Album of the Day - Outkast "Speakerboxxx"

I have thus far listened to the Big Boi half of Outkast's near-epic (at least in length) album, "Speakerboxxx/ The Love Below." The album is ambitious and is one of the most sonically interesting hip-hop albums I have ever heard. I got so tired of all of the lazy rappers out there; you know the ones who just barely enunciate their sloppily written, intellectually devoid lyrics over the slowest, sparest most boring Casio-sounding beats. I love hip-hop artists who are daring enough to move beyond the dull percussion-only tracks and put in some guitar, piano, or any other instrument.

"Speakerboxxx" seems to be pretty standard in its subject matter, but Big Boi's lyricism and ddelivery is more ambitious. He creates metaphors and imagery that make me wonder where in the heck he came up with his ideas. I remember one line along the lines of "Hip hop's there to destroy ya/ Leave a mother****** open like a foyer." I scratched my head inquisitively, but it's creative.

There are more interludes than I feel are necessary. It seems like commercials cutting into a TV show. I especially wasn't too cool with the one that featured a little kid using the mf word. I'm not particularly excited about adults who find comedy in hearing children use profanity.

Overall the album, particularly musically, is fun to listen to. I appreciate the chances that were taken on this record.