*** Slimm “Cutta” Calhoun, “The Skinny,” Aquemini/Elektra.

The debut album from this talented Atlanta rapper, the first release on OutKast’s record label, overflows with the type of informed Southern sound and sentiment that has helped make his mentors one of pop music’s most prominent acts. Slimm’s occasional gangster bent makes his work more abrasive than OutKast’s, though the collection’s soulful production creates a soothing sensation. --S.B.

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.