romantic partner that examines the issues that arise from having a child out of wedlock. In the song, the narrator promises to support his child regardless of what happens. The instrumentation samples the Brothers Johnson's version (with various audio effects, prominently reversing) of "Strawberry Letter 23", by Shuggie Otis. Critical reception Billboard magazine wrote that song's message is genuine, noting its 1980s hip-hop sound and Outkast's "frantic" lyrics that emphasize the track's storyline. Reviewing the parent album, the same publication compared the track to an "old-school hip-hop love song" and called it "oh-so-radio-ready". Marci Kenon of Billboard called the "babies' mommas' mommas" hook memorable and later referred to the track as "infectious". "Ms. Jackson" is widely considered one of Outkast's best songs. In 2020, The Ringer ranked the song number five on their list of the 50 greatest Outkast songs, and in 2021, The Guardian ranked the song number six on their list of the 20 greatest Outkast songs. Music video The song's music video, directed by F. Gary Gray and produced by Earthtone III, works as a possible metaphor for the duo's "stormy" relationships with the mothers of their children and their families. In the United States, a DVD single featuring the videos for "B.O.B" and "Ms. Jackson" was released in 2000, before the other physical formats. Along with Toni Braxton's "Just Be a Man About It", this single was the first to bear only a DVD credit on the Billboard Hot 100 until the other formats were issued. Because "Ms. Jackson" was the only Outkast song that was present on the Hot 100 at the time, sales points were added to this song instead of "B.O.B". Track listings US maxi-CD and 12-inch single, Australian CD single "Ms. Jackson" (radio mix) – 4:03 "Ms. Jackson" (instrumental) – 4:34 "Sole Sunday" feat. Goodie Mob (radio mix) – 4:41 "Sole Sunday" feat. Goodie Mob (instrumental) – 4:41 US DVD single "B.O.B" (video) "Ms. Jackson" (video) "What Is Stankonia? An Exclusive Interview with Big Boi & Dre" European CD single "Ms. Jackson" (radio mix) – 4:03 "Ms. Jackson" (instrumental) – 4:34 UK CD single "Ms. Jackson" (radio edit) – 3:36 "Elevators (Me & You)" – 4:56 "Ms. Jackson" (video) – 4:58 UK 12-inch and cassette single "Ms. Jackson" (album version) – 4:30 "Elevators (Me & You)" – 4:56 Credits and personnel Credits are lifted from the UK CD single liner notes. Studio