Andre 3000

The countdown begins.  I’ll start by stating the obvious: this was not an easy task.  A lot of artists and songs that I love didn’t make the list.  At the same time, I’ve given it some careful thought, and I picked what I really consider to be the most personally compelling hip-hop music that I’ve experienced.  Do you agree?  Am I leaving your favorite out?  Let me know.

In lane #1, we have one half of Outkast, the eccentric, eclectic and exceedingly talented Andre 3000.  After the release of Stankonia from Outkast back in 2000, a rap verse from 3 Stacks has been a rare and blessed occasion, but his mantra of quality over quantity has only improved his pedigree.

7. “Babylon” (from ATLiens)

Unorthodox verses containing musings on the vices of youth – drugs, lust and love… “They call it horny because it’s devilish…” classic.

6. “Return of the ‘G’” (from Aquemini)

This is the hardest opener from any of the 'Kast albums; you could tell ‘Dre was getting tired of people talking sh!t about his life choices… he clears the air emphatically. 

5. “Int’l Players Anthem” (from UGK album Underground Kingz)

The hit song that everybody learned the lyrics to, even non-rap fans, because the metaphors were so cold and the emotions were those we all could relate to.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awMIbA34MT8

4. “ATLiens” (from ATLiens)

You have to listen to both of his verses on this song, couldn’t pick just one… this song marks the first major growth spurt in his artistic evolution.  One of the best beats in the ONP catalog too, in my opinion.

3. “The Art of Storytellin’ Part 4” (from DJ Drama album Gangsta Grillz: The Album)

Another one of his great stories about a romantic encounter with a woman that leads to a moment of enlightenment, but this one is packed with crazy metaphors. 

2. “Gangsta Sh!t” (from Stankonia)

I feel very confident in saying that this is his hardest verse ever.  Lyrical, aggressive, metaphorical with a message… purely DOPE. 

1. “What a Job” (from Devin the Dude album Waiting to Inhale)

I have a feeling this is gonna be a controversy-starter because I put it in the top position.  To be fair, I will admit this is not ‘Dre’s hardest or most lyrical verse, but this is my favorite verse by him because it’s a genuine love letter to both his fans and to hip-hop.  Because of this verse, I am cool if he never puts out a solo album or another ‘Kast album – I believe he’s given us his best EVERY TIME he spits, and you can’t ask for more than that.

Big Boi-Sir Lucious Leftfoot...The Son of Chico Dusty

Dungeon Family First Generation Still Proves to be Timeless…

One of my closest homies and I have been longtime serious Outkast fans. We often take time to discuss and dissect their music, praising its greatness and pointing out the often-overlooked nuances that truly set ‘Kast apart. Sometimes I’ve had to encourage him to pay closer attention to André 3000 and not write him off, while he has made sure that I don’t ignore the lyrical presence and unique musical ear of Big Boi. At the end of the day, each of us respects and loves both sides of the Outkast coin for making arguably the dopest music released during our coming of age years. On Tuesday, July 6, I sent him a three-word text message – “Is it nice?” I didn’t have to explain it by asking whether he had yet picked up Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty, because that would’ve been a wasted text. When he responded, “U still not respecting Big Boi enuf,” I knew, even though I hadn’t planned on it, I would be driving to Best Buy before they closed that night. And my boy was right – Big Boi aka Sir Lucious Left Foot aka Daddy Fat Sax aka Billy Ocean proved (again) that he is more than capable of carrying an album by himself. Doubters should immediately repent and feel ashamed.

Why critics and music fans continue to leave Big Boi’s name off of the list of contenders for heavyweight lyrical champ is a mystery because he’s always been impressive. His rapid-fire cadence mixed with a careful attention to detail has always set him apart from most of his contemporaries. He’s been consistent in his style and approach to the game – an intelligent playa, a pimp ‘til the end, loyal to his family, his crew, his community and the A – and all of that shines through perfectly on Sir Lucious Left Foot. Big continues to define true Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.

While Big Boi’s image has been subject to less dispute than his partner’s as far as street credibility is concerned, musically Big has been just as if not more experimental than 3000. Outkast’s eclecticism has always worked in their favor as a group, and it continues to sound good for Big Boi as a solo act. The Dungeon Family’s Organized Noise production team continues to push the envelope while keeping it southern, handling roughly 30% of the beats. However, Big Boi reaches out to other lesser known producers who offered some gem tracks as well. “Shine Blockas” featuring Gucci Mane (which incorporates the Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes sample that brought Kanye his beat-making fame on Jigga’s “This Can’t Be Life”) is a 2010 anthem and new slang word for haters, and “Tangerine” featuring T.I. and Khujo Goodie is the booty club cut that is unspoken tradition for all ATL rap artists. It was hard to pick standout tracks because this album is so solid, but after conferring with my friend, “Hustle Blood” featuring Jamie Foxx and “Be Still” featuring Janelle Monáe are two songs that really shine - check 'em out...