This was probably one of the most odd or unique, depending on where one stands with Outkast, releases in HOP music. After multiple hits and platinum selling albums, Outkast returned in 2003 for their fifth album but as a sort of “two for one” release. With Andre 3000 focusing on his more abstract and R&B side, Big Boi maintained the rap portion of this release.

‘Speakerboxx’ is really the debut solo project for Big Boi. A chance for the Atlanta rapper to showcase his talent without the assistance of Andre on the microphone. Although it was his solo outing, the album feels like a house party hosted by Big Boi with invited guest. Those guest include Goodie M.O.B., Ludacris, Jay-Z, Lil’ Jon & The Eastside Boyz, Killer Mike, Slim Calhoun, Sleepy Brown, Jazzy Pha, Andre 3000 and others. If ever the audience could not figure out the difference in personalities within Outkast ‘Speakerboxx’ bluntly carves out where Big Boi stands. He’s the family member that shows up and is social with all the participants. The guy that pulls the girl on the dance floor to get the party started. The country cousin who frequents the whole in the wall spots during downtimes, but attends church every Sunday.

This album doesn’t have a slew of “Hip-Hop Quotables,” throughout the album but more a vibe of the community Big Boi comes from. The first single ‘Ghettomusick’ was like a punch in the face while tracks like ‘Bowtie’ and ‘The Way You Move’ are the “batsignal” for the listener to get up groove. Big Boi does not simply stay in the “party” lane but also touches on the effect of wartime on ‘Bust’ featuring Killer Mike and ‘War,’ which the latter proves history simply repeating itself some twenty odd years later.

‘Speakerboxx’ can be looked at as a victory of circumstance or a casualty of Andre 3000’s hit ‘Hey Ya.’ For the fan of Outkast and HOP music, this album is a solid addition to one’s collection and a proper introduction to the expectation for future Big Boi solo releases. What did you think of the album?

Singles include:
‘Ghettomusick’ & ‘The Way You Move’

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