Amazon.com
On the strength of the surrealistic, irreverent videos for "B.O.B." and "Ms. Jackson," from the multiplatinum Stankonia (2000), it isn't hard to see why these Atlanta natives have become one of today's most successful rap acts. "B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad)" features hyperspeed vocals and an infectious beat. The video is a kinetic whir of dancing, driving, and running set against eye-popping shades of purple and green. "Ms. Jackson" is a melodic plea to the mother of a child born out of wedlock. The highlight of the video is the way in which the cats and dogs in the house get in on the act with Dre (Andre Benjamin) and Big Boi (Antwan Patton). Both videos were directed with flair by F. Gary Gray (Friday, Set It Off), who seems to have taken inspiration from the prolific Hype Williams, the innovative rap director who helped catapult Outkast's compatriot Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot to fame with the video for "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)." The DVD includes a six-minute interview in which Dre and Big Boi discuss the making of Stankonia, the inspiration behind "B.O.B." and "Ms. Jackson," and their evolution as musicians and producers. --Kathleen C. Fennessy