Still Standing (Explicit)

Goodie Mob's debut album was a production masterpiece that ranks as perhaps the most Southern-sounding Southern rap album ever recorded; similarly, lead rapper Cee-Lo is one of the most Southern MCs on record, with a raspy, nasal, rural-sounding drawl that's utterly distinctive. The follow-up album, Still Standing, is mostly more of the same great stuff, with producers Organized Noize refining the soulful, organic blueprint laid out on Soul Food. There are some more up-tempo percussion tracks here, with a few detours into more typical Southern bounce tracks; it's mildly disappointing to hear Goodie Mob following trends instead of setting them, but they're well-executed all the same. When the results are more imaginative, as on the hit single"They Don't Dance No Mo'" and"Ghetto-ology," it's a terrific expansion of the group's sound; so is the heavy, guitar-driven rocker"Just About Over." The hardcore themes that occasionally popped up on Soul Food are a smaller presence on Still Standing; even so, while the group may be progressive in sentiment, they still aren't gentle in language. And their trademark social and spiritual awareness is very much in evidence."The Experience" is a nimble meditation on the word"n***a";"Black Ice,""Fly Away," and"Inshallah" have the deep gospel feel that makes Goodie Mob so unique;"Beautiful Skin" professes deep respect for women who respect themselves; and"Gutta Butta" and"Greeny Green" are reflections on neighborhood pride (by way of not littering) and materialism, respectively. Cee-Lo is even more of a breakout individual presence on Still Standing, and his unique style can sometimes overshadow his bandmates; plus, a few tracks just aren't that engaging. But overall, Still Standing is an excellent follow-up to a major artistic statement.