greatest hits, which includes three previously unreleased tracks. Highlights among the older material include the original (non-album) version of their first-ever single, "Playa's Ball"; ATLiens' "Elevators"; the spoken-word dub-funk of Aquemini's "Spottieottiedopalicious"; and "B.O.B", the song that caused Stankonia to enter mainstream territory. The new songs are of the same high caliber and should be a good enough reason for die-hard fans to pick this CD up--there's no such thing as too much Outkast in your collection. --Rebecca Levine ... Read more

Reviews (67)

If You're Missin Even 1 Outkast Album...
I love Outkast, I think they keep it real and flow better than maybe any other hip-hop artists out there, and this is a CD of their biggest hits and 3 new singles. What's not to like? Well, maybe a few nitpicks...
First, don't get fooled into thinking this is an album the way their other three were--it has three original tracks. If you own every other CD and don't have so much green, consider buying the new Dungeon Family album.
Second, and this is just me, I wasn't much for Movin Cool--seemed like filler rather than a real track.
Third, if you haven't heard The Whole World live, you are not hearin the same song--they performed at HMV the day the album was released, and the only song that got everyone bouncin as much was B.O.B. The Whole World is definitely on the level of Rosa Parks or B.O.B.
That's all--the greatest by the Greatest, and proof they'll go on bein great.

One of the most innovative groups of all time
Ever since the first day I heard "Player's Ball", I knew that this duo from the ATL had talent. When they came on to the scene in 1994, no one from the South was doing what Outkast was trying to do, and that was being good lyricists and at the same time, representing for the South. Their debut CD, "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik", definitely is in my top 15 of all time rap CDs. It spawned two more singles in the title track and "Git Up, Git Out" w/Goodie Mob. Outkast created a different style of rap music and they have created so many other groups since then just because they were able to maintain a distinctive and innovative sound. Organized Noise created the music and that allowed Outkast to concentrate on the lyrics and the quality of the material. Their next CD, "ATLiens", featured my favorite song of all time from Outkast, "Elevators" and that song was able to keep Outkast from suffering from the infamous sophomore jinx that some groups fall victim to. This is probably Outkast's most slept on CD. Outkast started producing songs and Organized Noise wasn't featured on as many songs as they were on the debut CD. Although their debut CD is my personal favorite, their 3rd CD, "Aquemini" probably is Outkast's most critically acclaimed CD. With songs like "Rosa Parks", "Skew It On The Bar-B" w/Raekwon, "Return Of The "G", the title track and "SpottieOttieDopaliscious", who can blame anyone for thinking this is Outkast's best CD. Their last release, "Stankonia" contained the breakout hits, "B.O.B", "Ms. Jackson", and "So Fresh And So Clean". With "Big Boi and Dre Presents... Outkast" the group is simply allowing their current fans who may have not followed Outkast from their "Player's Ball" days an opportunity to get all of their greatest hits, primarily from their first 3 CDs. Some people didn't start following Outkast until "B.O.B.". This CD does a good job of putting the majority of their greatest songs all on one CD, plus as an added bonus you get three new songs, the single, "The Whole World" w/Killer Mike, "Funkin' Around", and "Movin' Cool" (The After Party) w/Joi. Out of the three new songs, "Funkin' Around" is the best track. I agree with other reviewers in saying that this should have been the single instead of "The Whole World". All of their singles from their CDs are featured on this CD, as well as some hidden classics from their debut CD like "Crumblin' Erb" and "Ain't No Thang". The only thing disapointing about the Greatest Hits CD is that only one song from "ATLiens" is on this CD, which is the aforementioned "Elevators". "13th Floor/Growing Old", "Jazzy Belle (Remix) w/Babyface" and "Wheelz Of Steel" could or should be on here as well. The biggest exclusion on this CD has to be their classic track "Benz Or Beamer", which was on the "New Jersey Drive Soundtrack Volume 1". This song is classic Outkast and definitely deserves to be on this CD. However, even with the following exclusions, you should buy this CD if you are an Outkast fan. If you already have all of their CDs, you should still buy this CD for the three new songs.

James' Top 5

1. Elevators (Me & You)
2. Crumblin' Erb
3. Player's Ball
4. Git Up, Git Out w/Goodie Mob
5. SpottieOttieDopalicious

A lot of songs left out
This album has most of Outkast's greatest hits. The only flaw I really see is they left off a lot of songs from ATliens. I understand they can't include every song in their catelogue but Atliens is by far the best album they released. Thats the only reason I didn't give it 5 stars.

good cd
good cd, go out and buy it. Has most of their hits, but instead of Funkin' Around and Movin' Cool, I would've included "Jazzy Belle", "13th Floor", or the title track off the ATLiens album.

BEST TRACKS: Player's Ball, Southernplayalistic & Rosa Parks

The coldest music...
I first started buying hip-hop in the days when Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and 3rd Bass were big. Then along came gangsta rap, and after the original rush provided by NWA, I completely lost interest. Ice-T, Ice-Cube, Ice-Whatever just left me cold.

I refused to listen when my friends told me about this great band, Outkast. Even when "Ms. Jackson" was getting tons of airplay,

Big mistake. Finally broke down and brought their "greatest hits" under pressure from my wife (who's had "Hey Ya" playing nonstop in her car for a month now.) Revelation!

To paraphrase Rolling Stone, Outkast is the only band that counts.

Sure, "Ms. Jackson" is a fine song, but I can't stop listening "B.O.B."-- perhaps the tastiest hook I've heard in pop music in the last quarter century (yeah, I'm old.) "Aquemini" flows like molasses in October-- slow and thick. "Player's Ball" makes me feel like a bad man. "Rosa Parks," not exactly the political anthem you might expect, is worth the price of admssion in and of itself... Even the new songs hold up ("Funkin' Around", "Whole World," "After Party.") I could keep raving-- every track really is a gem, which is rare these days even for a greatest hits compilation.

Outkast pulls off what very few artists can-- they maintain a recognizable voice while growing and changing their sound. All I can say is, I hope Speakerboxx/Love Below is not their last gasp. I want more, much more... ... Read more

Reviews (54)

They Gotta Hit The Source And Get That Other Half A Mic.....
One word comes to mind when describing this album....classic. Anyone that tells you otherwise doesn't know what a classic hip hop album should sound like. Outkast narrorates ghetto tales on top of some of the funkiest beats I've ever heard. And unlike most southern acts, they got rhyming skills. I normally rate each song seprately, but there's no need to because the entire album is fire. If you haven't heard this album, then stop reading this review and go get it......right now!

Hottest of The Hot Songs:

Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
Player's Ball
Myintrotoletuknow
Git Up, Git Out feat. Goodie Mob
Claimin' True
Crumblin' Erb
Funky Ride
Hootie Hoo

1, 2, 3 thats how it be
I often find myself debating with friends on which Outkast album is the best one. But the truth is my mind can switch from one to the other on any day. One day itll be SPCM, the next itl be Aquemini and so on. But i must say this is my favorite Outkast cd. Playalistic sounds to bump in yo jeep. The Organized Noize sound is so tight on this lp. You can put this on repeat for a whole day and not get tired of it. 24 hours straight 23 times inone day. Their flow is mostly untouchableon songs like Aint No Thang, Southernplayalisticadilacmusic, crumblin erb, and claimin true. While they drop knowledge with goodie mob on Git up Git Out, or just chillin with Funky Ride, and Playaz Ball. THis album alone makes them a legendary group but if you compound all four of their albums youve got the greatest duo ever and one of the greatest groups ever. If you have never heard early oukast cds then pick it up immediately listen to it once and you will be hooked and beggin for more. no doubt.

Southernplaylisticlassichip-hop
Before Andre 3000 and Big Boi were world-famous multi-platinum recording artists, they were a couple of teenagers making Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. This was before they were taking listeners on journeys of the mind with "Aquemini" and even before their UFO sounds of "ATLiens". No, they were just another couple of rappers, rhymin' about smokin' weed, ridin' in Cadillacs, pimpin', and not much else. And did they ever do it well!

"Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik" is for the hip-hop fans who love beats. That's what this album is all about. Beats, beats, and more beats. Lil' Jon should be taking lessons from Organized Noize, the production team in charge of the beats on this album. Go to any track (except for a skit), and you'll notice how ill the beat is. The only thing that makes those beats better are the two dope MC's riding that beat. You know who I mean. Dre and Big Boi, right out of high school on this album, drop down-south classics like the pimped-out "Player's Ball", the title track, "Ain't No Thang", and "Crumblin' Erb".

While all the songs are more than solid, there's one song on this album that stands out above the rest. "Git Up, Git Out" featuring Cee-Lo and Big Gipp of Goodie Mob rip it up with Outkast on this mid-tempo classic about doin' something with your life. The lyrics on that joint couldn't get better, and Cee-Lo's verse is one of the best hip-hop verses I have ever heard.

The only complaints I have with this album is the overall raw-ness Outkast displays. Some of the songs sound alike, which isn't a bad thing most of the time, but it would be nice to see a little more variety on this album. Although they sound almost the same, "Hootie Hoo" and "D.E.E.P." are both excellent songs with bangin' beats.

If you like your hip-hop raw, with slick flows and beats that make you wanna roll down your windows and play them really loud in your car, then "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik" is definitely for you. But if you only jumped on the Outkast bandwagon in the past year, then you might want to pass on this one, and get "Aquemini" instead. I know I'M "Outkast-ed" after listening to this album.

my review is true
I love this cd its great. Andre and big boi in this album are more hard rappers than in their other cd's which are all great. Every song on this could be a number one hit. This is one of those that stays in your stereo for months. I definetley recommend going out and getting this album.

SWATZ
This album is one of the top 10 rap albums of all time up there with Notorious BIG (ready to die) and Bone Thugs N Harmony (E. 1999). Everytime you listen to the beats and lyrics you are immediately taken into the dirty south, dungeon way of life. Since then Kast has come out with some great, unique sounds that are articulate and phenomenal, but in my opinion nothing tops southernplayalisticadillacmuzic, which is the epitomy and prologe of the southern hip hop era. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

tha real
c-murder don't get the respect he desevere he's the realest in the rap game this album is bang hardcore and real my favorite sing is my life.Tru records one love

review from the Synthesis
One might think that after receiving a life sentence for second degree murder, C-Murder (southern MC and brother of Master P) might consider a name change. But no, C-Murder is not about to let a little thing like prison change him or stop him from getting his music out to the people. Guest appearances on this disc include longtime partner in rhyme B.G. on the lead single "Yall Heard of Me," the fallen Soulja Slim on "Holla @ Me" and Ms. Peaches on the surprisingly deep "Mama How U Figure." The production, as one might assume, is pretty shoddy; the vocal levels are off and the remake of Akon's "Locked Up" (disguised as "Won't Let Me Out"), while quite appropriate, is no match for the original. As raw and grimy as he wants to be, C-Murder has grown, and his troubles have given him a new perspective, which is reflected on the album.

- Katie Patterson
Synthesis.net

I hope Not
It may be the Truest $#!@ you ever said
but not the truest you ever put out. a couple nice tracks but mostly average. C-Murder you got a lot of time on your hands use it wisely. Tighten this $#!@ up Pac came home with a gang of classics in less the time. I know hard comparison but Beanie Seagal came up with some nice hits during his little time away C-Murder well I'll leave it alone 4 now better luck on your appeal and next CD

They Say I'm Crazy...But They Can't Fade Me!
C-Murder is a dirty south legend in the game who is (unfortunately) doing a lifetime bid for murder.C Murder the same No Limit soldier who rode for TRU and helped keep the No Limit Tank on top drops a new album for the 05 from jail.The Truest Sh** I Ever Said is a good album from CMurder even though it isn't as great as it could have been.The best promotion for any rapper is to catch a case and when word got out that CMurder was dropping an album from jail (much like contemporaries Pimp C and Beanie Sigel) anticipation and hype grew.

The album, however, didn't live up to the hype but it still made a good showing for C Murder.CMurder is a lot more calm in his flow than when he first came on the scene and is less energetic.The beats overall are above average but still not good enough for this type of release.CMurder's gangsta flow hardly ever switches up throughout the album, though this may be due to probably having only one or two takes on a song.This makes the album seem longer than it is.But nonetheless C-Murder still drops those classic gangsta verses.The songs I feel the most are My Life, Stressin (also on the TRU-The Truth album), Yall Heard Of Me ft. BG ( what a great song...BG rips it up with that bass kicking beat), Betta Watch Me ft. Fiend ( another great song with C Murder his most energetic on the album), Did U Hold It Down, I Heard U Was Lookin For Me, Back Up(gangsta @$$ old school beat...tight), and Camouflage & Murder.As a previous reviewer stated, the album really picks up around track 9 which would be Yall Heard Of Me; and after that it's complete dopeness.The first seven tracks kinda drag on.The order and tracklisting should have been shuffled around.

Anyways, go pick up C-Murder's new release, especially if you like down south music or CMurder.He doesn't disappoint his fans one bit.Free C Murder. 4 stars.

Hot
I never really liked C-Murder until his last album but i've been waitin for this album to come out nd i thought it wuz hot alot ppl are sayin its not but i relli like it there are hot beats nd his lyrics are hot if u liked C-Murder before u'll probably like this album

Review:

Intro - N/A
My Life - 9/10
Skit - N/A
Stressin - 10/10
Wont Let Me Out - 8/10
Hustlas Wife - 8/10
Holla @ Me - 8/10
Skit - N/A
Yall Heard Of Me - 10/10
Betta Watch Me - 8/10
Did U Hold It Down - 7/10
I Heard U Was Lookin 4 Me - 8/10
Back Up - 7/10
Camouflage & Murder - 10/10
Started Small Time - 8/10
Mama How You Figure - 8/10
Outro - N/A ... Read more

Reviews (6)

i love black people
yes, this cd was great. I want to listen to the song about where the black midget shoots himself in the eye agian. I love this cd

Bushwick Bill's canibalistic recipe's all here!
A brilliant collection of classics, if not a consistent album... from the disturbing horror-rap of "Chuckie", to the titilating erotica of "The Other Level" (though feminists will understandably object to that one), to the radical political stance of "[screw] a War" to the hilarious over-the-top rage of "Homie Don't Play That", through to the tragic fatalism on "My Mind Playing Tricks On Me"..... Get it!!

Good Set
this is a good disc.Scarface,Bushwick Bill&Willie D. set the stage right on cuts like Chuckie&Tricks.but the classic Jam Mind Playing tricks on me is timeless.Before No-Limit,Cash Money,Outkast,Goodie mob,&Many Others Down South they were The Ground Breakers.

Title says all
The staple Geto Boys album. I bought this album the year it was released and admittedly songs like Tricks, WCBS, and Chuckie still put a smile on my face. The boys from the city Houston and my home state of Texas Score big. Catch their music in the movie Office Space.

i think this is dope
the geto boys have always been a dynamic group. Scarface is the lady lovin' and leavin', gangster with an itchy trigger finger and a notebook full of gritty rhymes about the concrete jungle. Bushwick Bill is the homocidal pint sized warrior who kicks ill murdah raps. while willie D--the gangster of love--is the blunt, scratchy voiced lyrical assassin. what does this mean? highlights include the lyrically impaired bushwick solo "chuckie" ("i came out shooting with my head in a bird's chest"--what!) and willie d's women hating tyrade entitled "i'm not a gentleman" (he claims that he'll take his date to a chicken fight). ... Read more

Amazon.com

Climbing on the burly shoulders of the No Limit record label, New Orleans's Cash Money Records leads the Dirty South's second assault on the ears of the rest of the country. But it wasn't until Juvenile's conversational "Ha," a furiously paced monologue dwelling on the details of everyday life, broke that the label was able to establish itself with a single that would snap northern necks. 400 Degreez, the album from which "Ha" is drawn, marks a high point in the South's musical output. Producer Manny Fresh--who's responsible for all the Cash Money production--rarely strays far from the region's bass roots, blending it with strings, keys, and other layers to make it more palatable to the masses. And it's Juvenile, with his hurried slurs, who dances the shimmy best, from the anthemic "Run for It" to the New York-ready braggadocio of "Juvenile on Fire," on which Fresh shakes it up like maracas on Cinco de Mayo. --Jon Caramanica ... Read more

Reviews (312)

WONDERFUL
Honestly,this is without doubt the best album of Juvenile!
This is one of the best CD I've ever heard in my life and no matter the music you like you will love this CD with the strange voice of Juvenile and the various music styles you can find in 400 Degreez.Let's doing now a description of the album:
1.Intro:Cool intro by the producer Mannie Fresh 8/10
2.HA:The first hot single of the album.Original song and the beats are too hot!! 10/10
3.Gone Ride With Me:Great Background 9/10
4.Flossin Season:Cool Song with BG.,Lil Wayne and Big Tymers 8/10
5.Ghetto Children:One of the best song of the album!!Gret lyrics 10/10
6.Follow Me Now:The second single of the album.This salsa song is definitively a classic!!!!!!!!!!!! 10/10
7.Cash Money Concert:5/10
8.Wecolme To Tha Nolia:Great song with a good participation of Turk 9/10
9.U.T.P.:Cool underground song 9/10
10.Run For It:An Ok song 7/10
11.Ha(Remix):Hot Remix with the hot boys!!!
12.Rich Niggaz:The only wack Song! 4/10
13.Back That Azz Up:Tha Anthem of the album and third single! 10/10
14.Off The Top:Hot!!Good featuring by Big Tymers 9/10
15.After Cash Money Concert:8/10
16.400 Degreez:Too original song,great! 10/10
17.Juvenile On Fire:juve was on fire in this song.8/10
18.Ha(remix):Good remix with the rap star Jay Z. 8/10

Great
This is the classic 1999 Album that is hard to live up to.
Here are the Reviews
1.Intro-Big Tymers-Pretty good 8/10
2.Ha-Dirty South Classic awesome beat to it 10/10
3.Gone ride wit me-I like it 10/10
4.Flossin Season-f Hot Boys another one I like 10/10
5.Ghetto Children-It is Good 9/10
6.Follow me Now-Okay 8/10
8.Welcome to the Nolia-I Like it alot 10/10
9.U.P.T.-Great 10/10
10.Run for it-B.G. is good here lyrically 10/10
11.Ha(Remix)-Hate this 4/10
12 Rich - -Has and absolute frantic beat 10/10
13.Back that Azz Up-Classic came out in Ap 99 left
Ap00 was classic on the Box love the Beat 10/10
14.Off the Top-Good 9/10
16.400 Degreez-A Good song again 10/10
17.Juvenile on Fire-Yes he is 10/10
18.Ha(Remix) f Jay Z like the original 10/10

This is Great and I love real hip hop I should not be dissed
for liking this it is great.
Lyrics 8/10 Production 10/10 X Factor 10/10 Style 10/10
Voice 10/10 Music 10/10 Innovative 9/10 Classic 10/10
Guest 10/10 Blend In 10/10.It is true they fell off but not this
one. Overall 97/100 Strenghs Production my Manie Fresh
Weaknesses The Lyrics are average.It is a fun album *****

Down South Classic
400 Degreez by Juvenile is arguerably one of the best albums made by Ca$h Money. Although some may say different. Some say that Juvenile has little rhyming ability and only rhymes because he adds "huh" and "yeh" after each sentence. But do realize the second to the last word also rhymes. Some say that Ca$h Money lacks depth and raps only about cars and hoes and ice, but really, their albums are mostly about having a good time and explaining their ghetto and that is the N.O. style of rapping.

Single "back that azz up" has a tyght production, although Juvenile is a little hoarse in his voice and some say its monotone, but he does have flow and he does rhyme. Some say that those songs are only talking about the same subject, but again, songs like "back that azz up" will bring alot of vibe to clubs, alot of people will dance to it. The production is definitely at is best by Manny Fresh. However, the guest appearances are alL ca$h Money except for that 1 song with Jay-Z, can't we get a solo from Juvie himself? If you listen throughout the album, Juvenile's story telling skill is very good and he is really familiar with word-playing. Also, if you listen to other tracks rather than the "Back That Azz UP", they are not bad, you can actually skip. NOW, the Big Tymers' guest appearances can be avoided, they have elementary level of rhymes unlike BG and Juvenile. (...)Juvenile's rhymes are better than that and its a fresh style to the nation because N.O. has not been heard before, however if this style remains the same, it will get repetitive. Single "Ha" is an anthem track that discribes Juvenile's hood, it brings alot of vibe and shows his hood through describe what goes on in his hood everyday by asking question 2 listener...exp: you got a trespassing charge huh? ur **** got hard huh? u got caught looking at them lil broads huh?

Skits are pointless other than that every other song is pretty good. However, some of the lines are repeated throughout other Ca$h Money albums such as, "lemme get the keys to the Rover Truck", "drop it like its hot." But as I have said before, this CD is the type you will have your head nodding to, you will most likely feel the vibe to most of the songs except for the skits and maybe one or 2. Overall, this album is a classic for the down south style more specificly N.O. and this is the album that brought the Ca$h Money records to the national spotlight.

Lyrics: A
ProductioN: A
Delivery: A
Overall: A

It'S HOTT!!
AY THIS CD IS HOTT! I WOULD REALLY RECOMMEND IT, THIS IS ONE OF THOSE FEW ALBUMS WHERE YOU CAN ACTUALLY LISTEN TO IT WITHOUT CHANGING TRACKS. JUST ASK ANYBODY WHO LISTENED TO IT.THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS COMING FROM CASH MONEY RECORDS.
IF YOU DON'T GOT IT........STOP....SLAP YO SELF AND COP IT .....
NOW!! I'M OUT.......PEACE!!!!

Southern Heat (4.5 Stars)
I rememeber when I first saw the video for "Ha" and asking myself "Who in the world is Juvenile"? Well, as we all know now, Juvenile is the Cash Money rapper who followed up the classic "Solja Rags" with "400 Degreez" and is probably the most aptly equipped rhyme slinger in the whole CMB camp. To put it in simple terms, Juvie was in the zone right around the time he dropped this album. He could do no wrong. 400 Degreez is probably the hottest album in the entire Cash Money catalogue. Juvenile has rhyme skills and some tight production work from Cash Money in house producer, Mannie Fresh. The only thing that keeps this from being a classic album are the bricks that are on the album. The "Ha (Remix)" featuring Jay Z seemed more obligatory than artistic. And Jay Z didn't really bring anything new to the song. "Off Top" seemed kind of stale and "Rich Ni@@az" seemed like overkill. But other than that, there aren't many other flaws on the album. Overall, 400 Degreez is an excellent addition to any rap / hip hop fans collection.

Personal Favorites: Ha, Follow Me Now, U.P.T., Welcome To The Nolia (my favorite), Back That Azz Up, Gone Ride With Me, Flossin' Season, Ha (Remix)(the one without Jay Z), & Run For It ... Read more

Reviews (25)

One Of The Best Hip Hop Albums Of All Time
This album is so innovative and precisely produced. With beats provided by Mozart Timadeas (my favorite producer), vocals by Magoo, Missy, Playa, Ginuwine, Aaliyah, this album is a 5 out of 5. At first listen you'll be like what the heck is this, but for sure after the first listen of the whole album you'll be hooked to it. From the first track to the last. You have hip hop and R&B throughout this entire album. When you listen to the album you will notice that they were ahead of their time. After listening to the album I thought, damn, "These cats were on some tight stuff back in '97", and indeed they were. I am telling you this is one of the most creative albums ever. There is a track on the album where Timbaland just talks over the beat and you actually rock to it. I love the whole album, but my favorite tracks are Luv 2 Luv U ( both versions ), Up Jumps The Boogie ( both versions ), Joy, Man Undercover, Clock Strikes. I am a true Timbaland fan, I am down with him and the whole click, holla at ya boy!

Timbaland is a visionary!
I love the combination of Tim's deep, robot-ish voice and Magoo's higher, cartoon-character voice. With both of them, plus Missy and other guests, it never gets boring. The lyrical references are clever ("Help, I see a Beatle, Cool out, it's only Ringo") and sometimes obscure, which I like. And of course the beats are phenomenal! Tim is the master. It took me a while to realize this, as I'd heard "Clock Strikes" quite a bit without really paying close attention. But then I heard some other songs, notably "Luv 2 Luv U (Remix)", and I was hooked. It's just so smooth and catchy, yet quirky and totally unique. I think Timbaland is what people always say Puffy is -- a visionary producer whose style seems to have invaded the genre with all the imitators who have popped up after him. But unlike Puffy, Tim has this certain something that makes me want to listen to his stuff non-stop, even when it's sung by artists I previously had no interest in (e.g., Aaliyah). Plus, he's got his own style and charisma. Timbaland rules.

[this]move is wrong...
Not only does this cd have beats, but magoo has some lyrics you cant mess with. Bomb flow, and the lyrical contect just cant be comprimised or compared. Up Jumps Da Boogie will always be one of my fav. songs of all time.

A classic must-have for any CD collection
I have had this CD since it first came out in 1997 and it has never gotten boring! There are a multitude of songs that cover every aspect of hip-hop. There are faster, dance tracks and some slow ballads featuring Ginuwine and Aaliyah, with Missy on many tracks. My favs are the non remix version of Luv 2 Luv U, Man Undercover, Smoke in Da Air, and the Up Jumps the Boogie original and remix. Timbaland certainly knows how to work the rap game.

We gon Show You How We Party
This joint bangs like naps. Like the words of Keith Murray "Make you nod ya head so much you need counseling". My brother had to pry my copy out of my hands. I Was going thru withdrawal and often got violent with people over this you know throwing stuff, fighting. I even went back into a burning house to get this. Ys get the point? This is so tight. The Beats are sensational all day everyday. Timbaland Really came with the heat this album. Some say Magoo is not a good rapper I say he dont have to be with Timbaland beats. Just look at Missy. You can pretty much say anything over these beats and it will be tight. You wont even pay attention to the lyrics cus you would have already broken ya neck. I only dislike one song and that is Joy. However my favorite songs are Luv 2 Luv u(both versions) Up Jumps Da Boogie( both versions), Clock Strikes ( both versions), smooke in da air, deep in yo memory, writtin rhymes, beep beep, Man undercover. This is THE album for beats timbaland makes the phat beats to ride to. A must have for essential exercise of the neck and shoulder muscles. A Masterpiece ... Read more

Reviews (15)

$hort Dog's first platinum album
This is Too $hort's second album on Jive Records. It was released in 1988 and it was right away a huge success - in fact it was the first Bay Area rap album to sell a million copies (it sold more than a million, like many of Too Short's later albums). It is a real rap classic with Too $hort once again spitting nothing but mack game all over the album. Ask any true West Coast rap fan about songs like "I Ain't Trippin'", the classic cut "Don't Fight the Feeling", the hard hitting "Cusswords" or the pimp anthem "Pimp tha Hoe" and you'll see what I mean. The album is timeless. Never mind it's from about 13 years ago - it's tight every time I listen to it. Good music never really gets old.

Anyone who listens to pimp-style rap, needs this album!
This is one of Short Dog's top three albums. It has some of the funkiest beats ever made. This was $hort's first album to go platinum, and definitely deserves it. The best song is "Cusswords"; He flows for seven minutes straight, over a thumping beat that stays in your head for a long time. Other great songs include "I Ain't Trippin'", "Don't Fight The Feelin'", "City of Dope", and "Pimp the Ho." The whole thing is off the hook, so get buy it.

Life Is Too $hort
This Is A GREAT Album. It Is A CLASSIC, AND Has Some Of Too $hort's Best Songs Of All Time. The Beats are perfect, so are the lyrics. GREAT ALBUM.

A real classic
This album may be played out for a few, but it is a necessary addition for any complete old school collection. Too $hort was a revolutionary for the gangsta rap movement and his beats are original. If you havn't heard this album, you are missing a key piece of Rap history. Many have taken ideas from this album and incorporated it into their works.

It Takes Courage
Are you tired of the same old rap, rock, alternative, funk, heavy metal and those little paper things that go around a cup of coffee that are supposed to keep you from burning your fingers? Then you have got to get "Life Is...Too Short". Just 2 words: guaranteed awesome stuff! Look at the bargain. Forty-minutes of music just like their last album, which was just like the one before it. Not a hint of originality or inspiration - just awesome. Besides, I think that "sincerity" is way overrated.

I would like to examine the warp and woof of Mr. Too Short's biases. You see, I indubitably believe that there are deeper issues afoot here. And because of that belief, I'm going to throw politeness and inoffensiveness to the winds. In this review, I'm going to be as rude and crude as I know how, to reinforce the point that if we let "Life Is...Too Short" step on other people's toes, then greed, corruption, and racialism will characterize the government. Oppressive measures will be directed against citizens. And lies and deceit will be the stock and trade of the media and educational institutions. Taking that notion one step further, we can see that he would not hesitate to suppress controversy and debate if he felt he could benefit from doing so. Mr. Short practically breaks his arm patting himself on the back when he says, "It takes courage to go down into the muddy trenches and leave helpless citizens afraid in the streets, in their jobs, and even in their homes." As if that were something to be proud of. Okay, there's no reason for me to be illogical, so I'll leave you with this concept: I am merely pointing out what I have observed.

I must passionately disagree with all the negative comments. Open your ears. Buy "Life Is...Too Short". Wait a second - buy the CD first, then open your ears. You'll hear some awesome words and some GREAT music. I don't care if you're a Christian or a Republican, this music is for you. Your mom and dad might not like it, and some of the songs will chase the pets out of the house, but it's still fantastic. That's "Awesome" with a capital "A." If you can afford only one CD this year, I feel sorry for you, but get the BEST CD of the century. One day, the greatest hits from "Life Is...Too Short" will be put on the "Greatest Hits" album - all of them. Awesome. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What the world needs now is The Fix--a brilliant hip-hop albumwith the soul of a blues record. Dirty South iconoclast Scarface has never beenafraid to get deep; at this point a lot of his young-man wildness has beenreplaced by a mature understanding of life's cyclical nature. Lyrically complexand leaning heavily on somber chords, acoustic guitars, and scratchy soulsamples, The Fix is not a light and bouncy throwaway album, but one thatdemands repeated listening. Nonetheless, this is also no crossover attempt--allyou get is superior hip-hop, accented with a touch of R&B vocals courtesy ofKelly Price,Faith Evans, and TanyaHerron. Standout tracks include "In Between Us," featuring an impassioned starturn by guest MCNas (Nasir Jones), theKanye West-produced "In Cold Blood," and the gangsta lean "Sellout." But there'sno question that "On My Block," an instant classic, is hands down the best cut.--Rebecca Levine ... Read more

Reviews (77)

Rightfully among the greatest of all time...
"Mr. Scarface" was good. "The Diary" was a classic. "The World Is Yours" was okay. "My Homies" was so-so, but forgettable. "The Untouchable" was really good. "Last Of A Dying Breed" was even better. With stellar performances from Scarface already, what more can we expect of Brad Jordan? After reigning as president of Def Jam South, signing a former Atlanta radio DJ, and watching him become a triple-platinum selling artist, was there even incentive for creating a new Scarface album? Whether there was or not, Scarface comes off of a two-year hiatus with a new production company, and a new label, Def Jam Recordings. He returns with "The Fix", an album that signals a somewhat new sound for Face. He receives help on the boards by one Kanye West, who was responsible for Jay-Z's smash, "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)". The album begins with a powerful intro from Ron Isley and sinks into "Safe", a song about getting the goods before they're gone. The Kanye West-produced tracks, "In Cold Blood" and "Guess Who's Back" showcase Scarface's true talent of reveling ghetto reality. "Guess Who's Back" is one of the few songs in which guest MC's Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel do not weigh down the track. "On My Block" features a piano sample from a Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway song and is by far the best song on the album. "Keep Me Down" and "What Can I Do" are solid. Face teams up with Nas & Tonya Herron for "In Between Us", one of The Fix's most introspective cuts, along with "Someday". "Sellout" finds Face at his most gangsta in the album. "Heaven" is a somber cut about Face's trivalization of "the good man's resting place". From there, "The Fix" ends quietly and therefore helps Scarface reclaim his spot among the elite in hip-hop - hands down.

Scarface FIXED up a CLASSIC
2002 was starting to become a "dead zone" as far as hip hop is concerned. But the almighty Scarface, coming off of the "near classic" The Last of a Dying Breed album, returned to bless us with The Fix, an album that I like to describe as being "conceptually beautiful." Not only is this album one of his best, it was possibly the best album of 2002, although CHALLENGED by Nas' God Son album. Just like his other 5 star classic The Diary, this album is another album where Face is truly in his prime, still 10 years in the game and he hasn't peaked yet. Here's the review:

Album Highlights: Once again, Scarface delivers an album with absolutely NO filler. Even though I don't like WC, the song featuring him is TIGHT.

Production: Thumbs up. He hooked up with Kanye West and The Neptunes for this one. You'd think that with their different styles that they wouldn't suit the nature of Scarface. But they do, and they do with STYLE.

Lyrics and Subject Matter: Thumbs way way up. Listen to the songs with Faith Evans and Kelly Price, and you'll see what I mean.

Originality: Thumbs way up. NO ONE was coming like this in 2002.

The Last Word: One CLASSIC album from Scarface. He came back and did it again with this release, and he managed to release this at a time when hip hop was starting to get weak. If other artists can release albums as excellent as this, hip hop would be better. But as for now, this album stands as a true testament to Scarface's prowess as an artist. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

The Fix is a classic.
This is a classic album by scarface, good songs, beautiful writing and incredible rapping, this is a rapper that will
never sellout to the pop rap crowd (dr. dre) and will stay true to their true gangsta rap fans, I Hope scarface can make
more good albums soon.

Very Underrated Album
This album is very underrated! Id say about 99% of the people who heard this album would agree that it is a very good CD, but I dont think that many people picked it up. The only thing that I dont like is that it only has 13 tracks; 2 being an intro and an outro. Here is a list of the tracks on the album and my ratings.

1- The Fix- intro

2- Safe- 5/5 good beat with good lyrics

3- In Cold Blood- 4/5 good production from Kanye West with good lyrics

4- Guess Who's Back feat. Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel- 5/5 produced by Kanye West---great beat and solid verses from all rappers

5- On My Block- 5/5- great single, for some reason I just love this beat... its simple but I like it. Great Lyrics from Face

6- Keep Me Down 4/5

7- What Can I Do? feat Kelly Price-4/5

8- In Between Us feat Nas-- 4/5 Nas and Face both do great on this track but the singing gets annoying between verses

9- Someday feat Faith Evans 4/5 produced by the Neptunes

10- Sellout 5/5

11- Heaven feat Kelly Price 5/5 produced by Kanye West great lyrics

12- I Aint the One feat WC-- 4/5 WC does a great job

13- Fixed- outro

Best Cd of '02
this cd is a classic hip hop disc which i like to see this cd must and deserves to be in your hip hop cd stash whether you have respect for the south or not you need this cd

Guests:Jay-Z,Nas,Beanie Sigel,Dub-C,Faith Evans,Kelly Price,Kanye West
Favorite Track:Guess Who's Back & My Block
Other:Only negative about this disc is it's short and sometimes face gets outshined by guests none the less pick it up now

10 of 10 lyrics 10 of 10 beats ... Read more

Amazon.com

Silkk the Shocker isn't the most gifted of the Miller brothers (Master P and C-Murder are his siblings), either in his generic-as-they-wanna-be lyrics or in his lumpy-like-day-old-oatmeal flow. Yet the hits keep coming, as the solid if uneventful Beats by the Pound production crew provides enough bouncy loops and catchy choruses to keep Silkk's head above water. Most notable are the down-tempo stories related on "Give Me the World" and "Mama Always Told Me." But when it comes to No Limit, an ounce of bounce is worth far more than a pound of gloom; it's "I'm a Soldier," the token posse cut on the record, that achieves its purpose best. Laced with a quick-paced, raw funk, it reaffirms the universal particularities of the NL sound. --Jon Caramanica ... Read more

Reviews (71)

No Limit, but has its moments.
Positives: This is the album that got me into No Limit once upon a time. Not too sure if that's a positive thing either. However, this is a good album. It has the some of the characteristics of the typical NL CD but it was before things got to assembly line status. Of course, there are bad songs on this record. The number of good ones will surprise you if you actually listen to it though. "If I Don't Gotta" is one of those songs I love to listen to when I'm feeling depressed. "Mama Always Told Me" has an Eightball feature tucked in the end that is really cool. Other songs like "Who Can I Trust" & "Me And You" are good songs too.

Negative: Of course, being a NL release has its downsides. The bad choruses, the features that may not work too well with the rest of the album. Not all the songs are good, you have to pick and choose. Silkk also has a kind of choppy style that occasionally leaves the beat. Some might see this as his trademark while others might see it as a trademark of a bad rapper. Either way, it's something different. I'd like to see Silkk leave No Limit but chances are slim. Made Man after this one is a lot worse. Hardly any good tracks. If you want decent No Limit, look to the past and not the future.

Charge It 2 Da Game is a wonderful, well organized album.
Silkk is blessed to have lived the life he has lived. It gives him plenty of material for his songs. The messages he sends do not repeat themselves. Silkk does not try to appear to be the most hardcore rapper on the planet; rather he simply tells the "story" as it is and he performs as he is-not artificial or lame. Mo B. Dick, KLC and the rest of the Beats by the Pound gang do a great job on Silkk's beats and he responds with lyrics superbly rapped in his own distinct style. He and Mystikal are terrific on "It Ain't My Fault", but basically all the songs are great and have a message if one just listens intently. My favorite tracks are " If I Don't Gotta",Mama Told Me," "Thug'n Me", "What Gangstas Do", and "How Many". Charge It 2 Da Game is a fantastic rap album and in my opinion it deserves to be in the rap album Hall of Fame or something. Silkk says in "We Can Dance" that he is "one in a million like Aaliyah", and he shows listeners why with this album. Simply put: but it, try it, and it's almost guaranteed you'll fall in love with it like I did.

Platinum cd, good rapper, collectible cd...
This cd was selled more than 500,000 copies all over the world!
This cd is not too buyed instead of the weaks cds "No Mercy No Fear"/"Get rich or dyin tryin" & "beg for mercy" and this cd (and artist) may be overrated and 'overbuyed' instead of the bad 50 cent.
This rapper is too underrated and it's impossible to accept this.
Say 2 things:
-Luv this artist/cd
-F*ck all haterz (they may be ...what?...ooh...what...can i say...hmm...i find...intellingent)!!
This cd is off da hood!

GIVE ME THE WORLD!
A Classic NL album! BANGIN BEATS, Silkk killed this! Album is crazy, got some sh to say on here! REAL album, lot of thoughts! Get it, too good! Some serious music, lovin this!

BEST SILKK ALBUM EVER
this cd is the best cd silkk the shocker made,i have all of them and i think this one is the best, the rhyms are tight, and he tells about his oast in the CP3.

GET THIS CD ... Read more

Album Description

The Geto Boys are back! Bushwick Bill is back! Willie D is back! Scarface is back! Run tell them that!!! Believe it or not but the creators of southern rap are back and they are mad as hell. Why are they mad this time? It doesn't matter, just be thankful! If you are a true fan then you know that the Geto Boys are at their best when they are mad and it gets no better than The Foundation. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

classic cd, no doubt about it
i never imagined the nucleus, in my opinion, face, willie d, and bushwick getting together for another album. but this is by far the best geto boys album thats been dropped since we cant be stopped. every artist stands out in this cd, surprisingly willie d the most. this is a cd that i think anyone can feel especially with tracks like leanin on you and i tried. face gives an absolute classic with g code the secret is another track where everyone stands out nicely. get out and grab this cd if you already havent

Pure hip hop
Geto Boyz... This pure un-commercial street rap. This is a album were you can listen to it beginning to end. Strong eye opening messages. Keeps you thinking while still bangin'.

My personal Fav's are 8) G-code, 10) Leanin on you and 6) I tried.

The Geto Boyz have always spoken the truth.... Definetly top 5 of 2004 in my book.

"AIGHT....LET'S GET SERIOUS....
F@#% THE RAP GAME...I'M THE REALEST NI&&@ PERIOD!!!"


DOES HIP-HOP GET ANY BETTER THEN THAT? THANK GOD FOR THE GETO BOYS BABY!!! WORD UP!!! COP DIS NOW!!!

GETO BOYS CLASSIC!!
THIS IS THE BEST CD OF 2005...I DON'T KNOW WHAT IS COMING AFTER THIS BUT SO FAR, THIS CD IS TOP-SHELF, 5 STAR QUALITY AND I AM A PROUD OWNER OF THIS CLASSIC MATERIAL FROM THA GETO BOYS!

IF YOU AINT GOT IT, GET IT AND IF YOU GOT IT, KEEP IT AND DON'T GIVE IT AWAY CUZ IF YOU DO, YOU'RE THE DUMBEST PERSON TO EVER LIVE!

THUMBS UP!! AND THUMBS UP AGAIN!!

BUY THIS NOW
No, I'm not THAT Willie D. In fact, I don't listen to hip-hop much these days and I don't have much nice to about any of the GB's more recent solo or group efforts (and I've bought them all). I don't usually give 5 star reviews. But I can't say enough good things about this album. How about: IT'S BETTER THAN "WE CAN'T BE STOPPED!" It's so good, so self assured that it you wonder who was behind the lesser albums because it couldn't possibly be the same people. No more following trends and doing Tupac imitations here. Everbody is on point here, every track a winner. I really have nothing more to say. Get this. ... Read more