Let's talk about evolution for a moment. Hip Hop has definitely evolved. As more and more rappers grace films next to elite actors/actresses, the culture is growing at a phenomenal rate. One example of this evolution is brightly portrayed in Andre 3000's Class of 3000, an animated series for children by the same man who made "Return of the G."

Now, Dre has the soundtrack to this series with Class of 3000: Music Volume 1. As expected, there are many songs on here for children. After all, it is a children's show. However, some unexpected magic appears throughout, which is naturally Andre 3000's style. He's quite a puzzle.

There is a balance in this marvelous puzzle. The blues meets funk. The latin sounds meet jazz and pop helps the pieces fit without making it a confusing array of noise. The diversity is good, because in the end, it all blends wonderfully. The musicians work every instrument in this project brilliantly and Andre's production is solid. What's best is that he does this, making it enjoyable for children but, in a manner that is levels above most of today's Hip Hop production work. Listen to the horns in "Oh Peanut," followed by some amazing piano work and an infectious drum pattern. In the end, he tops it off with fiddle? Yes. It's that sort of work that emphasizes his skill and the wonderful arrangement in this project. This is just the tip of the iceberg, though. To describe the entire album and the masterful production work would be lengthy. Violins, saxophones, clarinets, keyboards and various other instruments create a wonderful sound for this album, which is dope, because it shows children to appreciate music, but it also pushes others to value the risks and the depth of the writing.

That's a theme for the album. Kids will enjoy this because it's geared towards them. However, 3000 maneuvers his writing in a fashion that is appealing to children, but compelling for adults. "Life without Music" is a track about the importance of music to the young world. Later, he promotes racial equality on "The Crayon Song," building a metaphorical, catchy, dance-driven, funky, positive track. "Fight the Blob" is a battle cry for environmental awareness. "A Richer Shade of Blue" is a wonderfully-crafted bluesy track about poverty/wealth and misconceptions about happiness. "We Want Your Soul" warns of the terrifying music industry and the evil it can cause. Other messages are also carefully situated in the fun LP. It seems that Andre is kicking songs for the kids with infectious tunes, while kicking knowledge for all who listen. That's the balance of the puzzle. 

As he has done with Outkast and with solo work, Mr. 3000 continues his inventive, intelligent, soulful, funky, fun and thought provoking work. Although there is very little rap in this album, one of Hip Hop's most well-known authors fuses different genres with a street-influenced, catchy Hip Hop vibe that is unmistakable. His music continues to push boundaries and while the songs are kid-friendly, the thoughtful jewels can still be found and enjoyed by everyone. Few missteps can be glaring ("UFO Ninja"), and some of it can be deemed too "kid-friendly," but it does what it's meant to do, and then some. If you have kids, cop it. If not, enjoy the jewels that can be discovered. Just remember, it's a soundtrack for a kids cartoon, not his new solo album.

"The radio people don't play songs without words anymore," warns one of his students, almost as a cry for more originality in popular music. However, Andre responds to this by stating: "Yeah, but don't worry about that. As long as it's jamming, all the cool people will play it."

This, while meant for kids, is still jammin'. Play it.