tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757995510081828446.post8293278947751300428..comments2024-03-10T01:58:25.592-08:00Comments on Stallion Alert - Record Collecting - Portland, OR: Outkast - Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (4xLP, 2003)Wockenfusshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08282053092634048786noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8757995510081828446.post-84769016486286839122010-05-11T21:35:37.669-07:002010-05-11T21:35:37.669-07:00Big Boi might be the greatest rapper on the planet...Big Boi might be the greatest rapper on the planet. There. I said it. It's got to be him, Method Man, MJG, Ghostface or John Smith. I mean, words can't describe how into "Speakerboxxx" I was in 2003. And still am. It is hands down my favorite Outkast album. As you already said, there are only a few duds on it and the rest is simply flawless. The beats are insane and Big Boi rhymes out of his mind on every song. I too thought it was odd that "The Way You Move" was the single because not only is it somewhat generic, but it doesn't really sound like the rest of the record. "Flip Flop Rock," "The Rooster," "Knowing," "Bowtie" and "Unhappy" all would have been supreme single choices, especially "Unhappy." "Reset" is a personal favorite and "Church" finds Big Boi really letting loose.<br /><br />As for "The Love Below?" I'll admit I rarely rock it anymore. I gave it quite a few spins when it came out but it never quite connected with me. <br /><br />Problem No. 1: Whenever I listen to it I realize that I could be listening to "Speakerboxxx."<br /><br />Problem No. 2: I don't really like Prince all that much.<br /><br />Problem No. 3: I keep waiting for Dre to rock the mic. It never happens.<br /><br />Problem No. 4: It's a few songs too long. There is definitely some filler here. Honestly, most of the second half is filler-tastic.<br /><br />Oddly enough, the good songs on "The Love Below" are really good. "Love Hater" is a gutsy/great first song. I really liked "Hey Ya!" before I heard it 9000 times. And "Roses" is pure genius. The tune is incredibly catchy and clever. Then, Big Boi swoops in and delivers one of the greatest raps I have ever heard. I have rewound this rap for various people (usually inebriated) and made them listen to it as an example of why I love good rappers. The rhymes are clever and he plays with the beat in a way that I could never dream to attempt. It really is brilliant.<br /><br />Now, can someone please explain to me why "She Lives In My Lap" was a single and in the movie "Idlewild?" Am I missing something?Biff Pocarobahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11963683576828172145noreply@blogger.com