:Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

Following Outkast's first Grammy Award win at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards (2002), André 3000 felt urged to do something different from his previous projects and moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. He was relatively unsuccessful, landing a minor role in Hollywood Homicide (2003) and a one-episode appearance in the drama series The Shield. He subsequently returned to music, and began developing a solo album different from Outkast's work. The output was a blend of pop, jazz and funk infused with live instruments, and with a larger emphasis on singing than rapping. When writing songs, he used a microcassette recorder in order to "record melodic ideas and lyrics, then build the melody around the lyrics". He began recording The Love Below at his Los Angeles residence, using Pro Tools software, in addition to a drum machine, keyboards and various synthesizers. He enjoyed the atmosphere of recording at home instead of a studio, telling XXL: "It didn't start in the studio because if you have a bunch of people around, they're coming from the party and I'm in there singing falsetto... those vibes didn't match." His initial sessions were hampered by his inexperience with Pro Tools and, unaware of how to edit his recordings, he opted to record songs such as "Pink & Blue" entirely in one take. Other gear used included an Avalon VT737 SP, as well as AD2055 EQ and AD2044 compressors for his vocals.

After creating four to five songs, he informed Big Boi of the project.{{harvnb|Sarig|2007|p=213}} Big Boi had already recorded some songs before André 3000 contacted him, but after their conversation he decided his next project would be Speakerboxxx. Describing his approach in the studio, Big Boi later commented to XXL: "I had a complete vision of what an album could be that was entirely me, and the idea was just to keep it funky, keep it jamming, it's always bass-heavy. And lyricism, it's all about lyrics, taking pride in your pen and your pad." His favorite song to record was "Unhappy". He spent several days working on its hook before driving to his mother's home and playing the song in her driveway, to which she responded enthusiastically. At some point in the recording, the project moved to Outkast's own Stankonia Studios in downtown Atlanta, which had been used to record its namesake Stankonia (2000). Studio manager and an engineer John Frye would later recognize that much of the media scrutiny surrounding the album's recording was concerned with André 3000 and Big Boi's working relationship and their decision to record separately. He conceded that both enjoyed working solo and were doing so more frequently, but continued to share and critique each other's works.{{cite news|last=Silva|first=Joe|title=John Frye: Recording Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar04/articles/johnfrye.htm|magazine=Sound on Sound|access-date=April 23, 2014|date=March 2004|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424043334/http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/mar04/articles/johnfrye.htm|archive-date=April 24, 2014}}

Speakerboxxx and The Love Below were originally conceived as individual solo efforts. However, Outkast's management deemed the decision unsuitable, as Arista Records sought to capitalize on the momentum caused by the duo's then-recent Grammy Award victory. In a compromise, André 3000 and Big Boi integrated their solo records into a single double album, which they envisioned as their film's accompanying soundtrack album. Production of the film was put on hold, and the album was reconstructed into their fifth studio effort. In order to accurately display the postponed film's plot on audio recordings, background noise such as footsteps and car door slamming were interpolated into the album's tracks. As he finished Speakerboxxx earlier than André 3000 completed The Love Below, Big Boi grew impatient due to André 3000's prolonged recording process, and once again considered releasing Speakerboxxx as a standalone solo album. While the entirety of Speakerboxxx was recorded at the Stankonia Studios, a substantial portion of The Love Below was also recorded at other locations, such as the Larrabee Sound Studios and Ocean Way Recording in Los Angeles, and the Tree Sound Studios in Atlanta. Frye noted the end of the recording sessions for The Love Below as particularly stressful for André 3000, whom he described as drained from working at four studios simultaneously. In total, an estimated 120 songs were recorded for Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. One of the songs which did not make the final track listing was "Millionaire", André 3000's second collaboration with Kelis, which was instead included on her third studio album Tasty (2003) and subsequently released as a single.{{cite magazine|last=Szatan|first=Gabriel|date=September 24, 2018|url=https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/41513/1/outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below-15th-anniversary-retrospective|title=Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is an eccentric, eternal masterpiece|magazine=Dazed|accessdate=June 20, 2024}} Meanwhile, the original track listing for Speakerboxxx, published before The Love Below was completed, included "Oh No", featuring Bubba Sparxxx and BackBone; "Do Dirty", featuring Killer Mike; "808", featuring Bun B; and "Rats & Roaches", a collaborative effort between Big Boi and André 3000.{{cite news|last=Moss|first=Corey|date=August 12, 2003|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/3n6jj0/outkast-flip-flop-with-jay-z-rosario-dawson-climbs-in-dres-lap|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230415082210/https://www.mtv.com/news/3n6jj0/outkast-flip-flop-with-jay-z-rosario-dawson-climbs-in-dres-lap|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 15, 2023|title=Outkast 'Flip Flop' With Jay-Z; Rosario Dawson Climbs In Dre's 'Lap'|website=MTV News|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}

Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is a 135-minute double album comprising a total of 40 tracks, including 11 interludes.{{cite web|last=O'Brien|first=Jon|date=September 22, 2023|url=https://www.grammy.com/news/outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below-double-album-hey-ya-20th-anniversary|title=10 Reasons Why Outkast's 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below' Is One Of Rap's Most Influential Double Albums|publisher=The Recording Academy|accessdate=March 14, 2024}} It is a concept album with the intention of each disc showcasing each member's individual perspective and musical style.{{cite web|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|date=September 23, 2013|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/e16u98/outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below-10th-anniversary|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127124540/https://www.mtv.com/news/e16u98/outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below-10th-anniversary|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 27, 2022|title=Outkast's 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below': Insiders Reveal Story Behind Hip-Hop's Biggest Album|work=MTV News|accessdate=March 14, 2024}}{{cite magazine|last=Rys|first=Dan|title=OutKast Revisits 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below'|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/01/outkast-revisit-speakerboxxx-the-love-below/|access-date=April 23, 2014|magazine=XXL|issue=151 (October/November 2013)|date=January 23, 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226163715/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2014/01/outkast-revisit-speakerboxxx-the-love-below/|archive-date=February 26, 2014}} Big Boi's Speakerboxxx is an experimental Southern hip hop and progressive rap record with lyrical themes such as single parenthood, philosophy, religion, and politics.{{harvnb|Sarig|2007|p=214}} Brett Schewitz of Rolling Stone noted musical influences from Parliament-Funkadelic,{{cite magazine|last=Schewitz|first=Brett|date=February 10, 2021|url=https://www.rs500albums.com/300-251/290|title=#290 OutKast, 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below' (2003)|magazine=Rolling Stone|accessdate=June 27, 2024}} while independent critic Roni Sarig observed the emotional range in Big Boi's lyricism as wider on Speakerboxxx than on its predecessors. After a "gunshot beat"-paced intro, the disc opens with "GhettoMusick".{{cite web|last=Clifton|first=Karla|date=June 18, 2022|url=https://karlaclifton666.medium.com/review-290-speakerboxxx-the-love-below-outkast-69cb39deb0b2|title=Review #290: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, OutKast|website=Medium|accessdate=March 14, 2024}} The track's eclectic musical style, encompassing electroclash, electro-funk, hip hop, and techno, is juxtaposed with recurring excerpts from Patti LaBelle's 1983 song "Love, Need and Want You", which exhibit LaBelle's vocals against a "lascivious" soul background. Lyrically, it displays Big Boi confronting lackluster contemporary rappers and criticizing the hip hop scene's perceived descent.{{cite journal|last=Dentler|first=Matt|date=October 3, 2003|url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2003-10-03/180111/|title=OutKast: The Love Below / Speakerboxxx Album Review|journal=The Austin Chronicle|accessdate=March 14, 2024}} According to Brent DiCrescenzo of Pitchfork, "Unhappy" musically conveys Big Boi effectively asserting himself as simultaneously traditional and perverse. The big band, horn-driven funk track "Bowtie" was described as reminiscent of George Clinton and Cotton Club. It lyrically details stylishly dressing for a night out, and features Sleepy Brown and Jazze Pha.{{cite AV media|author=Outkast|year=2003|title=Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|type=double CD|publisher=Arista Records|id=82876-50133-2}} Brown is also featured on "The Way You Move", a Latin-influenced R&B song pairing a "Dirty South synth-drum bounce with a faux Phil Collins hook".

Mariachi-tinged hip hop track "The Rooster" discusses Big Boi's struggles as a single parent, against an instrumentation based on "slippery" horns and loose wah-wah guitars. Killer Mike-assisted collaboration "Bust" blends hip hop with nu metal, and lyrically expresses a desire for superirority.{{cite web|last=Juon|first=Steve "Flash"|date=September 23, 2003|url=https://www.rapreviews.com/2003/09/outkast-speakerboxxxthe-love-below/|title=OutKast :: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|website=RapReviews|accessdate=March 15, 2024}} On the psychedelic soul track "War", Big Boi refers to the 2000 United States presidential election, War in Afghanistan, murder of Daniel Pearl, Iraq War, Black Panther Party, and Post-9/11.{{cite magazine|last=Brown|first=Ethan|date=September 25, 2003|url=https://nymag.com/nymetro/arts/music/pop/reviews/n_9274/|title=Dynamic Duo|magazine=New York|accessdate=March 16, 2024}}{{cite web|last=Thompson|first=Paul|date=September 22, 2023|url=https://www.theringer.com/rap/2023/9/22/23884849/outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below-anniversary|title='In My Mind I Was Already Gone': The Endless End of Outkast|website=The Ringer|accessdate=March 15, 2024}} "Church" is a lyrical critique of organized religion. A techno-gospel song, it has received comparisons to Stevie Wonder's 1970s recordings. The interlude "Bamboo"—titled after Big Boi's son, who makes a guest appearance, covering "The Whole World"—precedes "Tomb of the Boom".{{cite web|last=Fuchs|first=Cynthia|date=October 16, 2003|url=https://www.popmatters.com/outkast-speakerboxxx-2496020972.html|title=OutKast: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|magazine=PopMatters|accessdate=June 10, 2024}} Both tracks use an identical "bouncy" beat, while the latter dismisses rumors about Outkast's disbandment, and features Konkrete, Big Gipp, and Ludacris. "Knowing" discusses a prostitute's plight, while "Flip Flop Rock" is an ode to flip-flops. Featuring Killer Mike and Jay-Z, "Flip Flop Rock" is a hip hop track built on a "springy" guitar loop and a "beatific" piano, while incorporating scratches and propulsive kickdrums. "Interlude", a spoken word evaluation of Outkast's history, precedes the percussion-infused "Reset", which features Khujo and CeeLo Green. Comedian Henry Welch performs the brief interlude "D-Boi", while Slimm Calhoun, Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, and Mello appear on "Last Call", a track accentuated with aggressive horns and an eccentric theremin. Speakerboxxx closes with a 35-second reprise of "Bowtie", on which Big Boi's vocals are altered with helium.

File:Outkast (3619554591) (cropped).jpg in October 2003]]

In contrast with Speakerboxxx, André 3000's The Love Below was identified as a funk, jazz, pop, psychedelic, and progressive soul record comparable to the music of Prince in critical commentaries.{{harvnb|Sarig|2007|p=215}}{{cite magazine|last=Carlin|first=Marcello|date=December 1, 2003|url=https://www.uncut.co.uk/reviews/divide-and-rule-19098/|title=Divide and Rule|magazine=Uncut|access-date=September 11, 2020}}{{cite web|last=Tran|first=Caz|date=October 7, 2016|url=https://www.abc.net.au/listen/doublej/music-reads/features/outkast-speakerboxxx-love-below/102890668|title=Outkast's Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was a game-changing double album|publisher=Double J|accessdate=June 27, 2024|via=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}} The disc's abounding theme is love, specifically falling in love and self-love. Sarig suggested that the end of André 3000's relationship with Erykah Badu influenced much of the lyrical content, which he saw as concerned with the search for true love. André 3000's vocal performance on the string-driven intro was compared to Frank Sinatra by Andy Gill of The Independent, while on the noise rock-lounge opener "Love Hater", it was described as "mock crooning" by Stephen Thomas Erlewine. The interlude "God" finds André 3000 embracing his "horndog" reputation in a prayer, accompanied by an acoustic guitar. "Happy Valentine's Day" introduces his alter ego Cupid Valentino, a reimagination of Cupid as a "gun-toting thug". Anal sex-themed "Spread" displays trumpets and piano interspersed with a pliant bassline and scattering rimshots. Prelude "Where Are My Panties?", featuring Toni Hunter, insinuates a one-night stand leading to a romantic relationship. The lyrical theme continues on "Prototype",{{cite news|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=September 10, 2003|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/v75pq9/outkast-album-preview-from-the-whole-world-to-the-entire-universe|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208220854/https://www.mtv.com/news/v75pq9/outkast-album-preview-from-the-whole-world-to-the-entire-universe|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 8, 2023|title=Outkast Album Preview: From The Whole World To The Entire Universe|work=MTV News|accessdate=March 16, 2024}} a funk-neo soul ballad sung similarly to Prince, Clinton, and Sly Stone.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.factmag.com/2013/11/06/outkast-top-50/|title=The 50 best OutKast tracks of all time|magazine=Fact|date=November 6, 2013|accessdate=March 16, 2024}} Alternative R&B track "She Lives in My Lap", featuring spoken-word vocals from actress Rosario Dawson, received further comparisons to Prince, as Erlewine compared the song to Prince and the Revolution's 1985 B-side "She's Always in My Hair".

Acoustic guitar and synth-bass-driven "Hey Ya!" fuses power pop, traditional soul and electro-funk styles. Lyrically an "ass-shaking jam session", it introduces André 3000's second alter ego Ice Cold, who instructs the listeners to "shake it like a Polaroid picture".{{cite magazine|last=Endelman|first=Michael|date=December 26, 2003|url=https://ew.com/article/2003/12/26/outkasts-andre-3000-gives-one-years-great-performances/|title=Outkast's Andre 3000 gives one of the year's Great Performances|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|accessdate=March 16, 2024}} André 3000 described the song as being "pretty much about the state of relationships in the 2000s. It's about some people who stay together in relationships because of tradition, because somebody told them, 'You guys are supposed to stay together.' But you pretty much end up being unhappy for the rest of your life."{{cite web|last=Moss|first=Corey|date=January 30, 2004|title=Road To The Grammys: The Making Of Outkast's 'Hey Ya!'|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/ynm2p0/road-to-the-grammys-the-making-of-outkasts-hey-ya|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220804233631/https://www.mtv.com/news/ynm2p0/road-to-the-grammys-the-making-of-outkasts-hey-ya|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 4, 2022|website=MTV News|accessdate=June 8, 2024}} "Roses", the sole song on The Love Below on which Big Boi appears, is a diss track directed towards a conceited ex-girlfriend referred to as "Caroline".{{cite magazine|last=Fitzgerald|first=Trent|date=August 27, 2020|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/outkast-storytelling-songs/|title=These Striking Stories in OutKast Songs Will Make You Run It Back|magazine=XXL|accessdate=March 16, 2024}} "Pink & Blue" contains samples of Aaliyah's 1994 song "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number" and reverses its lyrical theme, being directed towards an older love interest rather than a younger one. A "Goth-soul cha-cha" track, "Pink & Blue" ends with a brief orchestrated outro. While "Love in War" is André 3000's lyrical response to Big Boi's "War", the frivolous, falsetto-sung minimalist electro track "She's Alive" discusses single motherhood. "Dracula's Wedding" follows André 3000 as a vampire infatuated with another vampire, portrayed by Kelis, but fearing commitment. "My Favorite Things" is a drum and bass rendition of the 1959 song of the same title from The Sound of Music. Norah Jones is featured on "Take Off Your Cool", a string-driven acoustic jazz-soul track.{{cite web|last=Rabin|first=Nathan|author-link=Nathan Rabin|date=September 30, 2003|url=https://www.avclub.com/outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below-1798198938|title=OutKast: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|newspaper=The A.V. Club|accessdate=June 11, 2024}} On "Vibrate", André 3000 uses pro-environmental metaphors for masturbation. The dub-jazz track is built on muted trumpets and backward drumbeats. The Love Below closes with "A Life in the Day of Benjamin André (Incomplete)", described as an "autobiographical epistolary".

File:Huey Newton, portrait photograph by Blair Stapp.jpg.]]

For the album cover and accompanying imagery for Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, Big Boi and André 3000 were photographed separately,{{cite web|author=Mr. Wavvy|date=September 22, 2018|url=https://www.okayplayer.com/originals/making-of-outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below.html|title=The Secret History of Outkast's 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below:' the Last Truly Great Double Album|website=Okayplayer|accessdate=June 10, 2024|url-access=registration}} due to rising creative differences between the two, following prior disagreements over their imagery.{{cite web|last=Williams|first=Stereo|date=September 23, 2018|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/when-outkast-ruled-the-world-the-15th-anniversary-of-speakerboxxx-the-love-below|title=When OutKast Ruled the World: The 15th Anniversary of 'Speakerboxxx / The Love Below'|website=The Daily Beast|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225163355/https://www.thedailybeast.com/when-outkast-ruled-the-world-the-15th-anniversary-of-speakerboxxx-the-love-below|archivedate=February 25, 2024|accessdate=June 25, 2024}} Big Boi was photographed by longtime collaborator Jonathan Mannion, while Torkil Gudnason photographed André 3000. After listening to the entirety of Speakerboxxx, Mannion devised ideas for imagery based on the record's lyrical themes. Meanwhile, Gudnason had a more fashion-oriented approach towards his photo shoot.

The selected cover for Speakerboxxx saw Big Boi dressed in a fur coat and baggy jeans, depicting the fictional procurer named Rooster, who frequently appears on the album. He is shown sitting on a feather duster-decorated rattan chair, inspired by a photograph of Huey P. Newton published in The Black Panther dated November 23, 1967.{{cite news|title=Huey Must Be Set Free!|newspaper=The Black Panther|volume=1|number=6|location=Oakland, California|date=November 23, 1967|page=1|issn=0523-7238}} On the cover of The Love Below, André 3000 is shown posing with a gun and portraying Cupid Valentino, one of his alter egos present on the album. Brandon Soderberg of Spin retrospectively credited André 3000's flamboyant appearance on the artwork for inspiring rappers such as Kanye West, Lil B, and Cam'ron to embrace more feminine clothing styles, in contrast with rap's "normative masculinity".{{cite magazine|last=Soderberg|first=Brandon|date=September 24, 2013|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/09/outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below-andre-3000-big-boi-2003-10-year-anniversary/|title=Separation of Powers: OutKast's 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below,' 10 Years Later|magazine=Spin|accessdate=June 26, 2024}}

On CD pressings of Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, Big Boi's image was used as the front cover, while André 3000's cover was placed in the back. However, for digital editions and vinyl pressings, the images were juxtaposed into a single cover, with Speakerboxxx on the left and The Love Below on the right.{{cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/album/1UsmQ3bpJTyK6ygoOOjG1r|title=Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|publisher=Arista Records|accessdate=June 10, 2024|via=Spotify}} Furthermore, the liner notes were divided into two segments, one for each record, with separate imagery.

Originally titled Outkast Present... Big Boi and Dre—in reference to Outkast's compilation album Big Boi and Dre Present... Outkast (2001)—Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was scheduled for late May 2003,{{cite news|last=Reid|first=Shaheem|date=March 12, 2003|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/e4cyyu/outkasts-andre-3000-gets-down-with-norah-jones-big-boi-takes-us-to-church|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609151925/https://www.mtv.com/news/e4cyyu/outkasts-andre-3000-gets-down-with-norah-jones-big-boi-takes-us-to-church|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 9, 2024|title=Outkast's Andre 3000 Gets Down With Norah Jones, Big Boi Takes Us To 'Church'|website=MTV News|accessdate=June 8, 2024}} before being postponed to August 19.{{cite news|last=Moss|first=Corey|date=June 23, 2003|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/v9om34/outkast-solo-albums-being-turned-into-movie-musical|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608101502/https://www.mtv.com/news/v9om34/outkast-solo-albums-being-turned-into-movie-musical|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 8, 2024|title=Outkast Solo Albums Being Turned Into Movie Musical|website=MTV News|accessdate=June 8, 2024}} It was ultimately released on September 23, 2003, by Arista Records. As it was marketed as a double album comprising Big Boi and André 3000's solo discs, Outkast also promoted the album individually, arriving separately to 2003 MTV Video Music Awards on August 28 and staging separate performances and interviews. The strategy elicited intense media speculation over their disbandment, which the members consistently denied.{{cite news|last=Ogunnaike|first=Lola|date=September 7, 2003|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/07/arts/the-new-season-music-outkast-rap-s-odd-couple-gangsta-meets-granola.html|title=Outkast, Rap's Odd Couple: Gangsta Meets Granola|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=June 4, 2024}} In subsequent months, Outkast appeared on covers of The Source,{{cite magazine|title=OutKast: Big Boi and André 3000 Go Their Separate Ways?|magazine=The Source|date=September 2003|issn=1063-2085}} The Fader,{{cite magazine|last=Cruz|first=Mariel|date=November 15, 2021|url=https://www.thefader.com/2021/11/15/cover-story-outkast-2003|title=Cover story: Outkast|magazine=The Fader|accessdate=June 6, 2024}} Entertainment Weekly,{{cite magazine|last=Willman|first=Chris|date=September 26, 2003|url=https://ew.com/article/2003/09/26/speak-devil/|title=Speak of the Devil|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|accessdate=June 6, 2024}} Vibe,{{cite magazine|title=Outkast: Are Dre and Big Boi breaking up?|magazine=Vibe|date=October 2003|issn=1070-4701}} Complex,{{cite magazine|last=Scarano|first=Ross|date=March 21, 2012|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/ross-scarano/gallery-10-years-of-complex-covers|title=Gallery: 10 Years of Complex Covers|magazine=Complex|accessdate=June 6, 2024}} Rolling Stone,{{cite magazine|last=Binelli|first=Mark|date=March 18, 2004|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/outkast-the-funk-soul-brothers-237508/|title=OutKast: The Funk Soul Brothers|magazine=Rolling Stone|accessdate=June 6, 2024}} and Q.{{cite magazine|title=Hey Ya! It's Outkast & the 50 Bands That Changed the World|magazine=Q|number=214|date=May 2004|issn=0955-4955}} On October 31, 2003, they performed together on Total Request Live,{{cite web|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|date=October 31, 2013|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/xwz4dl/outkast-halloween-throwback-thursday|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606120324/https://www.mtv.com/news/xwz4dl/outkast-halloween-throwback-thursday|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 6, 2024|title=Throwback Thursday: Outkast Bring 'Stankoween' to 'TRL'|website=MTV News|accessdate=June 4, 2024}} before performing on Saturday Night Live the following day,{{cite episode|author=Ripa, Kelly (host)|title=Kelly Ripa/Outkast|date=November 1, 2003|series=Saturday Night Live|season=29|number=4|network=NBC}} at the 2003 American Music Awards on November 16,{{cite magazine|last=Susman|first=Gary|date=October 7, 2003|url=https://ew.com/article/2003/10/07/ruben-and-clay-outkast-join-ama-lineup/|title=Ruben and Clay, OutKast join AMA lineup|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|accessdate=June 6, 2024}} and at the VH1 Big in '03 Awards on November 20.{{cite news|last=Moss|first=Corey|date=October 21, 2003|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/rhbkmy/outkast-pharrell-williams-kid-rock-to-perform-at-vh1-big-in-03-awards|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606121826/https://www.mtv.com/news/rhbkmy/outkast-pharrell-williams-kid-rock-to-perform-at-vh1-big-in-03-awards|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 6, 2024|title=Outkast, Pharrell Williams, Kid Rock To Perform At VH1 Big In '03 Awards|website=MTV News|accessdate=June 6, 2024}}

André 3000's solo performance of "Hey Ya!" at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards on February 8, 2004 ignited controversy, as its imagery was described as "racist" and disrespectful towards Native American culture.{{cite news|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/cbs-apologizes-outkasts-performance-wbna4264467|title=CBS apologizes for OutKast's performance|publisher=Associated Press|date=February 13, 2004|accessdate=June 6, 2024|via=Today}} He subsequently performed the song at the 2004 Kids' Choice Awards on April 3.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/kids-choice-awards-5-4-04/2/|title=Kids' Choice Awards|website=CBS News|date=April 5, 2004|accessdate=June 6, 2024}} Outkast performed together at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards Japan on May 23; Big Boi held solo concerts at the Shinkiba Studio Coast in Tokyo the following day,{{cite news|url=https://tower.jp/article/news/2004/05/11/100003066|title=〈MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN〉、OUTKASTの出演が決定|trans-title=Outkast to appear at MTV Video Music Awards Japan|language=ja|location=Japan|publisher=Tower Records|date=May 11, 2004|accessdate=June 6, 2024}} and at the launch of Calvin Klein's fragrance Eternity Moment in New York City on June 3.{{cite news|date=June 3, 2004|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/zlbyf7/for-the-record-quick-news-on-aaliyah-outkast-madonna-phish-twista-jin-hives-foghat-nickelback-more|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606114824/https://www.mtv.com/news/zlbyf7/for-the-record-quick-news-on-aaliyah-outkast-madonna-phish-twista-jin-hives-foghat-nickelback-more|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 6, 2024|title=For The Record: Quick News On Aaliyah, Outkast, Madonna, Phish, Twista, Jin, Hives, Foghat, Nickelback & More|website=MTV News|accessdate=June 6, 2024}} The duo performed "Roses" at the BET Awards 2004 on June 29,{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/TheBETAwards/videos/outkast-roses-2004-betawards/230286011872470/|title=Outkast, 'Roses' 2004 #BETAwards|publisher=BET|date=June 3, 2021|accessdate=June 6, 2024|via=Facebook}} and a medley of "The Way You Move", "Hey Ya!", "GhettoMusick" and "Prototype" at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards on August 29.{{cite news|last=Moss|first=Corey|date=August 29, 2004|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/sj0vc4/outkast-jay-z-win-big-at-vmas-usher-no-doubt-land-multiple-moonmen|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816075903/https://www.mtv.com/news/sj0vc4/outkast-jay-z-win-big-at-vmas-usher-no-doubt-land-multiple-moonmen|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 16, 2022|title=Outkast, Jay-Z Win Big At VMAs; Usher, No Doubt Land Multiple Moonmen|website=MTV News|accessdate=June 6, 2024}} André 3000 then performed at Fashion Rocks on September 8,{{cite news|url=https://nypost.com/2004/09/10/no-duds-here-all-stars-rock-at-fashion-week-gig/|last=Aquilante|first=Dan|date=September 10, 2004|title=No Duds Here – All-Stars Rock at Fashion Week Gig|newspaper=New York Post|accessdate=June 6, 2024}} while Big Boi performed "GhettoMusick" with Patti LaBelle at the 2004 World Music Awards on September 15.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/usher-outkast-top-winners-at-world-music-awards-1428656/|title=Usher, OutKast Top Winners At World Music Awards|magazine=Billboard|date=September 16, 2004|accessdate=June 6, 2024}} In September 2023, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was reissued on two limited-edition vinyl pressings, in commemoration of its 20th anniversary.{{cite press release|url=https://www.legacyrecordings.com/2023/09/15/outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below-20th-anniversary-limited-edition-vinyl/|title=Outkast 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below' 20th Anniversary & 'Aquemini' 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Vinyl|publisher=Legacy Recordings|date=September 15, 2023|accessdate=June 10, 2024}}

In March 2003, MTV News reported "Church" and "Prototype" would be simultaneously released as the lead single from Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, and would be accompanied by a Bryan Barber-directed 30-minute short film comprising both songs' music videos; however, those plans never came to fruition. Instead, "GhettoMusick" was released as the lead single on July 15, 2003, as a double A-side single with "She Lives in My Lap".{{cite AV media|author=Outkast|year=2003|title=GhettoMusick/She Lives in My Lap|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/ghettomusick-us-12--mr0001471780|type=12-inch single|publisher=Arista Records|id=82876-54249-1}} However, the promotion of the single was soon halted as Outkast focused on subsequent singles "Hey Ya!" and "The Way You Move",{{cite news|last=Moss|first=Corey|date=August 6, 2003|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/u3j5lb/outkasts-big-boi-shoots-artsy-fartsy-clip-with-magical-hottie-mechanics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208222359/https://www.mtv.com/news/u3j5lb/outkasts-big-boi-shoots-artsy-fartsy-clip-with-magical-hottie-mechanics|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 8, 2023|title=Outkast's Big Boi Shoots 'Artsy Fartsy' Clip With Magical Hottie Mechanics|website=MTV News|accessdate=June 7, 2024}} hence "GhettoMusick" peaked only at number 93 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/Outkast/chart-history/BSI|title=Outkast Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=June 7, 2024}} In select countries, the song was released as the album's double A-side fourth and final single alongside "Prototype" in November 2004. Upon its re-release, an accompanying music video for "GhettoMusick" was filmed; directed by Barber, it satirically depicts Big Boi as a "Delivery Boi" for FedUp, and features appearances from Patti LaBelle and Lil Jon.{{cite AV media|author=Outkast|year=2004|title=GhettoMusick|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAgfrE28gpc|type=music video|publisher=Arista Records|others=Bryan Barber (director)}}

"Hey Ya!" and "The Way You Move" were released as the second and third{{efn|Numerous publications, and the members themselves, have referred to "Hey Ya!" and "The Way You Move" as lead singles from Speakerboxxx/The Love Below due to their immense success.{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2206007/the-number-ones-outkasts-the-way-you-move-feat-sleepy-brown/columns/the-number-ones/|last=Breihan|first=Tom|date=November 21, 2022|title=The Number Ones: Outkast's 'The Way You Move' (Feat. Sleepy Brown)|website=Stereogum|accessdate=June 7, 2024}}{{cite magazine|last=Damdridge-Lemco|first=Ben|date=July 11, 2017|url=https://www.thefader.com/2017/07/11/big-boi-story-behind-the-way-you-move|title=How Big Boi Created His Timeless Classic 'The Way You Move'|magazine=The Fader|accessdate=June 7, 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Music/01/08/mroom.outkast/index.html|title=OutKast on a roll|publisher=CNN|date=February 12, 2004|accessdate=June 7, 2024}} "Hey Ya!" acted as the lead single in all countries except for the US and the UK,{{cite magazine|url=http://www.aria.com.au/Issue716.pdf|title=New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 10th November 2003|magazine=The ARIA Report|number=716|page=25|date=November 10, 2003|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20031206130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20031207-0000/Issue716.pdf|archive-date=December 6, 2003|access-date=June 24, 2024|via=Pandora archive}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} while "The Way You Move" was separately released as the second single.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.aria.com.au/Issue732.pdf|title=New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 8th March 2004|magazine=The ARIA Report|number=732|page=26|date=March 8, 2004|archive-url=https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20040406140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20040407-0000/Issue732.pdf|archive-date=April 6, 2004|access-date=June 24, 2024|via=Pandora archive}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/2004/Music-Week-2004-03-20.pdf|title=Key Releases: Singles|magazine=Music Week|location=London|page=21|date=March 20, 2004|accessdate=June 24, 2024|via=World Radio History}}}} singles on August 25, 2003.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/2000s/2003/RR-2003-08-22.pdf|title=Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1518|page=28|date=August 22, 2003|accessdate=June 7, 2024|via=World Radio History}} "Hey Ya!" was the first to reach the summit on the US Billboard Hot 100, where it spent nine consecutive weeks, eight of which "The Way You Move" spent at number two, before reaching the top for one week. Thus, Outkast became the first duo in the chart's history to replace itself at the summit.{{cite magazine|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=May 10, 2013|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/how-do-macklemore-ryan-lewis-compare-with-other-duos-chart-1561350/|title=How Do Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Compare With Other Duos, Chart-Wise?|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=June 7, 2024}} Internationally, "Hey Ya!" reached the top 10 in numerous countries, as well as number one in Australia,{{cite web|url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Outkast&titel=Hey+Ya!&cat=s|title=Outkast – Hey Ya!|publisher=ARIA Top 50 Singles|accessdate=June 7, 2024}} Canada,{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/outkast/chart-history/cns/|title=Outkast Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs)|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=June 7, 2024}} the Czech Republic,{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpicr.cz/radio.htm|title=Rádio 2004|language=cs|publisher=ČNS IFPI|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040405174648/http://www.ifpicr.cz/radio.htm|archivedate=April 5, 2004|accessdate=June 7, 2024}} Norway, and Sweden, while "The Way You Move" peaked within the top 10 in Australia,{{cite web|url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Outkast+feat.+Sleepy+Brown&titel=The+Way+You+Move&cat=s|title=Outkast feat. Sleepy Brown – The Way You Move|publisher=ARIA Top 50 Singles|accessdate=June 7, 2024}} Croatia,{{cite web|url=http://www.hrt.hr/hr/top20/maineng.html|title=Top 20|publisher=Croatian Radiotelevision|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040405174726/http://www.hrt.hr/hr/top20/maineng.html|archivedate=April 5, 2004|accessdate=June 7, 2024}} Denmark, Hungary,{{cite web|url=https://slagerlistak.hu/single-track-top-40-lista/2004/9|title=2004/9. heti Single Top 40 slágerlista|trans-title=2004/week 9 Single Top 40 hit list|language=hu|publisher=Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége|accessdate=June 7, 2024}} New Zealand, and the UK.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20040328/7501/|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|accessdate=June 7, 2024}} At the 46th Annual Grammy Awards, "Hey Ya!" won Best Urban/Alternative Performance, and was nominated for Record of the Year.{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/artists/outkast/8325|title=OutKast|publisher=The Recording Academy|accessdate=June 8, 2024}} Barber directed both songs' accompanying music videos, which were produced to appear in sequence as a long-form video.{{cite AV media|author=Outkast|year=2003|title=The Videos|type=DVD|publisher=Arista Records|id=82876-54643-9}} "Hey Ya!" shows André 3000 portraying all eight members of the fictional band The Love Below performing to a rapturous crowd in London, to recreate The Beatles' first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show,{{cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2205819/the-number-ones-outkasts-hey-ya/columns/the-number-ones/|last=Breihan|first=Tom|date=November 18, 2022|title=The Number Ones: Outkast's 'Hey Ya!'|website=Stereogum|accessdate=June 8, 2024}} while "The Way You Move" depicts Big Boi and Sleepy Brown in a garage specializing in Speakerboxxx audio systems, before the setting is transformed into a lavish party. At the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards, "Hey Ya!" won four awards, including Video of the Year;{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/2004-mtv-video-music-awards-winners-66688/|title=2004 MTV Video Music Awards Winners|magazine=Billboard|date=August 30, 2004|accessdate=June 8, 2024}} it had also been nominated for Best Short Form Music Video at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards.

"Roses" was released as the fourth single from Speakerboxxx/The Love Below on March 1, 2004.{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2004/RR-2004-02-27.pdf|title=Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1544|page=47|date=February 27, 2004|access-date=June 8, 2024}} It became their third consecutive top-10 single on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number nine.{{cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/outkast/chart-history/hsi/|title=Outkast Chart History (Hot 100)|magazine=Billboard|accessdate=June 8, 2024}} The song fared similarly internationally, reaching the top 10 in Australia,{{cite web|url=https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Outkast&titel=Roses&cat=s|title=Outkast – Roses|publisher=ARIA Top 50 Singles|accessdate=June 8, 2024}} Canada,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Archive-RandR/2000s/2004/RR-2004-06-25.pdf|title=CHR/Pop Top 30|magazine=Radio & Records|number=1561|date=June 25, 2004|page=30|accessdate=June 8, 2024|via=World Radio History}} Ireland,{{cite web|url=http://irishcharts.ie/search/placement?page=1&search_type=title&placement=Roses|title=The Irish Charts – Search Results – Roses|publisher=Irish Singles Chart|accessdate=June 8, 2024}} New Zealand, Norway, and the UK.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/20040627/7501/|title=Official Singles Chart Top 100|publisher=Official Charts Company|accessdate=June 8, 2024}} Its accompanying music video, Outkast's sixth consecutive to be directed by Barber, is a contemporary adaptation of the musical West Side Story, and depicts the rivalry between two high school crews—The Love Below, led by André 3000, and Speakerboxxx, led by Big Boi—as they battle for fictional Caroline's attention.{{cite news|last=Moss|first=Corey|date=February 18, 2004|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/ln22yp/outkast-tell-a-west-side-story-in-upcoming-roses-video|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230407063919/https://www.mtv.com/news/ln22yp/outkast-tell-a-west-side-story-in-upcoming-roses-video|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 7, 2023|title=Outkast Tell A 'West Side Story' In Upcoming 'Roses' Video|website=MTV News|accessdate=June 8, 2024}} The video was nominated for The Michael Jackson Award for Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video at the 2005 Soul Train Music Awards.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/19th-annual-soul-train-awards-nominations-64301/|title=19th Annual Soul Train Awards Nominations|magazine=Billboard|date=February 1, 2005|accessdate=June 8, 2024}} "Prototype" was released as the fifth and final single from Speakerboxxx/The Love Below on September 27, 2004,{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-RandR/2000s/2004/RR-2004-09-24.pdf|title=Going for Adds|magazine=Radio & Records|issue=1574|page=21|date=September 24, 2004|access-date=May 20, 2021}} and was released as a double A-side single with "GhettoMusick" internationally.{{cite web|url=https://www.fnac.com/a1612335/Outkast-Prototype-Ghettomusick-CD-maxi-single|title=Prototype – Ghettomusick|language=fr|location=France|publisher=Arista Records|date=November 8, 2004|accessdate=June 8, 2024|via=Fnac}} Like "GhettoMusick", "Prototype" failed to enter the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 63 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The music video for "Prototype" marked André 3000's directorial debut, and depicts him as an extraterrestrial family member, who falls in love with a woman after descending to Earth.{{cite news|last=Vineyard|first=Jennifer|date=July 26, 2004|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1489685/20040726/outkast.jhtml|title=Outkast Tell Otherworldly Love Story In 'Prototype' Clip|website=MTV News|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210928175309/http://www.mtv.com/news/1489685/outkast-tell-otherworldly-love-story-in-prototype-clip/|archivedate=September 28, 2021|accessdate=June 8, 2024}}

{{Album ratings

| MC = 91/100

| rev1 = AllMusic

| rev1Score = {{Rating|4.5|5}}

| rev2 = Blender

| rev2Score = {{Rating|5|5}}

| rev3 = Entertainment Weekly

| rev3Score = A

| rev4 = The Guardian

| rev4Score = {{Rating|5|5}}

| rev5 = The Independent

| rev5Score = {{Rating|5|5}}

| rev6 = Los Angeles Times

| rev6Score = {{Rating|4|4}}{{cite news|last=Ex|first=Kris|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-sep-21-ca-ex21-story.html|title=Ride in the whirlwind|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=September 21, 2003|access-date=July 6, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106000617/http://articles.latimes.com/2003/sep/21/entertainment/ca-ex21|archive-date=January 6, 2011}}

| rev7 = NME

| rev7Score = 8/10

| rev8 = Pitchfork

| rev8Score = 8.0/10

| rev9 = Rolling Stone

| rev9Score = {{Rating|3|5}}

| rev10 = The Village Voice

| rev10Score = A−

}}

Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was met with widespread critical acclaim. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 based on reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 91, based on 26 reviews.{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/speakerboxxxthe-love-below/outkast|title=Reviews for Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by Outkast|publisher=Metacritic|access-date=July 9, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729050413/http://www.metacritic.com/music/speakerboxxxthe-love-below/outkast|archive-date=July 29, 2012}} Reviewing for AllMusic, Stephen Thomas Erlewine called both discs "visionary, imaginative listens, providing some of the best music of 2003, regardless of genre".{{cite web|last=Erlewine|first=Stephen Thomas|author-link=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/speakerboxxx-the-love-below-mw0000226528|title=Speakerboxxx/The Love Below – OutKast|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=October 10, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120618105925/http://www.allmusic.com/album/speakerboxxx-the-love-below-mw0000226528|archive-date=June 18, 2012}} He credited Speakerboxxx with "reclaiming the adventurous spirit of the golden age and pushing it into a new era", while referring to The Love Below as "the great lost Prince album." Will Hermes wrote in Entertainment Weekly that the album's "ambition flies so far beyond that of anyone doing rap right now (or pop, or rock, or R&B)".{{cite web|last=Hermes|first=Will|author-link=Will Hermes|url=https://ew.com/article/2003/09/19/speakerboxxxthe-love-below-2/|title=Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|website=Entertainment Weekly|date=September 19, 2003|access-date=August 25, 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107061509/http://www.ew.com/article/2003/09/19/speakerboxxxthe-love-below|archive-date=November 7, 2016}} Kris Ex wrote for Blender that the double album "holds an explosion of creativity that couldn't have been contained in just one LP",{{cite journal|last=Ex|first=Kris|url=http://blender.com/reviews/review_1388.html|title=Outkast: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|journal=Blender|location=New York|issue=21|date=November 2003|access-date=July 11, 2016|page=118|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040603103958/http://blender.com/reviews/review_1388.html|archive-date=June 3, 2004}} while writing for Los Angeles Times: "It's not just that the collection stands so far above much of today's contemporary hip-hop and R&B; but that it surpasses the high level of genre-defying craftsmanship that the duo has cultivated for nearly a decade." The Guardian{{'}}s Dorian Lynskey described both discs as "sublime ... hip-hop's Sign o' the Times or The White Album: a career-defining masterpiece of breathtaking ambition".{{cite news|last=Lynskey|first=Dorian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/sep/26/popandrock.shopping5|title=OutKast, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|date=September 25, 2003|access-date=October 10, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912024004/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2003/sep/26/popandrock.shopping5|archive-date=September 12, 2014}} According to Andy Gill of The Independent, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below set "a new benchmark not just for hip hop, but for pop in general", featuring "so many musical tributaries coursing into both Big Boi's progressive-rap pyrotechnics and Dre's freaky jazz-funk love odyssey that even their old tag of 'psychedelic hip-hop soul' starts to look restrictive".{{cite news|last=Gill|first=Andy|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-outkast-582030.html|title=Album: Outkast|newspaper=The Independent|location=London|date=October 3, 2003|access-date=April 16, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607085650/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-outkast-582030.html|archive-date=June 7, 2009}} Stylus Magazine{{'}}s Nick Southall called the album "a series of spectacular moments and memorable events".{{cite web|last=Southall|first=Nick|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/outkast/speakerboxxx-the-love-below.htm|title=Outkast – Speakerboxxx/The Love Below – Review|work=Stylus Magazine|date=September 23, 2003|access-date=October 10, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002114523/http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/outkast/speakerboxxx-the-love-below.htm|archive-date=October 2, 2009}} John Mulvey of NME described its two discs as "two Technicolor explosions of creativity that people will be exploring, analysing and partying to for years".{{cite journal|last=Mulvey|first=John|url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/outkast/7171|title=Outkast : Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|journal=NME|location=London|date=September 30, 2003|access-date=November 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929083914/http://www.nme.com/reviews/outkast/7171|url-status=live|archive-date=September 29, 2012}} Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine wrote that it is "greater than the sum of its parts, and this kind of expertly crafted pop and deftly executed funk rarely happen at the same time—not since Stankonia, at least."{{cite web|last=Cinquemani|first=Sal|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below|title=OutKast: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|work=Slant Magazine|date=September 19, 2003|access-date=July 6, 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915100402/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below|archive-date=September 15, 2013}}

In his review of Speakerboxxx/The Love Below for Rolling Stone, Jon Caramanica was less enthusiastic, particularly about André 3000 expressing his "right to be peculiar in a hip-hop context".{{cite magazine|last=Caramanica|first=Jon|author-link=Jon Caramanica|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/speakerboxxx-the-love-below-20030924|title=Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|magazine=Rolling Stone|location=New York|date=September 24, 2003|access-date=May 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071104110619/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/outkast/albums/album/290754/review/6068251/speakerboxxxthe_love_below|archive-date=November 4, 2007|url-status=live}} Matt Dentler from The Austin Chronicle stated that Outkast performed stronger as a duo than individually, explaining: "It's like Lennon and McCartney solo albums: plenty of solid tunes, but the pen held together is mightier than a solo sword." Pitchfork{{'}}s Brent DiCrescenzo wrote that The Love Below does not sustain "consistent brilliance and emotional complexity throughout" like Speakerboxxx.{{cite web|last=DiCrescenzo|first=Brent|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11796-speakerboxxxthe-love-below/|title=OutKast: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|work=Pitchfork|date=September 22, 2003|access-date=October 10, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925160508/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11796-speakerboxxxthe-love-below/|archive-date=September 25, 2009}} Ethan Brown from New York shared those sentiments, elaborating: "Big Boi's Speakerboxxx is bolder—he wants to go where most hip-hoppers fear to tread and take the MTV audience along with him. It strikes at the essence of what has made OutKast so important to pop: the accessible, democratic nature of its strangeness." In The Village Voice, Robert Christgau said the record could have been "the classic P-Funk rip it ain't quite" had Speakerboxxx alone been issued with "Roses", "Spread", "Hey Ya!", and "an oddity of [André 3000's] choosing". He nonetheless commended what he described as "commercial ebullience, creative confidence, and wretched excess, blessed excess, impressive excess".{{cite news|last=Christgau|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Christgau|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2003-10-21/music/rousing-constituencies/|title=Rousing Constituencies|newspaper=The Village Voice|location=New York|date=October 21, 2003|access-date=June 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525025747/http://www.villagevoice.com/2003-10-21/music/rousing-constituencies/|archive-date=May 25, 2011}} On the contrary, Matt Harvey of BBC praised both counterparts, describing Speakerboxxx/The Love Below as "hilarious and thought provoking, goes on for hours (without ever getting boring) and is the most ambitious piece of pop [of 2003]".{{cite web|last=Harvey|first=Matt|date=September 29, 2003|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/h5zf/|title=Review of Outkast – Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|publisher=BBC|accessdate=June 11, 2024}} In The Rolling Stone Album Guide (2004), Roni Sarig wrote that "for sheer breadth, ambition, and musical vision, there's little doubt Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is a classic."{{harvnb|Sarig|2004|pp=610–611}}

Critically acclaimed, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was nominated for a myriad of industry awards. At the 46th Annual Grammy Awards on February 8, 2004, it won Album of the Year, the most prestigious Grammy Award, and Best Rap Album. Outkast thus became only the second rap artists to win Album of the Year, after Lauryn Hill in 1999.{{cite magazine|last=Ellington|first=Andre|date=August 1, 2023|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/outkast-quincy-jones-gift-grammys-wins|title=Big Boi Recalls Unlikely Gift from Quincy Jones After Outkast's 2004 Grammys Success|magazine=HipHopDX|accessdate=June 15, 2024}} Geoff Boucher from Los Angeles Times declared the album "the first pure hip-hop project" to win the award.{{cite news|last=Boucher|first=Geoff|date=February 9, 2004|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-feb-09-et-boucher9-story.html|title=OutKast Scores a Hip-Hop First|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=June 15, 2024}} While accepting the Best Rap Album award, André 3000 said: "Thank you", showed a peace sign, and left the stage. Carena Liptak of The Recording Academy retrospectively called the acceptance speech "perhaps the shortest" in the history of Grammy Awards.{{cite web|last=Liptak|first=Carena|date=June 10, 2022|url=https://www.grammy.com/news/outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below-best-rap-album-andre-3000-acceptance-speech-video-grammy-rewind|title=Grammy Rewind: Outkast's André 3000 Delivers Perhaps The Shortest Acceptance Speech Ever After Winning A Grammy For Best Rap Album In 2004|publisher=The Recording Academy|accessdate=June 15, 2024}} Speakerboxxx/The Love Below also won Best Album of the Year at the 2004 Soul Train Music Awards,{{cite news|url=https://www.sunjournal.com/2004/03/22/outkast-win-twice-soul-train-awards/|title=OutKast win twice at Soul Train awards|publisher=Associated Press|date=March 22, 2004|url-access=registration|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118073052/https://www.sunjournal.com/2004/03/22/outkast-win-twice-soul-train-awards/|archivedate=January 18, 2022|url-status=live|accessdate=June 15, 2024|via=Sun Journal}} and Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album at the American Music Awards of 2004.{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/american-music-award-winners-20041116-gdk4bl.html|title=American Music Award winners|newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald|date=November 16, 2004|accessdate=June 15, 2024}} Internationally, Speakerboxx/The Love Below won Album of the Year at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards Japan,{{cite news|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/41g47p/for-the-record-quick-news-on-outkast-paula-abdul-janet-jackson-lamb-of-god-lil-kim-jack-johnson-more|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821020358/https://www.mtv.com/news/41g47p/for-the-record-quick-news-on-outkast-paula-abdul-janet-jackson-lamb-of-god-lil-kim-jack-johnson-more|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 21, 2023|title=For The Record: Quick News On Outkast, Paula Abdul, Janet Jackson, Lamb Of God, Lil' Kim, Jack Johnson & More|website=MTV News|date=June 2, 2004|accessdate=June 15, 2024}} while being nominated for the Brit Award for International Album in both 2004 and 2005,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3389755.stm|title=Brits 2004: The nominations|publisher=BBC News|date=January 12, 2004|accessdate=June 15, 2024}}{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4162591.stm|title=Brits 2005: The winners|publisher=BBC News|date=February 9, 2005|accessdate=June 15, 2024}} and for Best Album at the 2004 MTV Europe Music Awards.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/4024097.stm|title=MTV Europe Awards 2004: The winners|publisher=BBC News|date=November 18, 2004|accessdate=June 15, 2024}}

In the US, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart dated October 11, 2003, with first-week sales of 509,600 copies.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/outkast-leads-nine-new-top-20-chart-entries-68854/|title=OutKast Leads Nine New Top-20 Chart Entries|magazine=Billboard|date=October 1, 2003|accessdate=June 17, 2024}} Following three consecutive number-two debuts, the album became Outkast's first number-one on the Billboard 200, and registered their second-highest first-week sales, after Stankonia. Furthermore, it became their second number-one album on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. In its second week, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below sold 235,000 additional copies, remaining atop the Billboard 200,{{cite magazine|last=Hiatt|first=Brian|date=October 8, 2003|url=https://ew.com/article/2003/10/08/outkast-top-album-sales-chart-again/|title=OutKast top album sales chart again|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|accessdate=June 17, 2024}} before descending to number two the following week.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ludacris-scores-first-no-1-album-68646/|title=Ludacris Scores First No. 1 Album|magazine=Billboard|date=October 15, 2003|accessdate=June 20, 2024}} During its first month, the album sold over one million units.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/aiken-measures-up-at-no-1-68538/|title=Aiken ‘Measures’ Up At No. 1|magazine=Billboard|date=October 22, 2003|accessdate=June 17, 2024}} It returned to the summit in its sixth week, having spent the prior three weeks within the top four.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/outkast-pops-back-to-no-1-68328/|title=OutKast Pops Back To No. 1|magazine=Billboard|date=November 5, 2003|accessdate=June 17, 2024}} During the Christmas week of 2003, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below sold 374,000 copies, rising back to the summit,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/outkast-tops-final-2003-album-chart-67618/|title=OutKast Tops Final 2003 Album Chart|magazine=Billboard|date=December 31, 2003|accessdate=June 17, 2024}} where it stayed for three additional weeks throughout January–February 2004.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/outkast-retains-billboard-200-crown-1448663/|title=OutKast Retains Billboard 200 Crown|magazine=Billboard|date=January 7, 2004|accessdate=June 17, 2024}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2004-02-07/|title=Billboard 200|magazine=Billboard|date=February 7, 2004|accessdate=June 17, 2024}} In total, the album spent seven non-consecutive weeks at number one, and 56 weeks charting. On December 3, 2004, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified Speakerboxxx/The Love Below diamond, denoting shipments of five million double-disc units in the US. By March 2012, the album had sold 5,702,000 copies in the country.{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/music/bp/chart-watch-extra-top-albums-last-10-years-181452729.html|title=Chart Watch Extra: Top Albums Of Last 10 Years|last=Grein|first=Paul|publisher=Yahoo! Music|date=March 16, 2012|access-date=December 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402161744/https://www.yahoo.com/music/bp/chart-watch-extra-top-albums-last-10-years-181452729.html|archive-date=April 2, 2015}} Shortly after the album's 20th anniversary, the RIAA certification was updated to 13-times platinum on September 29, 2023, signifying 13 million album-equivalent units;{{efn|The units comprise pure album sales, song downloads and streaming equivalents of 6,500,000. For multi-disc albums whose total length exceeds 120 minutes, the RIAA counts each disc as a separate unit,{{cite magazine|last=Willman|first=Chris|date=April 18, 1997|url=https://ew.com/article/1997/04/18/riaa-rules-create-misleading-album-sales/|title=RIAA rules create misleading album sales|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|accessdate=June 18, 2024}} which doubles the amount of Speakerboxxx/The Love Below units eligible for a certification.}} Speakerboxxx/The Love Below thus became the highest-certified rap album of all time.{{cite magazine|last=LeJarde|first=Arielle Lana|date=October 2, 2023|url=https://www.thefader.com/2023/10/02/outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below-best-selling-rap-album|title=Outkast's Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is the best-selling rap album of all time|magazine=The Fader|accessdate=June 17, 2024}}{{cite news|last=Caraan|first=Sophie|date=October 2, 2023|url=https://hypebeast.com/2023/10/outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below-13x-platinum-highest-selling-rap-album-aquemini-vinyl-reissue|title=Outkast's 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below' Is Now The Highest-Selling Rap Album in History|publisher=Hypebeast|accessdate=June 17, 2024}}{{cite magazine|last=Abraham|first=Mya|date=October 3, 2023|url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below-highest-selling-rap-album-1234797901/|title=OutKast's 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below' Becomes Highest-Selling Rap Album In History|magazine=Vibe|accessdate=June 17, 2024}}

In Canada, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below debuted at number six on the Canadian Albums Chart dated October 11, 2003,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-albums/2003-10-11/|title=Billboard Canadian Albums|magazine=Billboard|date=October 11, 2003|accessdate=June 17, 2024}} and was certified gold by the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) in its first week. It subsequently peaked at number four on the Canadian Albums Chart on February 14, 2004. In the UK, the album was a sleeper hit, debuting at number 44 on the UK Albums Chart before peaking at number eight in its 16th week, as well as peaking atop the UK R&B Albums Chart in its 15th week. It was certified triple platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in July 2023, denoting album-equivalent units of 900,000. Across Europe, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below reached the top five in Ireland and Norway, and number six on the European Top 100 Albums, while reaching the top 20 in Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland. In June 2004, the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) certified the album platinum, for sales of one million units in Europe. The album was also a commercial success across Oceania, peaking at numbers nine and three in Australia and New Zealand, respectively, and being certified double platinum in both countries. According to IFPI, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was the 11th best-selling album worldwide of 2003. As of September 2023, it has sold over 11 million copies worldwide.

{{Quote box|width=30%|align=left|quote="Speakerboxxx/The Love Below ended up a downpayment on a future they couldn't sustain. Previously launched by their ineffable chemistry as MCs, overlapping and interlocking with a slick balance of world-weary caution and gallivanting abandon, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was, for all its deserved success, the visible end of that dynamic. Upon reaching the top of pop's Mount Olympus, a cruel twist occurred. The whole world was finally listening, but OutKast ran out of things to say."|source=—Gabriel Szatan of Dazed reflecting on the aftermath of Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.}}

Despite initial scepticism from both the industry analysts and Arista Records over the performance of Speakerboxxx/The Love Below due to its double album conceptualization,{{cite news|last=Sanneh|first=Kelefa|date=October 5, 2003|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/05/arts/when-weird-works-outkast-and-erykah-badu.html|title=When Weird Works: Outkast and Erykah Badu|newspaper=The New York Times|accessdate=June 25, 2024}} the album achieved immense commercial and critical success. Jon O'Brien from The Recording Academy declared it one of the most influential double albums in hip hop, crediting the album for reviving the concept pioneered by 2Pac's All Eyez on Me (1996), The Notorious B.I.G.'s Life After Death (1997), and Wu-Tang Clan's Wu-Tang Forever (1997). O'Brien further emphasized the influence of Speakerboxxx/The Love Below on subsequent hip hop double albums, such as Street's Disciple (2004) by Nas, UGK's Underground Kingz (2007), Drake's Scorpion (2018), and Kendrick Lamar's Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers (2022). Thematically, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below has been credited with propelling conscious hip hop into the mainstream throughout the mid-2000s, alongside recordings by Kanye West and Jadakiss. Chris DeVille wrote for Stereogum that The Love Below was sonically "an attempt at the kind of funkadelic genre mash Janelle Monáe successfully pulled off with The Electric Lady 10 years later."{{cite web|last=DeVille|first=Chris|date=September 23, 2013|url=https://www.stereogum.com/1486201/speakerboxxxthe-love-below-turns-10/reviews/the-anniversary/|title=Speakerboxxx/The Love Below Turns 10|website=Stereogum|accessdate=June 25, 2024}} Gabriel Szatan of Dazed praised Speakerboxxx/The Love Below for expanding the horizons of artistic expression within hip hop, elaborating: "For a relatively young and exceedingly creative genre, big league hip hop was also pretty conservative in its accepted conventions in the 90s and early 00s. OutKast permanently stretched those boundaries, showing eccentricity should be cherished. Nowhere was that done more gleefully than on their flawed, frantic yet furiously fun final masterpiece." Erika Marie from HotNewHipHop commended Outkast's choice of collaborators, which ensured the album to be "a cohesive masterpiece rather than a disjointed collection", adding that the collaborators were vital in creating an "epitome of excellence" in hip hop's history.{{cite web|last=Marie|first=Erika|date=October 9, 2023|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/720532-outkast-speakerboxxx-the-love-below|title=Outkast's 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below': 2 Decades Of Mastery|work=HotNewHipHop|accessdate=June 26, 2024}}

Upon its release, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was frequently compared to The Beatles' 1968 eponymous double album in critical commentaries, with Outkast labeled the contemporary Lennon–McCartney. In an analysis of the comparisons for Consequence, Zach Schonfeld wrote that Speakerboxxx/The Love Below captured the duo's "creative divorcing", drawing a parallel with the conflicts surrounding The Beatles, which arose from the members' pre-disbandment creative differences.{{cite web|author1=Comaratta, Len|author2=Schonfeld, Zach|date=September 28, 2013|url=https://consequence.net/2013/09/dusting-em-off-outkast-speakerboxxthe-love-below/|title=Dusting 'Em Off: Outkast – Speakerboxx/The Love Below|work=Consequence|accessdate=June 26, 2024}} Although both he and Big Boi were insistent on denying the intensified rumors of Outkast's disbandment, André 3000 began increasingly expressing his desire to pursue a solo career throughout the promotional cycle for Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. In an interview for Blender, he stated: "In a perfect world, this would be the last OutKast record." DeVille called Speakerboxxx the first indication of Big Boi's ability to record without André 3000, adding: "It's fair to wonder if Big Boi could have ever crossed over to pop and indie audiences without Andr[é] to kick in the door for him. But in terms of producing classic music, it seems like Andr[é] needed Big Boi a lot more than Big Boi needed Andr[é]." However, Outkast recorded another studio album together—Idlewild (2006), which also served as the soundtrack album for their musical film of the same title—before embarking on an extended hiatus in 2007.{{cite magazine|last=Gresko|first=Brian|date=January 16, 2013|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2013/01/the-revenge-of-speakerboxxx-how-big-boi-flipped-the-outkast-script/267168/|title=The Revenge of 'Speakerboxxx': How Big Boi Flipped the OutKast Script|url-access=subscription|magazine=The Atlantic|accessdate=June 26, 2024}} Idlewild was originally conceived as a visual counterpart to Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, composed of music videos for the album's tracks.{{cite news|last=Moss|first=Corey|date=June 23, 2003|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/v9om34/outkast-solo-albums-being-turned-into-movie-musical|title=Outkast Solo Albums Being Turned Into Movie Musical

|website=MTV News|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608101502/https://www.mtv.com/news/v9om34/outkast-solo-albums-being-turned-into-movie-musical|archivedate=June 8, 2024|accessdate=June 26, 2024}} However, it was reconstructed and postponed numerous times before its August 2006 release.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/outkast-54-1319761|title=OutKast reveal new album details|magazine=NME|date=October 14, 2005|accessdate=June 26, 2024}}{{cite news|last=Bonawitz|first=Amy|date=August 25, 2006|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/outkast-gets-idlewild/|title=OutKast Gets 'Idlewild'|work=The Early Show|accessdate=June 26, 2024|via=CBS News}} Regardless, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below tracks "Bowtie", "Rooster", "Take Off Your Cool", "Church", "She Lives in My Lap", and "Vibrate" were still used in Idlewild as musical numbers.{{cite AV media|title=Idlewild|year=2006|type=DVD|publisher=HBO Films, Universal Studios Home Entertainment|isbn=1-4170-8252-6}} Preezy Brown of Revolt described the Idlewild project as "devoid of the air of excitement and fanfare that surrounded Speakerboxxx/The Love Below", calling the latter "the duo's last true shining moment under the Outkast banner.{{cite web|last=Brown|first=Preezy|date=September 24, 2018|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2018-09-24/45588/the-5-ingredients-that-made-speakerboxxx-the-love-below-a-cultural-phenomenon|title=The 5 ingredients that made 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below' a cultural phenomenon|publisher=Revolt|accessdate=June 26, 2024}}

{{tracklist

|extra_column = Producer(s)

|headline = Speakerboxxx

|title1 = Intro

|extra1 = Cutmaster Swift

|length1 = 1:29

|title2 = GhettoMusick

|writer2 = {{hlist|André Benjamin|Antwan Patton|Kenny Gamble|Bunny Sigler}}

|extra2 = André 3000

|length2 = 3:56

|title3 = Unhappy

|writer3 = {{hlist|Patton|David Sheats}}

|extra3 = Mr. DJ

|length3 = 3:19

|title4 = Bowtie

|writer4 = {{hlist|Patton|Patrick Brown|Phalon Alexander}}

|note4 = featuring Sleepy Brown and Jazze Pha

|extra4 = Big Boi

|length4 = 3:56

|title5 = The Way You Move

|note5 = featuring Sleepy Brown

|writer5 = {{hlist|Patton|Brown|Carlton Mahone}}

|extra5 = {{hlist|Carl Mo|Big Boi{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

|length5 = 3:54

|title6 = The Rooster

|writer6 = {{hlist|Patton|Mahone|Donnie Mathis}}

|extra6 = {{hlist|Carl Mo|Big Boi{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

|length6 = 3:57

|title7 = Bust

|writer7 = {{hlist|Patton|Michael Render|Myrna Crenshaw}}

|note7 = featuring Killer Mike

|extra7 = Big Boi

|length7 = 3:09

|title8 = War

|writer8 = {{hlist|Benjamin|Patton|Sheats}}

|extra8 = Mr. DJ

|length8 = 2:43

|title9 = Church

|writer9 = {{hlist|Benjamin|Patton|Kevin Kendrick|Brown|Crenshaw}}

|extra9 = André 3000

|length9 = 3:27

|title10 = Bamboo

|note10 = Interlude) (featuring Bamboo

|length10 = 2:10

|title11 = Tomb of the Boom

|note11 = featuring Konkrete, Big Gipp, and Ludacris

|writer11 = {{hlist|Patton|James Patton|Cory Andrews|Nathaniel Elder|Cameron Gipp|Chris Bridges}}

|extra11 = Big Boi

|length11 = 4:46

|title12 = E-Mac

|note12 = Interlude) (featuring E-Mac

|length12 = 0:25

|title13 = Knowing

|writer13 = {{hlist|A. Patton}}

|extra13 = {{hlist|Mr. DJ|Big Boi{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

|length13 = 3:33

|title14 = Flip Flop Rock

|note14 = featuring Killer Mike and Jay-Z

|writer14 = {{hlist|A. Patton|Render|Shawn Carter|Sheats}}

|extra14 = {{hlist|Big Boi|Mr. DJ{{ref|a|[a]}}}}

|length14 = 4:36

|title15 = Interlude

|length15 = 1:15

|title16 = Reset

|note16 = featuring Khujo and Cee-Lo

|writer16 = {{hlist|A. Patton|Willie Knighton|Thomas Burton}}

|extra16 = Big Boi

|length16 = 4:36

|title17 = D-Boi

|note17 = Interlude) (featuring Henry Welch

|length17 = 0:40

|title18 = Last Call

|note18 = featuring Slimm Calhoun, Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, and Mello

|writer18 = {{hlist|A. Patton|Benjamin|Brian Loving|James Hollins}}

|extra18 = André 3000

|length18 = 3:58

|title19 = Bowtie

|note19 = Postlude

|length19 = 0:35

|total_length = 56:26

}}

All tracks on The Love Below are written by André Benjamin, except where noted. All tracks are produced by André 3000; "Roses" is co-produced by Dojo5.

{{tracklist

| headline = The Love Below

| extra_column = Producer(s)

| title1 = The Love Below

| note1 = Intro

| length1 = 1:27

| title2 = Love Hater

| writer2 = {{hlist|Benjamin|Kendrick}}

| length2 = 2:49

| title3 = God

| note3 = Interlude

| length3 = 2:20

| title4 = Happy Valentine's Day

| writer4 =

| length4 = 5:23

| title5 = Spread

| writer5 =

| length5 = 3:51

| title6 = Where Are My Panties?

| note6 = Interlude) (featuring Toni Hunter

| length6 = 1:54

| title7 = Prototype

| writer7 =

| length7 = 5:26

| title8 = She Lives in My Lap

| note8 = featuring Rosario Dawson

| writer8 = {{hlist|Benjamin|Brad Jordan|Willie Dennis|Doug King|Isaac Hayes|Roger Troutman|Dino Hawkins|Eric Vidal|Nick Vidal}}

| length8 = 4:27

| title9 = Hey Ya!

| writer9 =

| length9 = 3:55

| title10 = Roses

| writer10 = {{hlist|Benjamin|Patton|Matt Boykin}}

| length10 = 6:09

| title11 = Good Day, Good Sir

| note11 = Interlude) (featuring Fonzworth Bentley

| length11 = 1:24

| title12 = Behold a Lady

| writer12 =

| length12 = 4:37

| title13 = Pink & Blue

| writer13 = {{hlist|Benjamin|Robert Kelly}}

| length13 = 5:04

| title14 = Love in War

| writer14 =

| length14 = 3:25

| title15 = She's Alive

| writer15 = {{hlist|Benjamin|Kendrick}}

| length15 = 4:06

| title16 = Dracula's Wedding

| note16 = featuring Kelis

| writer16 =

| length16 = 2:32

| title17 = The Letter

| note17 = featuring Qasha Aman

| writer17 =

| length17 = 0:21

| title18 = My Favorite Things

| writer18 = {{hlist|Oscar Hammerstein II|Richard Rodgers}}

| length18 = 5:14

| title19 = Take Off Your Cool

| note19 = featuring Norah Jones

| writer19 =

| length19 = 2:38

| title20 = Vibrate

| writer20 =

| length20 = 6:33

| title21 = A Life in the Day of Benjamin André (Incomplete)

| length21 = 5:11

| total_length = 78:23

}}

Notes

• {{sup|{{note|a|[a]}}}} signifies a co-producer
• The original pressings of The Love Below did not include "The Letter", and "My Favorite Things" was a hidden track. "Vibrate" did not include its six-second spoken outro, while the ending of "A Life in the Day of Benjamin André (Incomplete)" featured a radio interview instead of a fade-out. The revised edition was released in early 2004, and was made standard for all future pressings and digital editions.

Sample credits

• "Intro" contains an uncredited sample from an Emergency Broadcast System announcement by Don Pardo.{{cite web|last=Forman|first=Bill|date=October 21, 2016|url=https://www.grammy.com/news/deep-10-nirvanas-mtv-unplugged-in-new-york|title=Deep 10: OutKast's Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|publisher=The Recording Academy|accessdate=June 27, 2024}}
• "GhettoMusick" contains samples from "Love, Need and Want You" by Patti LaBelle.
• "She Lives in My Lap" contains samples from "Mind Playing Tricks on Me" by Geto Boys, and "Pistolgrip-Pump" by Volume 10.
• "Pink & Blue" contains samples from "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number" by Aaliyah, and an uncredited sample from "Why Can't We Live Together" by Timmy Thomas.
• "My Favorite Things" contains interpolations from John Coltrane's recording of the same title.

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.{{cite AV media|author=Outkast|year=2004|title=Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|type=double CD reissue|publisher=Arista Records|id=82876-50133-2}}

;Speakerboxxx

{{div col}}

• Big Boi – executive producer, lead vocals (all tracks), producer (tracks 4–7, 11, 14, 16), programming (tracks 4, 7, 11, 13, 15), keyboards (tracks 4, 7, 11, 13), background vocals (track 8)
• André 3000 – executive producer, lead vocals (track 2), producer (tracks 2, 9, 18), keyboards (tracks 2, 18), programming (track 18), additional vocals (track 13)
• L.A. Reid – executive producer
• Bernie Grundman – audio mastering (all tracks)
• Killer Mike – lead vocals (tracks 7, 14)
• Devine Evans – sound design, engineer
• Sleepy Brown – lead vocals (tracks 9, 11), backgrounds vocals (tracks 2, 3, 6, 7, 14), additional vocals (tracks 4, 5)
• Konkrete – lead vocals (track 11)
• Big Gipp – lead vocals (track 11)
• Ludacris – lead vocals (track 11)
• Jay Z – lead vocals (track 14)
• Khujo Goodie – lead vocals (track 16)
• Cee-Lo – lead vocals (track 16)
• Mello – lead vocals (track 18)
• Slimm Calhoun – lead vocals (track 18)
• Cutmaster Swift – producer (track 1), cuts (tracks 6, 14)
• Mr. DJ – producer (tracks 3, 8, 13, 14)
• Carl Mo – producer (tracks 5, 6)
• Jazze Pha – additional vocals (track 4)
• Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz – additional vocals (track 18)
• Myrna Crenshaw – background vocals (tracks 2, 7–9)
• Joi – background vocals (track 2)
• Debra Killings – background vocals (tracks 3, 9, 14, 16), bass (tracks 3–6, 8, 9, 14, 18)
• Tori Alamaze – background vocals (track 4)
• John Frye – audio recording, audio mixing (all tracks)
• Moka Nagatani – audio recording (tracks 2, 4, 13)
• Vincent Alexander – audio recording (tracks 5, 11), recording assistant (track 2)
• Matt Still – audio recording (track 9)
• Chris Carmouche – audio recording (track 11)
• Warren Bletcher – recording assistant (all tracks)
• Marvin "Chanz" Parkman – keyboards (tracks 3, 8, 9, 14, 16), organ (track 2), piano (track 6)
• Kevin Kendrick – keyboards (track 9)
• Donnie Mathis – guitar (tracks 3, 6)
• David Whild – guitar (tracks 4, 7, 8, 14)
• ZaZa – guitar (track 5)
• Preston Crump – bass (track 3)
• Aaron Mills – bass (track 9)
• Victor Alexander – drums (tracks 7, 8)
• Hornz Unlimited – horns (tracks 4–6, 18)
• Rajinder Kala – congos (track 3)
• Regina Davenport – A&R direction and coordination, production coordinator
• Theresa Wilson – A&R administrator
• Michael "Big Blue" Williams – management
• Joe-Mama Nitzberg – creative direction
• Jeff Schulz – art direction and design
• Jonathan Mannion – photography

{{div col end}}

;The Love Below

{{div col}}

• André 3000 – executive producer, lead vocals (all tracks), producer (all tracks), programming (tracks 1, 9, 12), keyboards (tracks 1, 9, 12), guitar (tracks 4, 7, 8, 18), tenor saxophone (track 8), acoustic guitar (track 9), background vocals (track 19)
• Big Boi – executive producer, lead vocals (track 10; uncredited), background vocals (track 6)
• L.A. Reid – executive producer
• Brian "Big Bass" Gardner – audio mastering (all tracks)
• Kelis – lead vocals (track 15)
• Norah Jones – lead vocals (track 19)
• Killer Mike – background vocals (track 10)
• Sleepy Brown – background vocals (track 19)
• Joi – additional vocals (track 4)
• Myrna Crenshaw – additional vocals (track 4)
• Marianne Lee Stiff – additional vocals (track 7)
• John Frisbee – additional vocals (track 7)
• Rosario Dawson – additional vocals (track 8)
• Rabeka Tunei – additional vocals (track 9), recording assistant (track 9)
• John Frye – audio recording (all tracks), audio mixing (tracks 10, 14, 17), pre-mixing (tracks 2–8, 10–13, 15, 18, 19)
• Robert "HipHop" Hannon – audio recording (tracks 4, 5, 9)
• Pete Novak – audio recording (tracks 4, 5, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19), audio mixing (track 15), pre-mixing (tracks 4, 5, 12)
• Matt Still – audio recording (track 7)
• Terrence Cash – audio recording (track 8)
• Reggie Cozier – audio recording (track 13)
• Darrell Thorp – audio recording (track 13)
• Brian Paluralski – audio recording (track 15)
• Padraic Kernin – audio recording (track 18), recording assistant (track 18)
• Neal Pogue – audio mixing (tracks 2, 7–9, 18, 19)
• Dexter Simmons – audio mixing (tracks 4, 5, 12, 13)
• Warren Bletcher – recording assistant (all tracks)
• Josh Monroy – recording assistant (tracks 4, 5, 9)
• Russell Buelna – recording assistant (tracks 4, 13, 14, 19), mixing assistant (track 15)
• Chris Carmouche – recording assistant (tracks 8, 13)
• Jared Robbins – recording assistant (tracks 9, 15), mixing assistant (track 15)
• Jeff Moses – recording assistant (tracks 12, 14, 17)
• Greg Burns – recording assistant (track 13), mixing assistant (track 13)
• Chris Steffen – recording assistant (track 13), mixing assistant (track 13)
• Donnie Whittemore – mixing assistant (tracks 4, 12, 13)
• Alex Reverberi – mixing assistant (tracks 5, 7, 8, 10, 14, 18, 19)
• Malik Albert – mixing assistant (track 8)
• Greg Price – mixing assistant (track 9)
• Sean Tallman – mixing assistant (track 17)
• Kevin Kendrick – keyboards (tracks 2, 5, 7, 9, 10, 14, 19), guitar (track 4), piano (track 17)
• Marvin "Chanz" Parkman – keyboards (tracks 8, 19)
• Darryl Smith – guitar (track 2)
• Tomi Martin – guitar (track 8)
• Moffet Morris – upright bass (track 4)
• Kevin Brandon – double bass (tracks 4, 14)
• Kevin Smith – electric bass (track 5)
• Aaron Mills – bass (tracks 7, 8, 17)
• Hornz Unlimited – horns (tracks 2, 14, 19), trumpets (tracks 5, 8)
• Cutmaster Swift – cuts (tracks 5, 8)
• Jef Van Veen – drums (tracks 2, 14)
• Benjamin Wright – string arrangement, conductor (track 13)
• Charles Veal – violin, concert master (track 13)
• James Sitterly – violin (track 13)
• Mark Casillas – violin (track 13)
• Gina Kranstadt – violin (track 13)
• Marisa McClead – violin (track 13)
• Mark Cargill – violin (track 13)
• Richard Adkins – violin (track 13)
• Tibor Zelig – violin (track 13)
• Yarda Kettner – violin (track 13)
• Louis Kabok – violin (track 13)
• Patrick Morgan – viola (track 13)
• Robin Ross – viola (track 13)
• Michel Vardone – viola (track 13)
• March Vaj – viola (track 13)
• John Krovaza – cello (track 13)
• Martin Smith – cello (track 13)
• Lisa Chien – cello (track 13)
• Catherine Chan – cello (track 13)
• Kelvin Brandon – contra, bass (track 13)
• Kevin O'Neal – contra, bass (track 13)
• Gary Harris – saxophone (track 17)
• Fulton Yard Unlimited – digital editing (track 14)
• Regina Davenport – A&R direction and coordination, production coordinator
• Theresa Wilson – A&R administrator
• Michael "Big Blue" Williams – management
• Joe-Mama Nitzberg – creative direction
• Jeff Schulz – art direction and design
• Torkil Gudnason – photography

{{div col end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{certification Table Top|caption=Certifications and sales for Speakerboxxx/The Love Below}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Australia|artist=Outkast|title=Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2020|relyear=2003|access-date=April 29, 2021|refname="aria"}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Canada|artist=Outkast|title=Speakerboxx/The Love Below|award=Gold|certyear=2003|relyear=2003|access-date=May 29, 2019|refname="mc"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Outkast|title=Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|type=album|award=Platinum|number=2|certyear=2024|relyear=2003|id=14047|access-date=June 27, 2024}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Germany|type=album|artist=Outkast|title=Speakerboxx|award=Gold|relyear=2003|certyear=2004|access-date=June 4, 2021}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Hungary|artist=Outkast|title=Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|award=Gold|certyear=2004|relyear=2003|access-date=May 29, 2019}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Japan|artist=Outkast|title=Speakerboxxx - The Love Below|award=Gold|certyear=2004|relyear=2003|relmonth=9|certmonth=6|access-date=May 29, 2019|refname="riaj"}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=New Zealand|artist=Outkast|title=Speakerboxxx / The Love Below|award=Platinum|number=2|id=2004-10-01|source=newchart|access-date=2024-11-20|refname="rmnz"}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Norway|artist=Outkast|title=Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|award=Gold|certyear=2003|relyear=2003|access-date=May 29, 2019}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Sweden|type=album|artist=Outkast|title=Speakerbox|award=Gold|relmonth=9|relyear=2003|certyear=2004|access-date=June 4, 2021}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=Switzerland|artist=Outkast|title=Speakerboxxx / The Love Below|award=Gold|certyear=2004|relyear=2003|access-date=May 29, 2019}}

{{certification Table Entry|type=album|region=United Kingdom|artist=Outkast|title=Speakerboxxx/The Love Below|award=Platinum|number=3|certyear=2023|relyear=2003|access-date=July 7, 2023|id=6187-1847-2|refname="bpi"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=album|title=Speakerboxxx / The Love Below|artist=Outkast|award=Platinum|number=13|multidisc=2|relyear=2003|certyear=2023|access-date=September 29, 2023|refname="riaa"}}

{{Certification Table Summary}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Europe|type=album|artist=Outkast|title=Speakerboxx/The Love Below|award=Platinum|relyear=2003|certyear=2004|access-date=November 30, 2021|refname="ifpi"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Worldwide|type=album|nocert=yes|salesamount=11,400,000|salesref=}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true}}

• Outkast discography
• List of Billboard 200 number-one albums of 2003
• List of Billboard number-one R&B albums of 2003
• List of Billboard 200 number-one albums of 2004
• List of UK R&B Albums Chart number ones of 2004
• List of best-selling albums in the United States

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite book|last=Sampaio|first=Gerard|editor-last=Dimery|editor-first=Robert|title=1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die|edition=Revised and Updated|year=2010|publisher=Universe Publishing|isbn=978-0-7893-2074-2}}
• {{cite book|last=Sarig|first=Roni|title=The New Rolling Stone Album Guide|editor1-last=Brackett|editor1-first=Nathan|editor1-link=Nathan Brackett|editor2-last=Hoard|editor2-first=Christian|editor2-link=Christian Hoard|publisher=Simon & Schuster|edition=4th|year=2004|isbn=0-7432-0169-8}}
• {{cite book|last=Sarig|first=Roni|title=Third Coast: OutKast, Timbaland, and How Hip-Hop Became a Southern Thing|year=2007|publisher=Da Capo Press|isbn=978-0-306-81430-3}}

{{refend}}

• [http://www.discogs.com/OutKast-Speakerboxxx-The-Love-Below/master/26106 Speakerboxxx/The Love Below] at Discogs
• [https://www.metacritic.com/music/speakerboxxxthe-love-below Speakerboxxx/The Love Below] at Metacritic

{{OutKast}}

{{Navboxes

| title = Awards for Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

| titlestyle = background: lightblue

| list1 =

{{Grammy Award for Album of the Year 2000s}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Rap Album}}

}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Speakerboxxx The Love Below}}

Category:Outkast albums

Category:2003 albums

Category:Grammy Award for Album of the Year

Category:Grammy Award for Best Rap Album

Category:Arista Records albums

Category:Albums produced by André 3000

Category:2000s concept albums