I must have listened to a different OutKast album than Caleb Sheaffer ("OutKast shakes off artistic merits with over-hyped album," Feb. 11).

If one actually listens to the words on both albums, there are a few songs that stop and make you think: "Behold a Lady" (decline of the classic woman); "War" (politics and post-Sept. 11 atmosphere); "Knowing" (a story about a teenage prostitute); and "Church" (the church as a place for lost people).

To say that nothing is musically adventurous is a ridiculous assertion. When was the last time a rapper broadened out to learning and playing his own instruments, playing a jazz number, attempting to lounge sing and still throw in the occasional rhyme?

Sheaffer's biggest grievance is that the singles aren't intellectually-based. However, there are 34 other songs on the CD.

Here's an idea: Actually listen to OutKast and what they have to say.