ATLiens

IRIZ’S DECEMBER CHALLENGE: DAY 13
THEME: An album with a futuristic concept

Marking itself as OutKast’s sophomore album, ATLiens is a record that has always interested me, and mainly because of its album cover. I mean come on, you can’t tell me that’s not a freaking epic cover, right?

But ignoring that, I’ve actually never dived into OutKast’s discography before, and it has always bothered me that I’ve never checked out anything from one of the most well-respected and heavily-praised hip-hop duos of all time. I don’t know if I would've started their discography off with this one if it wasn’t for the December challenge, as, at least based off the cover, it seemed like a perfect match for an album with a futuristic concept. Instead, I probably would’ve chosen something like Stankonia or Aquemini, however I think starting off with ATLiens gives me a much different perspective on their music than if I started with one of their more popular albums.

This album is constantly filled to the brim with some of the most groovy, down pat, and vibey beats imaginable, that are paired with André 3000 and Big Boi’s incredibly energetic yet unique flow. Take for example the title track, ATLiens. That song has such a funky beat that at the same time manages to be super punchy. Not only that, but it also has one of the most electrifying choruses of any hip-hop song I’ve heard, that also includes some absolutely phenomenal bars from the two.

While overall, I do find this project to be slightly front-loaded (which is one of the main reasons why I’m not giving it a higher score), this is still one of the more vibrant, groovy, and laid-back hip-hop records I’ve heard from the 90’s. Next up from them will probably be Aquemini!

(By the way, apologies for a slightly shorter review; I have a cold so I’m not feeling too good 😔)

FAVOURITE TRACKS: ATLiens, Elevators (Me & You), Two Dope Boyz (In a Cadillac), Wheelz of Steel
LEAST FAVOURITE: Wailin’