#359: Stankonia- Outkast

Mike Natale:

Listened to: MP3

So, what is so special about this album? It’s kind of fun, but I’m not getting what makes it one of the 500 Greatest Albums. Is it…is it because they’re going fast? Isn’t it because of the funk influence?

What makes “We Luv Dez Hoez” unique? Really, some of the tracks on this album, like that one, are fucking awful. Really, look at these lyrics. Big Boi is like the Flava Flav half of Outkast. Look, Stankonia is a fun hip-hop/funk album. I enjoyed it, don’t get me wrong, but will this really stand the test of time? Well, maybe, but not like certain other rap albums that didn’t make this list. Admittedly, the album I’m going to switch for this came out after the list was written, but shit, that’s why we’re here. To correct and update. I think you’ll agree that this album is much more notable and prominent in the hip-hop world than Stankonia.

Would Replace with: The College Dropout by Kanye West

Not a single track on this album is as subjugating or offensively vulgar (it take a lot for me to be offended) as “We Luv Dez Hoes”, but that’s what makes this album a masterpiece. Kanye, before his stage leaping antics, crafted a rap album that had no falsity. Kanye bore his soul, and subsequently produced one of the greatest, truest rap albums to date. Half of Stankonia (the Big Boi half) is typical gangsta-rap lies, while only Andre 3000 dared to take on real social issues. But if Andre is the James Brown of hip-hop (taking on social issues without really talking about them) then Kanye is Marvin Gaye, and The College Dropout is his What’s Going On. Outkast’s best offering is the lackluster “Ms. Jackson”. Well, maybe not lackluster on it’s own, but compare it to the epic powerhouse that is “Jesus Walks”, and you’re sure to agree. Kanye may not rap about “Gangsta Shit”, but even the weakest tracks on The College Dropout are better than the strongest tracks on Stankonia. Outkast may have left a mark on hip-hop, but Kanye left a crater, and as pissed as I was about him interrupting Taylor (I have a crush, I’ll admit it), I await one of rap’s finest’s comeback.

-Mike

Well, see you tomorrow for #269: Some Girls by The Rolling Stones