Dungeon Family member Slim Calhoun is first out of the box from Aquemini Records, Outkast's label with The Skinny. His hallmark, a lilting Georgian intonation and mile-a-minute flow that bears marked similarities with his mentors. The rapper's identity is smothered further by Earthtone' solid, gothic-funk production which displays but a few brief glimmers of brilliance. A full-throttled funk workout erupts out of nowhere on the chorus of "Well", then hides behind a plink-plonk keyboard motif and jangling rhythm. "Timelock" is a breezy head-bobber over which Slimm relates the day-to-day strife of a low-cash life. Big Boi and Andre 3000 guest on three tracks. The former on the filthy "Why Ya Smilin" and low-key "Dirt Work". The latter graces "Its OK" with vocoderised vocals. It sounds like Lenny Kravitz minus guitar masturbation, emasculated but kind of catchy. Coherent but workmanlike, The Skinny is a quick-fix of Southern-fried for those waiting for a follow-up to Outkast's Stankonia. But it's several helpings short of a satisfying meal. --Chris Campion