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Anthem Is the Most Important? Getty Images/Ringer illustrationīetween 20, T.I. The debate is … complicated Which Classic T.I. Is Florida Part of the South? Getty Images/Ringer illustration We argued, voted, voted again, and we’re standing by these classics. The South Week Dismantling Dixie: The Summer the Confederate Monuments Came Crashing Down Getty Images/Ringer illustrationĪfter Charlottesville, cities around the country are debating what to do about statues that commemorate complicated parts of Civil War history The 20 Best Southern Rap Albums Ever Getty Images/Ringer illustration So a small group of Ringer experts convened, argued, voted, voted again, and did this in the manner we saw fit. It seems ludicrous not to include Da Drought 3 or Trap or Die or Sailin Da’ South or any of Gucci’s tapes, but those were mixtapes, and if we included all of the classic tapes, we’d be here until Tha Carter V finally comes out. Meaning, while we’re saying that Southern Rap Album A is appreciably better than Southern Rap Album B, I do not accept the legitimacy of the court in which I’m being tried. But like children, there are wayward ones, and favored ones, and neglected ones. Let me begin by saying I have a religious objection to prizing one great Southern rap album above another I love them like they’re my children. In the words of two great Southerners, nothin’ is for sure, nothin’ is for certain, nothin’ lasts forever. We’re also ranking the best Southern rap albums, imagining the André 3000 mixtape we all deserve, and arguing about what even constitutes the South anymore. You’ll find stories from all over the map, exploring topics such as the enduring legacy of Confederate monuments in Richmond and Montgomery, the evolution of Charleston barbecue, and the intersection of faith and football in Lubbock. For the next several days, we’re celebrating - and reporting on - the richness of the region. I really am struggling to describe the soudns on offer here, so all I will say is buy this, and you will not be disappointed! Oh, and that's without even mentioning Speakerboxxx.Welcome to The South Week at The Ringer. The other exceptional tracks for me are 'She's Alive', and 'Vibrate'. One of the best intros to grace a track introduces 'Pink & Blue', which by contrast to the upbeat intro, is a dark and downbeat offering, lightened up by synths at the end. Hip-hop beats complimented with electronic sounds and catchy vocals somehow combine to make an irresistable track. This is followed by yet another great track - 'Behold A Lady'. The best and funniest interlude I've ever heard in 'Good Day, Good Sir' follows, and always raises a smile for me. The retro keyboard synths make it for me. 'Roses' calms things down a bit, and has a real air of class about it, which contrasts with the mostly crude lyrics. As a DJ, this is also one of my favourite songs to play, and it always goes down a storm whenever I play it, despite it being over 3 years old. Such a feel good sing-along track, which just makes you want to dance. 'She Lives In My Lap' is another genre cruncher, which at points sounds like late-Prodigy meets Stevie Wonder! Next up, is the legendary 'Hey Ya!', which really needs no introduction. As with 'Spread', more exquisite vocals seal the deal. This is a downbeat soulful track, with a toe-tapping beat and soft guitar chords. Another humourous interlude brings in the next stand-out track - 'Prototype'. Tapping beats are combined with melodic synths, a catchy soulful-sounding chorus and great piano and saxaphone solos. 'Spread' is one of the stand-out tracks for me - I struggle to define the genre, but it is sublime, whatever it is. 'Happy Valentines Day' is not to my particular taste, but it's not a track which you would actively skip on the CD player. This is followed by an acoustic interlude of surprising musical quality, considering it is a bit of a humourous talkover. 'Love Hater' is the first offering, a shuffly piano-laden jazz affair, not the strongest track but a good warmup.
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The Love Below : the opening orchestral intro instantly lets you know you are about to hear something unique. There is also humour scattered throughout, as Outkast never take themselves too seriously, although they have a lot to be proud of. The spectrum of different music styles and techniques on show is awesome, and it isn't all guns/drugs/'hoes' like all the other hip-hop albums of late. A bit, no a lot, of a mixed bag - but on the whole a truly incredible offering over 2 CDs!Īs mentioned by another reviewer, The Love Below is definitely the stronger CD, although there are great tracks on both.