From the outset of their musical careers, Outkast, composed of Andre 3000 (Andre Benjamin) and Big Boi (Antwan Patton), has chosen to defy musical conventions to make their sound. Andre 3000 brings an eccentric flair to the group, while Big Boi projects a streetwise bad boy image.
Many hip-hop albums use simple instruments-either turntables or a beat box-to create their rhythms, but "Stankonia" features horns, an organ and diverse lyrical styles to distance itself from stale, mainstream albums. The use of live instruments gives the songs a lived-in, organic feel.
The flexibility of the group is apparent in the two songs to date that have garnered substantial airtime from MTV: "Mrs. Jackson" and "B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad)."
"Mrs. Jackson" features soulful lyrics layered over a relaxed southern beat. The laidback pace of the song allows the duo to show off harmonies that are simple, yet effective.
"B.O.B." is framed by a slow introduction and a monotonous, chanting chorus, but the frantic pace of what lies in between puts Andre 3000 and Big Boi a cut above most other MCs. Not many rappers could keep up with such a fast beat, but the Outkast duo seems to revel in the pace, spitting out tongue-twisting rhymes with ease.
Outkast has always been known for its versatility, a strength which is amply demonstrated across the duration of "Stankonia." On "I Call Before I Come," featuring vocal turns by Gangsta Boo and Eco, the group lays down a beat reminiscent of George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. "Red Velvet," which has an electronic beat supplying the driving force for the song, is a protest against those who resolve their disputes with guns, spilling blood that resembles red velvet cake, a southern dessert.
Not only do Andre 3000 and Big Boi hold their own on the record, they feature several solid guest appearances by other artists. B-Real of Cypress Hill makes an appearance on "Xplosion," Goodie Mob members make cameos all over the album and Andre 3000's former love interest and partial inspiration for "Mrs. Jackson," Erykah Badu, appears on "Humble Mumble."
Overall, Outkast turns in a stellar performance on Stankonia. After their breakthrough 1999 single,
"Rosa Parks," they could have followed the same formula to more success, but they chose a different route. Andre and Big Boi are constantly experimenting with their style, always searching for new beats and flows that can showcase their many talents.