Though they had already made a breakthrough with Aquemini, it was Stankonia that graduated OutKast to the top of the lists for crowds celebrating hip hop, alternative and R&B. The two big hits (the frenetic "B.O.B." and the serious swing of "Ms. Jackson") are the real deal, with solid enough melodies and hooks to make one want to revisit them again and again. But like many rap albums, it goes on too long and has far too many interludes and throwaways, no matter if they're almost all at least mildly amusing or interesting on first listen.

"Gasoline Dreams" has a good rant that reminds of old school acts like Public Enemy and "We Luv Dez Hoez" rises above its annoying title by delivering a terrific rolling melody. But "Snappin' & Trappin'" has a stuttered beat that fails too grab hold and filler like "Slum Beautiful" and "Red Velvet" are immediately forgettable. While it remains overrated by rap fans and otherwise, this is still far more entertaining and respectable than the slew of embarrassing MCs that think they "speak the truth" on endless replay on MTV.

Best cuts: "B.O.B." "Gasoline Dreams," "Ms. Jackson," "I'll Call Before I Come," "We Luv Dez Hoez," "So Fresh, So Clean," "Humble Mumble," "Toilet Tisha," "Stankonia (Stanklove)," "Spaghetti Junstion"