Aquemini Reviews

• Unreal... 5+

  
  By ACT5H0TA28FKV on 2000-04-15
  Outkast has done for Hip Hop what Radiohead did for Rock (if you can even still call it that) with OK Computer. Listen, Wu Tang is amazing, The Roots are brilliant, Mos Def, Snoop, Dre, Nasty Nas, Busta, Talib, Beasties, Goodie Mob, Gang Starr... there's a lot of great artists in Hip Hop today but Outkast shines above all of them. Their message couldn't be more on point, their rhymes and delivery aren't even human and must be something they picked up in the outer reaches of the galaxy on ATliens, and the production (sorry RZA) is the best in the business. Also, look at what they get out of their guests... Rae on Skew it on the Bar-B... I've never heard anything that can match that style... and how about George Clinton on Synthesizer? But even Big Boi (who is incredible) can't touch Andre. On Return of the Gangsta, Rosa Parks, Skew it, Synthesizer, and Da Art of Storytellin' Parts I and II he's just... whatever, I can't find a superlative that does him justice. Buy the album. It doesn't get any better than this.
  
  

• Hip Hop In It's Purest Form

  
  By A1PFFQTU3E65JI on 2005-10-11
  Aquemini is a 9 year old album, but is a still a masterpiece. Anyone who says there are no lyricists in tha south...I guess yall dont remember how sick Outkast was. Outkast was tha second duo to lyrically outshine every group in hip hop (Rakim & Eric B came 1st, of course) Anywayz back 2 tha review, I cant get enough of Aquemini, so much so, I've lost it three times and re-bought it each time. Lemme break it down: Nice musical intro. "Return of tha G" is sort of a poetic track, very real though. "Rosa Parks" was one of tha catchiest singles in 98' cant even lie bout that, great song. "Skew it on tha Bar B" is one of my favorite tracks on tha album. Raekwon spits a rediculous verse. "Sythesizer" is also one of my favorite tracks with a great beat. "Da Art Of Storytellin 1& 2 " are my two favorite tracks on tha whole album, they take story tellin to a whole notha level.
  I respect Outkast because they keep it real, extremely original, and gangsta all at tha same damn time. I mostly respect Andre 3000 because he's living proof that you should never judge a book by it's cover. Outkast is ATL's first shinning star, just like Scarface is our's, so alwayz show dem OG's tha respect. AQUEMINI is one of the most lyrical albums I own, so If you like Outkast, you should really already have this album. Lil Cris , 100%
  
  

• One of the best ever.

  
  By A278QK9F6ATWQ9 on 2000-05-09
  Outkast's Aquemini was the epic album that rap needed and what I needed. To see that rap hasn't just become talk about guns, drugs, gangs and killing. This album shows some real meaning and Andre and Big Boi let you go deep inside there minds, for a look at pure genius.

  It starts off with the melodic "Return of the 'G'" Which states that they are still here. "Rosa Parks" follows it being the big hit that made it to MTV and all that, which made me buy the album in the first place. Next up comes the superb "Skew It On The Bar-B" w/Raekwon, this song also made it to MTV, and they spit some interesting lyrics on here.

  Next up comes the most interesting, important, deep songs on the album the title cut "Aquemini" with one of the most deep verses ever...Don't get caught up in appearance it's Outkast Aquemini another black experience....Lovely. Then comes a more bouncy track with the always amazing George Clinton "Synthesizer" telling about crazy stuff like fertelizing babies so you have septuplets. Then comes the hometown cuts "Slump" and West Savannah" which are both very tight.

  "Da Art of Storytellin' Parts 1 & 2 are two seperate songs, and they both have very detailed stories. Like Andre talks about a girl he once knew Sasha Sasha Thumper Thumper! Its kinda sad. Then comes 2 slower cuts "Mamacita" and "SpottieOttieDopaliscious" which are a nice switch up. "Y'all Scared" w/T-Mo, Big Gipp and Khujo from the Goodie Mob, is just telling everyone if there scared...just say you scared! Then the skit "Nathaniel" of a gangsta rapper, just showing there's no need for it. "Liberation is a tight song almost 9 minutes long with some nice lyrics by Cee-Lo, Erykah Badu and Big Rube, it's very very melodic, harmonious and just sweet. Then the song that was perfect to end an epic album like this does just that. "Chonkyfire" ends it with a half rock half rap blend, and it's really nice.

  At the end of that song, in the background it goes and the winner isssssss....OUTKAST! Crowd goes wild....they truly are worthy of some type of award for making one of the most brilliant albums ever.
  
  

• 1 of the best hip hop releases of all time

  
  By A2R76W4058LSVP on 2005-12-04
  Outkast has always been one of my favorite hip hop duoes. I love all their albums, but Aquemini is the best of 'em all, it's simply untouchable. Even though it's a bit "old", it still ahead of it's time today, where hip hop is ruined by "artists" such as 50, Fab, Lil' John amoung others.
  Andre 3000 has amazing lyrics and Big Boi delivers the craziest flow ever. The whole album is genious, but the standout tracks are:
  "Aquemini", "Slump", "Spottieottiedopalicious", "Liberation" and of course "Chunky Fire". these songs are rated 13 out of 10.
  What i love about outkast, is their ability to combine hip hop with "music", with that I mean that some of the tracks are more sung tracks than rap, fx "Liberation" feat. Cee-Lo & Eryka Badu, where they all sing and not rap.
  In my eyes, you can't call yourself a hip hop fan, if you do not own Aquemini, it's a must-have album, and there is something for everyone
  i can't wait for Idlewood
  
  

• Outkast - 10 STARS

  
  By AWNVGGJEL9NZP on 2008-04-17
  Outkast are da bomb and this is no exception. If u love Outkast I highly recommend Smoke Sessions, Vol. 1 Devin the Dude is dope
  
  
• A Hip Hop Plato...5/5
  By ANB2HCT013R5C on 2007-12-15
  Following 1996's ATLiens, everyone wondered if anyone could possibly follow up especially at a time when everyone was flipping their script to gain attention and sales.
  
  Starting off with a short intro, we come into "Return of the G". Everyone was stunned with 3000's performance. Yea, people knew Andre was a skilled MC but his verses here buried everything he had done. This is certainly a career defining song for him. "Rosa Parks" was a certain classic track with experimenting with the harmonic here. Indeed, I wish everyone has heard this already. Raekwon shows up on "Skew It on the Bar-B" joining to make an excellent collaboration. An album highlight with the title track, "Aquemini" continues this well done run of songs. The famous hook should be known already and the beat is one of the best layering done. Another one of those experimental tracks, "Synthesizer", George Clinton ties this track nicely. "Slump" shows some street struggle lyrics. "West Savannah" is the only solo track here, done by Big Boi. Carried it through.
  
  Even though Outkast has done very well storytelling songs, both parts "Da Art of Storytellin'" showcase this as one of their best. Part 1, unfortunately, doesn't have the Slick Rick feature as seen in the video single. Unfortunately, the perfect glass is shattered by "Mamacita". Its sad, cause this was becoming one of the best runs in hip hop until this. "SpottieOttieDopaliscious"(and we all thought their debut was crazy!), this is really an interlude with all the talking. At just over 7 minutes, there are 3 verses and all 3 are short. "Y'All Scared" brings everything back on top with a great Dungeon family cut. I'm not sure why "Nathaniel" is here but its only over a minute long. "Liberation" is more of a spoken word and you won't get a complain from me, but I've never been a fan of spoken word. Take it both ways. "Chonkyfire" ends everything on an excellent note. Again an experimental track, only two verses and it runs out until a small skit shows up.
  
  And there it is. The plato to making a classic. Two songs shorter and this would have been the best, hands down, album hip hop would ever see. Yup, it couldn't be duplicated. I remember when this came out though, everyone was kind of hit with this in some way. It was just different from what was hot. Outkast took a different route and it paid off, leading to becoming the world's biggest hip hop group.
  
  
  
  
• Perfection
  By A1QA4EM2KNMBMN on 2006-07-16
  This is the best album by Outkast. That alone is reason enough to make it an automatic purchase. But not only is it the best album by the best hip-hop duo ever, it is one in a handful of the most important rap albums made in the last 15 years. The lyrics, beats, and overall vibe of the album transcends music as a whole. It's an experience, if you will, that can connect to the core of every human, no matter what your race, religion, financial status, or walk of life. In the mist of this, however, Outkast stays true to who they are and their dirty south roots. Both rappers were at their peaks, musically, at this point in their lives and each brought different and amazing skill sets to the table to combine and create this masterpiece. Big Boi never wavers, always bringing the truest and purest street speak to your ears, keeping the thug in the album and the streets the object of everything he says. And Andre brings the creativity and the style to the album, meshing with Big Boi in a symbiotic cacophony of musical favors and styles. And not to dis Big Boi, but Andre may actually be the most underrated rap artist in the history of the genre. If I'm making the starting line up for a hip-hop all-star team it would go something like this: Jay-Z, 2Pac, Nas, Chuck D, and Andre 3000 (with the Wu Tang Clan and Biggie coming off the bench). That's how much I think of Andre. He reaches out and demands your attention with every word he speaks, telling you exactly how it is and how he sees the world, with a flow almost poetry-like in nature. When we look back 100 years from now, in this era of hip-hop, people will see this album and hear the lyrics of Andre (as well as Big Boi) and realize what true hip-hop was and meant at that point in history. With so much crap being produced over the last few years in rap, particularly in commercial hip-hop, this album is breath of fresh air that will always remain relevant and never become dated. It is a true testament to the greatness of hip-hop as hip-hop is supposed to be. This is the best cd I own.
  
  Best Tracks:
  
  Rosa Parks
  Aquemini
  Slump
  Da Art of Storytellin' (1 and 2)
  Liberation
  Chonkyfire
  
  
• well, really more like 4.5 stars...
  By A3UHKYTVD9D0IE on 2005-02-19
  This is a really great album and my favorite from Outkast. The title track is one of my all time favorite songs. It has a remarkably mellow, organic feel and simply amazing poetry from Andre 3000. Other key songs are "Skew It On The Barbie" with Raekwon turning in a great guest appearance over one of Outkast's most aggressive (at this point in their career) beats, "The Art Of Storytellin Part 1" with it's dreamy production and great lyrics, "West Savannah" with it's nice blaxploitation bass/horn beat, and the guitar laced closer, "Chonkyfire." There's other great songs on here too but I'm not going to bore you. The reason why this gets 4 stars instead of 5 is that there are a few weak songs later in the album like "Mamacita" and "Yall Scared." Still, this is a great album from an always unpredictable and enjoyable group. Check it out.
  
  
• How to follow up ATLiens? An Impossible Task
  By on 2004-04-25
  After Releasing ATLiens in '96 which is considered by me one of the top 3 greatest albums ever, it seemed nearly impossible to even come close to another album like ATLiens. With all the contreversy surronding Speakerboxxx/Love Below it is good to look back at the 90's and see Outkast's first 3 albums which are all 9+/10, 5 Mics worthy:

  1. Hold On, Be Strong- Intro

  2. Return of The "G"- The song really showcases Dre, his flow is on point, Big Bwoy is found on the second first but I find myself not enjoying his verse as much as I usually do. Good simple beat with some noises in the back that play with the mind. Lyrics= 9 Beat=10 Flow=9 Total= 9.3

  3. Rosa Parks- One of the more popular Outkast songs with a great beat, hook and lyrics. AH-HA baby uhhuh ya ya baby I said Ah-Ha Hush that Fuss, everybody move to the back of the bus. Do you wanna bump and slump with us? We the type of people that make the club get crunk. Lyrics=10 Beat=10 Flow=10 Total=10

  4. Skew it on the Bar-B- Raar Ya. Featuring one of my favorite MC's RaEKwOn The Chef, (Wu Wu Wu ), he spits a sick verse, the beat is a crazy dance mix and the hook is one that u gotta sing a long to and everyone comes hard on it. Lyrics=10 (Raekwon), Beat=9, Flow=10. Total= 9.67

  5. Aquemini- The title track is easily, the best, song on this album. A slow smooth beat, one of my favorite of all time. Perfection of lyrics, relaxed flow. Perfect. Lyrics=10, Beat=10, Flow=10. Total=10

  6. Synthezier- A weird song, but you have to enjoy the synthizer of course to enjoy this song. Dre's second verse is pretty sick. Lyrics=8 Beat= 9 Flow=8 Total=8.3

  7. Slump- At this point in the album and on (Excluding Da Art's of storytellin) the cd really begins to become a southern album with real hard beats that you'd expect from Organized Noise. It's just a slow southern jam. Lyrics=9 Beat=10 Flow=10. Total-9.67

  8. West Savanah- A solo by Big Boi, probably my favorite song in my car, one of the best flows I've ever heard on a song, and another good down south classic. Lyrics=10 Beat=10 Flow=10 Total-10

  9. Da art of storytellin' pt 1- The classic Single that tells the story of two girls and problems they went through with the crew. It's a classic if you haven't heard it you probably don't know much aboot rap. Lyrics=10 Beat=9 Flow=9.5 Total-9.5

  10. Da Art of storytellin' pt 2- A little 2 minute follow up to pt 1 with a more up pace beat and no chorus. Not much to say about it, it's d.a.s.2. Lyrics=9 Beat=10 Flow=9.5 Total- 9.5

  11. Mamcita- Never really felt this song, I think this is the one that hurts the album's overall rating. The first verse by whomever is whack. Lyrics=7 Beat=5 Flow=8 Total-6.67

  12. SpottieOttieDopaliscious- One of the first Dungeon Family/Outkast songs I heard. No real rapping going on here, it's mostly a long song of complimation of a great southern beat and some horns. Lyrics= 8 Beat=10 Flow= 8 Total-8.57

  13. Ya'll Scared- Featuring the Goodie Mob(Check out Soul Food) I don't like the beat so right away it's hard for me to like it. Lyrics=9 Beat= 7 Flow=8 Total-8

  14. Nathaniel- Interlude

  15. Liberation- One long ass song. Don't really like it though. Lyrics= 9 Beat-8 Flow-9 Total- 8.67

  16. Chonkyfire- haha this song is crazy. I always love outkast cause they play with your brain. It's the perfect song to end the album with. Only thing I dont like about it is how the beat changes when Big Boi starts to rap. Lyrics= 9.5 Beat= 9 Flow=10 Total- 9.5

  FINAL TOTALS:
  Lyrics=9.1 Beat=9 Flow=9.2 OVERALL=9.09/10

  (...)
  
  

• Outkast does it again with there amazing talents
  By A1D2MZBP7BZA9A on 2005-09-15
  The duo of Andre Benjamin and Big Boi have really out done themsevles this time with the their third album, Aquemini. The world may not have been ready for such an influential album but it was released anyway. From the first song till the last, the lyrics do not let up. Andre 3000 has really proved himself as an artist in this album. Aquemini had high expectations as it hit stores and not to worry it did not dissapoint. Just like in some of the first albums they showed that one of a kind Andre 3000 and Big Boi style. Some of my song favorites would have to include "Rosa Parks" and "Return of the G" as each of these songs could be replay for hours just listening to the lyrics. It is no different with any other song on the album as it really provides you with a sense of who Outkast is. The rythmes and lyrics that Andre has composed are out of this world. I have never seen or heard of group like Outkast putting it all out on the edge like this. Outkast is possibly the best rap group of all times and this is a must have album just like every other album they have produced.
  
  
• And then there was Aquemini
  By A1UMTWUMXULY9D on 2003-02-14
  Every now and than an album comes by which doesn't simply raise the expectations for all later albums; it becomes the mold to judge all albums. Aquemini has intelligent vocals, catchy hooks, strong beats and an almost magical flow. And then it has something else; a strange emotional characteristic that is so rare in music these days. It's all over the album: it's on the cover art, in the harmonica of "Rosa Parks", in the pauses in the title track, the background vocals of "Synthesizer", the opening of "Slump", the trumpets in "Spottieottiedogaliscious", all the way to the wind-down end of "Chunkfire". The album is "Southern". It's "chill". It's cooking hamburgers in summertime. It's hot sex and potato yams all rolled in one. It's a magical quality that allows it relate to everyone in an individual and personal way. In a weird way it is much like Pinkerton, in that it can make you feel sad, and still feel better. It is one of the few albums left that seems to have been made with a much greater intention than just to make money: there is a very large and emotional piece of Outkast placed inside every copy of the album. You just need to go out and get it.
  
  
• Definitely, Outkastastic
  By A1MV54Z3RUIBMU on 2005-12-13
  Outkast is no stranger to the world of creativity. And they really prove it well with this album. I first bought Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik and was appalled by their laid- back funky performance. And sorry to say I havent bought ATLiens yet but that will be added to my collection soon. Aquemini was my second bought Outkast album, and it was truly amazing from 'Hold on, be strong' to 'Chonkyfire'. Dre and Big Boi spit fire on this album. I bought this album last year and it has been smiliing at me on my CD tower every day since. Even the cover to this album, a real portrait of Outkast's southern lifestyle. My favorite songs on this album would have to be 'Return of the "G"' and 'Spottieottiedopalicious'. This album also features live instrumentation. Everything from real drums to xylophones. If you have all/one Outkast album and don't have Aquemini, you should definitely check this out. One of their best.
  
  
• A Hip-Hop Classic
  By A1POGYGC5C99W5 on 2005-02-27
  Even compared to their already excellent and forward-looking catalog, OutKast's sprawling third album Aquemini was a stroke of brilliance. The chilled-out space-funk of ATLiens had already thrown some fans for a loop, and Aquemini made it clear that its predecessor was no detour, but a stepping stone for even greater ambitions. Some of ATLiens' ethereal futurism is still present, but more often Aquemini plants its feet on the ground for a surprisingly down-home flavor. The music draws from a vastly eclectic palette of sources, and the live instrumentation is fuller-sounding than ATLiens. Most importantly, producers Organized Noize imbue their tracks with a Southern earthiness and simultaneous spirituality that come across regardless of what Dre and Big Boi are rapping about. Not that they shy away from rougher subject matter, but their perspective is grounded and responsible, intentionally avoiding hardcore clichés. Their distinctive vocal deliveries are now fully mature, with a recognizably Southern rhythmic bounce but loads more technique than their territorial peers. Those flows grace some of the richest and most inventive hip-hop tracks of the decade. The airy lead single "Rosa Parks" juxtaposes porch-front acoustic guitar with DJ scratches and a stomping harmonica break that could have come from nowhere but the South. Unexpected touches like that are all over the record: the live orchestra on "Return of the 'G'," the electronic, George Clinton-guested "Synthesizer," the reggae horns and dub-style echo of "SpottieOttieDopaliscious," the hard-rocking wah-wah guitar of "Chonkyfire," and on and on. What's most impressive is the way everything comes together to justify the full-CD running time, something few hip-hop epics of this scope ever accomplish. After a few listens, not even the meditative jams on the second half of the album feel all that excessive. Aquemini fulfills all its ambitions, covering more than enough territory to qualify it as a virtuosic masterpiece, and a landmark hip-hop album of the late '90s.
  
  
• Spottieottiedopaliscious (really 8 stars)
  By A38CPA9MZMPZCC on 2004-07-24
  the first two records that got me REALLY interested in hip hop were Outkast's first (Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik) and Methods Man's first solo (Tical). this means that i have been a die-hard Outkast fan since 1994; Aquemini is my absolute favorite of theirs. anytime you who can feature Wu Tang (with Raekwon) and a gritty new york style on one track, then two songs later flow flawlessly into some straight-up P-funk style (with George Clinton), it means you have attained some timeless brilliance. later they create a completely modern deep-south version of The Funk in -Spottieottiedopaliscious-. probably my favorite from the album is when they pair an entire song created from a telephone call (made presumably by a member of their Dungeon Family) titled simply -Nathaniel- that is an inciteful flow about many of the underlying truths of living a contained life within the Department of Corrections. that is followed by a song appropriately titled -Liberation- that remains one of my all-time favorite arrangements across all generes.
  
  Outkast is always great, but this record is, to me, their most spectacular and diverse effort.
  
  
• ThErEs JuSt SoMeThInG aBoUt It
  By A333U06D2D5W7N on 2004-07-16
  This album is beyond amazing.I'm really getting into Outkast's music-I have three of their albums now(this one,stankonia,and speakerboxx/luv below) and all three of them r classic.This one is just the most original.But its still cool!That's what you'll love about it.It doesn't matter what kind of music you like, you'll love this album.Obviously Andre is one of the best rappers ever-his verse on da art of storytelling reminds me of how Biggie was-u know how they could rap about something they experienced and you'd feel like you were there experiencing it with them?That's it.Big Boi is great too-but if u really wana hear the best of him listen to speakerboxx.andre always stands out on their albums together.rosa parks was a huge hit-and i can see why it has a nice beat,catchy hook, and unbelievable verses-especially andre.GOD,he is good.But anyways-return of the g has a nice fast delivery and it has an orchestra on it-how many other rappers can rap over an orchestra?then theres skew it on the barb which is another nice track with raekwon,aquemini-which sticks in my head alot-is classic,synthesizer is weird but it grows on u.I luv slump-tht is a great song 2 jus chill2,same 4 west savannah and the funky,mellow spottieottiedopalicsious.I wish theyd rapped on that song,tho.I enjoy most every track,I like the guitar on chonkyfire-tho i like mostly rap,I'm a sucker for guitars,i actually play bass.To close,this album is just a classic up there with life after death,reasonable doubt,and all eyez on me.To represnt the South in their classic record report,the Source chose this record.Im not surprised-its soooo great.If u like rock,funk,rap,hiphop,soul,r and b,hell music period...youll love this record.CLASSIC.
  
  
• Magical album, takes a while to sink in, but classic.
  By A1NX6JFDR8RDOC on 2001-12-07
  I bought this album in the spring of 1999, and was not impressed by it at all. I listened to it again and again, and it just didn't really sound great to me, other than the singles and a couple other tracks. But Outkast is an amazing group, and Formally told me I should listen to this album again and see if I start to like it. I also saw Outkast performing on the television show Martin recently, and it made me remember them. Finally, I decided to pull this album out of my shelf and sit through the whole thing. This would be the final decision, whether I really liked Aquemini or not. And after listening to it again, I realized this album is extremely addictive. The production done by Outkast themselves is very creative and interesting. My whole opinion of Outkast's third album was completely turned around. They don't even just rap on here, there's some soul, jazz, spoken word and even reggae mixed in along with hardcore Southern hip-hop.

  The introduction is just a laid-back track, but "Return Of The G" is a spectacular track with a perfect beat. Dre and Big Boi both ripped this one, and the horns are nice. "Rosa Parks" was the first single and definitely a classic song with its happy guitar loop and fantastic harmonica solo. On "Skew It On The Bar-B", which was also a single, Outkast teams up with Raekwon and show a lyrical display. It's strange they'd use a Henry Mancini sample on this track also, and Big Boi takes a shot at The Source. "Aquemini" has a laid-back Southern feel to it, the beat is very good. Both of them ripped this song. "Synthesizer" features George Clinton, the original P-Funk man himself, over a surrealistic beat. A computerized type of track here. "Slump" has a rugged backdrop and joining Big Boi are Cool Breeze (what has happened to him lately?) and Witchdoctor. The song discusses the troubles of street life when you're down. "West Savannah", as Big Boi announces, was a leftover from Outkast's first album, and it's him riding solo over a beat similar to that of "Get Up, Get Out", which is clearly shown here. The chorus is nice, an instant classic. "The Art Of Storytelling (Part I)" is also a single and an instant classic. Big Boi and Dre tell some amazing stories about girls. Unfortunately, the radio version which featured Slick Rick was left off of here. What a shame, that one was even better. "The Art Of Storytelling (Part II)" isn't quite as good, with its dark piano beat, and the vocals are spit using a distortion machine. However this track is not bad. "Mamacita" is a dense track with a spanish feel to it, also featuring a female rapper named Masada and Witchdoctor. The song is not as appealing as some of the others but it still has its moments. "SpottieOttieDopalicious" is my favorite song on this album, though it is very different and original. The horns on the chorus are so cool. Dre and Big Boi spit in a nice poetry format and it sounds really nice. An indescribable classic. "Y'all Scared" features Goodie Mob, and has a dope beat with some obvious hot lines, especially, "Heat will make anyone move, even Tyson can get laid down with this tool", said by Khujo, showing no remorse. Dre also tears this song up. "Liberation" is probably the worst song on the album, it's got a nice piano beat but it goes on and on and ends up not really going anywhere. Erykah Badu, Dre and Cee-Lo sing on it. It's not really a hip-hop track at all. "Chonkyfire" is a nice way to end the album, and the rock feel isn't as bad as it sounds at first. The beat changes during Big Boi's verse which is a definite highlight. The album ends with a skit like most of the songs do, but the skits aren't too annoying which is a plus, and they're relevant to the songs.

  You have to be patient with this album. I didn't like it very much when I first got it, and now I am very happy with this purchase. It took almost three years, but for hip-hop music it's worth it. So I have to recommend Outkast's Aquemini. If you don't appreciate it the first time, listen to it again, and maybe you'll change your mind. I know I did.
  
  

• Outkast's Finest Hour
  By A2OOKTRYY8HTB on 2007-12-23
  Outkast blew me away from the beginning...this is a hip hop group that transcended their genre in the most innovative way; SICK flows and tight beats-five CLASSIC albums under their belt: "Southernplayalistic", "ATLiens" "Aquemini" "Stankonia" "Speakerboxx/Love Below" it's a shame that groups like this come rarely...trailblazers, pimpz, hustlas & innovators...that is OUTKAST. Who knew that a couple of country boyz, the greatest dynamic hip hop duo ever, could lay it down like dis??
  
  I can't add anymore to what's already been said about this magnificent album accept that it is a MUST for your collection! A+++++
  
  
• this album will tighten your wig
  By A2VPYYZKG8EM2F on 2005-10-21
  I was turned on to this album about 6 years ago and it still sounds fresh every time I listen to it. I simply cannot get enough of this album. Lyrically, Andre Benjamin will break things down for you. The music is all over the place, listen to it on headphones for about 6 months, every day (preferably while in motion). I like what Outkast has done since (esp. The Love Below), but nothing holds a candle to Aquemini.
  
  "Lets talk about time travelin, ryhme javelin, somethin mind-unravelin"
  
  
• Outkast- Aquemini
  By A2L3WEVFOCA7OY on 2002-12-29
  Outkasts(Andre Benjamin & Big Boi) third album "Aquemini" is a classic. Love the innovation, entertaining lyrics,and sick beats on this album. Executive produced by ONP, A. Reid, K. Edmonds and Outkast. Guest appearances come from: Raekwon, George Clinton,Cool Breeze,Lil Will, P.Brown,J.Gillian, D.Killings, Witchdoctor T-Mo, Big Gipp, Khujo, Cee-Lo (Goodie Mobb)and Erykah Badu. Album starts off with "Return of the G" a banging track where Outkast talks about what they represent, and what they have faced. "Rosa Parks" is the track that got alot of radio play off this album, funky track with a funny hook, with use of Haromica. "Skew it on the Bar-B" feat. Raekwon is a nice adrenaline laced track. The title track "Aquemini" is a sad track where Outkast goes deep while talking about their hometown. "Synthesizer" Feat. George Clinton is a funkified track, with a whole different feel to it. "Slump" is a sick track, where Outkast talks about the Cops,Drugs and representing the South. Big Boi comes out solo on "West Savannah" a track where he talks about growing up, and his roots, love it, and the hook on it. "Da Art of Storytellin" (Part 2) uses sick background beats, and Outkasts flow is deadly and banging on this one. "SpottieOttieDopaliscious" uses trumpets, mixed in with impressive R&B vocals from P. Brown, relaxed track, which like its name is dope. "Y'All Scared" feat. Goodie Mobb, is a dark track, about Drugs and Death. "Liberation" feat. Cee-Lo is a soulful track, Outkast comes out deep and memorable on this one. Album ends with "Chunkyfire" a strong closer, to a great album from Southern Raps best rap group. Like all there releases, "Aquemini" is definetly an album worth getting.
  
  
• Best album in years
  By AYB6IIG5BFLH1 on 2002-07-15
  With two superb albums already behind them OutKast comes forth and brings one of hip-hops greatest albums of all-time in "Aquemini". It is a perfect mixture of music and lyrics that takes hip-hop to a new level. Very few albums have used the variety of live instruments that this album boasts. This album also shows Andre and Big Boi's willingness to take chances and this makes their songs that much greater as they are perfectly executed.
  "Return of the 'G'" has a slick bass line as this laid back beat plays with OutKast's fast-paced rhymes allowing their deep storytelling to unfold. "Rosa Parks" is one of the most enjoyable songs ever made as its upbeat string influenced beat breaks off at the end of the song to a harmonica solo and handclaps that embody the musical ride of this album. "Skew It On The Bar-B" features super fast rhymes over a hard beat. The song also benefits from an outstanding Raekwon guest appearance. "Aquemini" has a very relaxed beat as OutKast create pictures perfectly with their rhymes. About halfway through the song the original beat is added onto by more instruments making the song more upbeat. "Synthesizer" is an amazing song featuring George Clinton as OutKast discusses how everything in this world is becoming fake, "sythesized", and people need to be satisfied with what they have. "Slump" features some extremely catchy background singing and an imaginative hook that is half-singing/half-rapping. "West Savannah" is a song that was made at the same time as the first album was and they put it on this album. It has the definitive sound of that album and works good with this album as it just adds to the diversity. The song sports a nice semi-singing hook that with the lyrics evokes old-school images. "Da Art Of Storytellin' (part 1)" follows a story of a girl and Andre steals the show with his vivid storytelling. "Da Art Of Storytellin' (part 2)" is a high-pitched heart pumping song that shows the ingenuity of this album. "Mamacita" has a thumping bass line and good guest appearances. "SpottieOttieDopiliscious" has a wonderful drum and trumpet beat that is simply intoxicating. "Y'all Scared" features Goodie Mob and is a very good concept song. "Liberation" uses Cee-Lo's marvelous singing on this song. "Chonkyfire" uses a hybrid of rock and rap in the beat as OutKast raps on top of it.
  This album is an extraordinary musical journey that all hip-hop fans should listen to. Released in 1998 it was the best album released in many years and still four years later in 2002 there has not been a better hip-hop album released. This is one of the better albums in hip-hop history and deserved the five mic rating that The Source gave it. This is something that all hip-hop fans should have in their collection and because of the musical diversity represented on this album fans of other music genres might like this release too.
  
  
• ah-ha, what's dat fuss . . .
  By on 2000-09-21
  Like everybody else I'm jumping outta my chair about Stankonia. At the same time I'm throwing a stack of overhyped, forgettable hip-hop outta my CD player and blasting this one for the millionth time. Impact-wise, Dre's The Chronic was THE hip-hop album of the 90s, but (drum roll here) Aquemini beats even that album for pure goodness. Nobody else creates a sound, a feel, a world, a whole damn cosmology the way Outkast does. Too many artists limit themselves--either they're hard & tough (DMX & Jay-Z) or thoughtful & righteous (Common, Mos Def), or whatever. This one HAS IT ALL: thump-your-head-against-the-dashboard gangsta tracks, wicked funk, nostalgic memory-lane stuff, love songs, dance songs, and stuff we don't even have a name for yet. As for the rhymes, Andre & Big Boi are the two most underrated and versatile MCs alive. They rage, they cry, they preach, they mack, they clown, they shout . . . you get the idea. Now go get the record.
  
  
• OutKast: The definition of innovation
  By A1CLEJTQYIBJMF on 2006-04-12
  When speakin' off hip-hop OutKast has to be the definition of innovation, and Andre and Big Boi have always given us excellent records. It seems natural for them, and to choose a favorite of their catalogue ain't easy. Their 3rd album from 1998 is as perfect as a hip-hop album can be, and both lyrically wise and from a musical view, it's untouchable. Genius flows like these you gotta search long for.
  
  OutKast and their DJ, Mr. DJ, have handled most of the production here, and Organized Noize only had four joints this time, like the fantastic "Skew It On The Bar-B" and "Return of the G". The first I mentioned features samples of Henry Mancinis "Police Woman" and features an exceptional obvious Raekwon. Most of the cuts here are an experience itself. It's musically challenging and at the same time enjoying listening too, and Aquemini gets better for each listen. The album creates an unique freakish, much thanks to the intelligent music. It seems so unconstrained, like if music was therapy for them. If you're a fan of the duo, you should get all of their records. Aquemini on the other hand is a must for ALL hip-hop fans.
  
  
  
• a Hiphop soul masterpiece
  By A35X2PW5PG3IBK on 2005-09-14
  While ill be the first to admit I dont listen to any radio or mainstream rap OUTKAST is one of the most talented duos in Hiphop today. This is that rare kind of album where you can just put it in your player and pretty much listen to it all the way through from start to finish. the combination of funk, live instrumentaion and soul fells very refreshing even six seven years after its release and in a commercial market overly saturated by no talent punks overnight succeses Outkast shines as a group with some true talent. The production by ONP on this album and the other three albums is great and I would like to see them produce some other stuff these guys really do not get enough credit for what they do. Great great album
  
  
• ON ANOTHER LEVEL....
  By A2TC0BZLJZKJJW on 2005-04-26
  Forget Gay Z or Feminem, you can not categorize them with this group.I can't even begin to tell you how far ahead of the rap game Outkast is.This album is worth six stars,it gets better the more you listen to it 6 1/2 years after it's release.Andre 3000 whether rappin or singing is simply briliant,one of the more inteligent & creative musician's today.This is one of the best albums of the 90's decade. Listen to the songs like aquemini,slump,synthesizer,spottieottiedopaliscious you will feel and hear what i am trying to say.Many people think theyre previous record titled Atliens is the best Outkast album, wich is another briliant & creative record but this one is a little better in my opinion.A must have!
  
  
• Thank god for this album
  By ANT1T5LLJJ5SC on 2005-01-07
  Hip Hop Classics come out of nowhere like Nas' ILLMATIC and DE LA SOUL'S "DE LA SOUL is DEAD" Ect. When Outkast released Aquemini Hip Hop was in a low point album wise, so it was perfect timing. Everyone was waiting to see what they would do next, and they did it again even better. OUTKAST'S Aquemini is a Hip Hop classic and remains OUTKASTS best work. There is no way describe the journey that is this album. From the opening "HOLD ON BE STRONG" to the ending where Outkast recived a Source award and got booed on stage, this album is an experience. The way things are looking i dont think Outkast will ever make anything as brilliant as this, it is truly unbeatable. Outkast would become Mega Hip Hop Pop stars with the release of "Stankonia" but that album is doo doo compared to this epic masterwork. Thank god for this album. A+
  
  
• 3rd times a charm
  By A1J60N8XVDWBCN on 2004-12-30
  This IS my favorite Outkast CD, my first listen was kind of like whoa what is that but after a while it sank in that this was somethin totaly diffrent. Each song is filled with such hard hitting lyrics and up tempo beats. Skew it on the Bar-B is a prime example. The beat is jumpin but the lyrics are though provoking "The common denomnator the nigga numerator/never know who the hater niggas cater to your ego" Theres a reason this album got 5 mics in the source. Favorite songs are, hmm each one. Liberation stands out as a class as well as Da Art of Storytellin' Part 1 and 2. Slump is a good song about the hustle and buslte life of a hustler.
  
  
• Aquemin-amazing!
  By A1U996YEDDRCD7 on 2004-06-18
  No, you won't find any bad puns like "Aquemin-amazing" while listening to Aquemini, you would probably be too engulfed in the hypnotic beats and catchy lyrics to notice. Aquemini is easily the best rap album I have ever heard. I know that's a rather bold statement, but it's so amazing that you won't even mind the after-song skits, usually wastes of time, but not in this case. Aquemini reminds me of a mix of ATLiens and Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, Outkast's 2 albums that came before Aquemini. The crunk beats of Southernplayalistic are here (Slump, West Savannah, Y'All Scared), but on the other hand, some parts of Aquemini have the same low-key, compelling dark beats of ATLiens (Return of the "G", title track, Da Art of Storytellin' 1 & 2).

  It's wonderful to see that Outkast was only moving forward at the time, and it was obvious with "Rosa Parks", the hip-hop anthem of '99, and "Spottieottiedopalicious", a 6-minute long super-funky spoken word joint. Though the guest appearances are at a minumum (Goodie Mob is present, and Raekwon spits a sick verse on "Skew it on the Bar-B"), Outkast pushes the creativity to a maximum. The last track on this album, "Chonkyfire", complete with a nice guitar riff, is absolutely unforgettable and it's a perfect way to close out this remarkable album. The only albums that come close to Aquemini are albums by Outkast themselves. If you're looking to climb out of the trash bin of mainstream rap today, turn off MTV, throw out your radio, and buy Aquemini. It's all you need.
  
  

• Aquemini Review
  By on 2003-12-15
  1. Hold On, Be Strong- Just an Intro
  2. Return of the "G"- Nice beat and rhymes. 5/5
  3. Rosa Parks- Classic. 5/5
  4. Skew It on the Bar-B. Raekwon is awesome on the track. 4.5/5
  5. Aquemini- Classic. 5/5
  6. Synthesizer - George Clinton. Good song 4.5/5
  7. Slump- Decent 4/5
  8. West Savannah. Dope as hell 5/5
  9. Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1). Best song 5/5
  10. Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 2) Awesome 5/5
  11. Mamacita. Nice beat and set up 4.5/5
  12. Spottieottiedopaliscious- too long 3/5
  13. Y'all Scared - Big Gipp. Good song 4.5/5
  14. Nathaniel . Classic 5/5
  15. Liberation. Dope 4.5/5
  16. Chonkyfire. Alright 4/5

  Good album overall. Didn't have much time to review it like I usually do but thought I would drop my opinion off so more people buy this album. And pick up Outkast's other albums. (Atliens especially)
  
  

• Believe the hype
  By A1C0C9IJO2HS03 on 2003-01-24
  Radio rap these days is something that should be approached with extreme caution. Mired in the muck of pseudo-gangsta acts with rented Bentleys and gold teeth, or the "club" acts, there exist a few gems in the mainstream (and even more in the underground, like any other genre.) While the mainstream is oversaturated with complete ..., there are a few diamonds in the rough. Like Outkast. Let's be fair, they aren't totally a mainstream group. While Outkast are definitely accessible, they don't write about mainstream-friendly topics much and present a rap sensibility that is more in line with rap circa the early to mid-90s. Their sound is refreshing as well.

  ATLiens, their second disc, brought some backlash from a rap game wanting its pimps and hoes and not wanting to hear about aliens and other topics. This is clearly reflected in "Return of the G," which is a clear mockery of the gangsta rap scene, its fanbase, and the homogenization of the genre. Andre is particularly critical of "n!ggas that think you soft and say y'all be gospel rappin' but they be steady clappin' when you talk about ... & switches & hoes & clothes & weed". The duo go on to attack the effects of overreliance on technology in "Synthesizer" (featuring George Clinton himself), and drug use is briefly criticized in "Y'all Scared". But don't worry, Outkast aren't always in attack mode. Songs such as "Rosa Parks" and "Skew It on the Bar-B" are more fun, abstract tunes that come from the 80's "brag" school without resorting to gangsta-isms, while other tunes, such as "Da Art of Storytellin' Part 1" focus on aspects of the individual's lives and growing up in Georgia.

  Soundwise, the production is phenomenal. The southern-kissed sound is still there, including an awesome harmonica break in "Rosa Parks" (which still gets played to death on the radio), but there are a few more elements introduced, such as "Da Art of Storytellin Part 2," which is a very haunting, bleak companion to its complete opposite "Da Art of Storytellin Part 1," both lyrically and musically (you have to hear it to believe it). "Synthesizer" features quite a bit of clean singing, from Dre and the king of funk himself George Clinton. Elements of chamber music appear at times as well, and many of the tracks embrace a darker more bleak tone to them than did past albums. The duo seems most comfortable doing their deep south thang, however, especially on swampy sounding tracks like "West Savannah" and the nice acoustic guitar-laden "Rosa Parks."

  Rhythmically, this is where Outkast fully ditched the simplistic meter of the past and began to employ more progressive rhythms. From machine gun fast ranting to intricate staccato syncopation, the group employs a number of tricks. Big Boi definitely loves performing counterpoints to the beat, occasionally purposefully falling slightly behind the beat or anunciating the beat where a beat normally wouldn't fall (think rap's own Meshuggah), which keeps it fresh.

  Overall, I'd have to say this is Outkast's best album to date, highly recommended for any fan of rap.
  
  

• Atlanta's Finest
  By A36KX1BGXG89G9 on 2001-05-23
  What happens when you take two of the finest rappers in the industry, add tight rythmes and dope beats? You would get an album like Aquemini. The cd's name is actually the combination of both rappers signs of the Zodiac, and the first listen through is unpredictable like the horrascope. A lotta people say it was kind of a let down coming off the amazing ATLiens but it wasn't. In many repects its even better. First, their even more established and even faster rappers than in ATLiens. Second I like the beats and backround music better. Also, it has more of a southern fried country flavor. In my opinion its also much more personal and listening to the rhymes reveals a great deal about not only their talent but their lives. Its also much more political as they confront the ills of society. Also a great use of guest artists in which they actually sound good instead detracting from a cd as they often do. Outkast is so good at incorporating so many styles into their music as well. I mean they can move from straight up gansta rap all the way to more of a soulfull monalouge. Every song is a gem in its own right, from the hard -core "Tha Return of the Gangsta to rock flavored "Chonkyfire". If you haven't bought this, you haven't heard how good music should sound. This is real Hip - Hop, the way it was meant to be: raw off the streets and true to the roots, but deep and real.
  
  

• ATLiens
• Stankonia
• Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
• Speakerboxxx/ The Love Below
• Idlewild