Speakerboxx - 8.8
The Love Below - 8.7
Looking at the difference in sound between a lot of the songs on the first vs second half, I can see why they were drifting apart. Both are equally great, but Big Boi was leaning more into gangster rap, while there are very few songs on The Love Below I would consider rap at all.
So ahead of their time. The topics discussed on this album are so forward-thinking and relevant today, plus the production was, and still is, some of the best out there. The storytelling is also top-notch. OutKast pretty much claimed the title of best storytelling in a song forever with Da Art of Storytelling.
Verygoodalbumbutiamninetyninepercentsureiwillpreferoutkast'slateralbums.
Crazy how Talib Kweli's kids had better features than Westside Gunn and Mac Miller.
Tbh, I really just listened to this because of Madlib, but I actually think Talib was the most consistent part of this album. There were some beats I didn't vibe with, and the features were pretty forgettable.
Kanye was everywhere in the 2000s, God damn. I wouldn't say Ye carries this album though; Talib Kweli has some great writing and performances, especially when he dives into politics and social commentary. Certified classic.
This feels like something I'm not supposed to be able to hear. There are some weird left-field detours, and generally very chill hooks. The songs are good, but they feel as though they were freestyled and made in one studio session. Like, the fact that this was removed from streaming makes perfect sense to me.
Classic album but dude this cover is so fucking funny. Why is he staring at me like I'm the cause of all the problems in the world.
The second half is much better. Overall, Talib Kweli surprised me with how much I enjoyed him. Mos Def was expectedly incredible.
The only thing I was thinking while listening to this album was how much I thought my mom would love this album lol.
Holy shit Eyesight is so good, might be my SOTY rn. And it's Fantano's least favorite track, ofc. Anyways, overall slightly better.
Never let them know your next move: the album (at least that's what it felt like for me lol).
Not very consistent, but still some great classic Jay-Z songs. Sweet might just be one of his best.
This certainly feels like a retirement album. All the producer shoutouts, supporting the next generation of hip-hop. The ending being My 1st Song, a full circle moment for Hova. However, I am glad we got the continuation of his career, as he got the chance to make more classics and grow as a person.
Accurate title. Every other song, I hear a line or chorus that inspired another lyric or chorus from a song I've heard before.
Just pretty consistently great across the entire album, and adds to the incredible run of New York hip-hop in the 90s. I do think, at least for now, Nas has him beat.
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