ATLiens

OutKast follow-up their successful debut record with something wholly different tonally, lyrically, and thematically. ATLiens exhibited an incredible amount of variation of sound from the norm and an exceptional level of growth for the duo in terms of them discovering and adapting their own special sound in music.

The pairing of Big Boi and Andre 3000 is at a powerhouse level here, even more so than their previous outing, as the chemistry and flow between both artists takes on greater depth as both slay bars left and right, introducing the world to their personalities and introspection. Their lyrical content was far beyond the majority of artists making music in the still early years of a developing mainstream hip hop scene, and both artists hold their own perhaps more than they ever would.

The production across this album is also hugely influential, taking on an atmospheric beat style and an even more mellow and focused sound. Where many others were either toying with a more in your face hardcore sound or were incorporating some level of soul or R&B but still maintaining a breakneck pace, OutKast were willing to shape a spacey sound that spoke on its own rather than having to blast out speakers to make a statement. Songs like Elevators and E.T. are so subtle in their efforts while continuing to have a full and encompassing sound to them. Elsewhere, the title track ATLiens continues to utilize spacey sounds with a powerful focus on the flow of both rappers.

There really isn't a bum track on this record, as everything seems to function together in harmony and speaks on similar issues or incorporates similar sounds. It gives this album a great deal of consistency rather than feeling like exclusive tracks stand out on their own, even though many still do so.

The southern style of hip hop gained a great deal of notoriety from OutKast, and albums like this only justify the impact they brought to music over their years active.

Favorite track: Elevators (Me & You)