OUTKAST
Stankonia (Arista)
Rating: 7 out of 7
By Soren Baker

   People who complain that all hip-hop sounds the same have never listened to OutKast. On its fourth album, the Atlanta-based duo delivers another knockout of an album, one as diverse as Dennis Rodman’s hairstyles. Dre and Big Boi again reinvent themselves, this time as Parliament-inspired musicians who specialize in male-female relationships, boasting, and out-there lyrics. 
   Easily the more experimental of the two, Dre distorts his voice, sings in falsetto, and raps in cosmic-coded lyrics on many of the 17 songs, including the irresistible single “Ms. Jackson.” In fact, much of the album remains upbeat, straying from the introspective tone and political slant of much of OutKast’s earlier work. But this is one party worth experiencing. “BOB” explodes in revved-up adrenaline, while “So Fresh So Clean” is smoother than freshly lotioned skin. 
   With another nearly flawless album, OutKast arguably solidifies its reputation as one of the best hip-hop groups of all time.

All recordings courtesy of LaFace/Arista Records. “B.O.B” and “Ms. Jackson” written by A. Benjamin, A. Patton, D. Sheats; courtesy of Gnat Booty/Chrysalis Music, Inc./Dungeon Ratz Music, Inc. (ASCAP). “So Fresh, So Clean” written by Organized Noize, A. Benjamin, A. Patton; courtesy of Organized Noize Music (BMI)/Gnat Booty/Chrysalis Music, Inc. (ASCAP).