The Atlanta duo Outkast have managed to outdo themselves, and the entire music industry, with the release of their double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.  After deciding to release separate solo CDs under one band package (and release date), Andre 3000 and Big Boi have created a masterpiece.  Both disks boast the qualities of each respective artist, with the Speakerboxxx carrying the bouncy, loveable tunes Outkast fans have come to enjoy.  The Love Below, the Andre 3000 offering, is an eclectic mix of soul, jazz and funk.

Propelled by simultaneously released singles, Big Boi’s “The Way You Move” and Andre 3000’s “Hey Ya,” Outkast has become the ultimate example of a crossover act. “The Way You Move,” is a catchy, bass-heavy ditty dedicated to... well... the way a woman moves. Go figure.  A hybrid of rock and soul has cast “Hey Ya” into the mainstream waters, taking Outkast to levels previously unknown to this band, despite the fact that they'd climbed the pop charts previously with the likes of "Rosa Parks" and "Miss Jackson." 

Both Speakerboxxx and The Love Below show the growing versatility of the duo.  Big Boi shows growth of as a solo artist and a writer. The rapid fire “GhettoMuzick” and the funky “Church” are examples of his ability to move a crowd.  Ironically his partner in crime, Andre 3000, produced this part of the set, almost in its entirety.

On his opus, Andre 3000 blessed us with an offering comparable to no one else... other than Prince, maybe.  Rarely will you find Andre rapping; rather he chooses to croon.  He proves that he, as an artist and a writer, is able to think outside the “boxxx.”  His character is eclectic and eccentric and he puts on a display on tracks such as 80’s tinged “She Lives In My Lap” and the soulful “Prototype.” 

Releasing separate solo albums under the group umbrella sheds more light onto whom Andre 3000 and Big Boi are. Together, Outkast are undeniably groundbreaking, and now individually, they continue to blaze new paths and tear down more walls.  (9/03)