Outkast's groundbreaking double album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, is a masterclass in innovative storytelling and genre-pushing production. Released on 1 January 2003 via Arista, this seminal work showcases the duo's unique blend of southern hip hop and hip hop, defying conventions and redefining the boundaries of contemporary music.
Clocking in at an impressive 2 hours and 14 minutes, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is a sprawling, eclectic masterpiece that features a star-studded cast of collaborators, including Sleepy Brown, Jazze Pha, Killer Mike, Jay-Z, and Norah Jones, among others. From the infectious, funk-infused grooves of 'The Way You Move' and 'Hey Ya!' to the introspective, soulful balladry of 'Prototype' and 'She Lives in My Lap', Outkast's inventive approach to songcraft is on full display.
Throughout the album's 39 tracks, Outkast's signature blend of humour, social commentary, and personal introspection is woven together with a diverse array of musical influences, from hip hop and R&B to rock, funk, and electronic music. The result is a work of staggering creativity and ambition, one that cements Outkast's status as one of the most innovative and influential acts in contemporary music. With Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, Outkast has created a timeless classic that continues to inspire and delight audiences to this day.