This is arguably one of the best experimental hip-hop albums ever produced. At a time when progression is taboo in a money hungry rap world, it seems to be all Outkast are intent on. And how grateful we remain for that.

Andre "Big Boi" Patwan's disc "Speakerboxxx" is your more straightforward rap disc, but not without its charms. Its drum and bass opener "Ghettomusick" is a standout, as are collaborations with Jay-Z ["Flip Flop Rock"] and Ludacris ["Tomb Of The Boom"]. Big Boi doesn't leave his roots, as Atlantan founders of crunk are included on "Last Call"

However, it cannot prepare you for "The Greatest Album Prince Never Made". An eclectic mix of George Clinton, the former symbol'd one and uber-pimp Snoop Dogg, this is probably the best rap album you'll hear in a good few years. This features the vastly overplayed but brilliant single "Hey Ya!", equally marvellous new tune "Roses", the funky "Spread" and the toe-tapper "Happy Valentines Day". Andre 3000 keeps his collaborations to a minimum, with Milkshake-r Kelis on "Dracula's Wedding" and jazz singer Norah Jones on "Take Off Your Cool"

Some may say this heralds the end of Outkast. I say this should end the image of rap as we know it. A wonderful album, this is, other than "Ten" by cLOUDDEAD, the definitive rap album of the 21st century so far.

Ollie Connors