A bit more of a stereotypical rap album than the group's later work, which is probably why I didn't like it much the first time I heard it. I'm not a fan of stereotypical G-Funk, see, and that's all I heard in it the first time through. God, was I wrong. It's deeper than that, even though it's not fully immersed in the "alternative" thing yet. So even the more "playa-business" oriented tracks - "Ain't No Thang," "Myintrotoletuknow," "Call of Da Wild," "Claimin' True," "Crumblin' Erb," "D.E.E.P." - has OutKast's trademark dark, quirky, layered production. And the classic songs kick as much butt as the best of OutKast's later albums do. The title track is a condensed Isaac Hayes epic with hip-hop beats; breakthrough hit "Player's Ball" has a great rolling beat, charismatic rapping, and a brilliant falsetto chorus; "Funky Ride" is laid-back and has a gorgeous psychedelic guitar solo; the lengthy "Get Up, Get Out" is a bit preachy but has a solid chorus and fantastic guitar parts; other than its annoying intro, "Hootie Hoo" is dark and creepy, with more sweet beats. So the only real problem I have with this, other than its less creative nature than future albums (which makes sense, because it was a debut) and the skits (which are dumb), is the general "sameyness" of the whole thing. Outside of the five tracks I mentioned as classics, everything on this album sounds the same. Now, I like the sound it's got going for it, so it's not too bad, but a bit of diversity would've been appreciated. It makes the album exhausting. Oh well, still great, though not as great as the next three.
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