Outkast won’t be reuniting anytime soon… at least that’s what collaborator Sleepy Brown told TMZ recently. The group’s album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, is turning 20 years old this year — but there are no plans for any serious surprises.
“Nah, they not,” he said. “[André 3000] is on a whole nother journey and he’s, you know, doing something. But me and Big [Boi] are still doing tours and stuff like that.”
“Don’t hold your breath for no Outkast reunion,” he added. “Don’t do it to yourself. It’s not gon’ happen, folks. If you wanna see us, we gon’ be Dungeon Family. That’s about it.”
Later in the interview, Sleepy Brown was also asked about what his personal favorite Outkast album was.
“The thing about it [is], each album was a different journey. Outkast has taken people through country music with ‘Rosa Parks,’ they did rock with Stankonia, they did every genre you could ever think of in music, so it’s kinda hard to say which one is what.”
He continued, “But I’mma say Aquemini. For me, that album was the moment when Outkast really flourished as producers, too. So for me, that album is me watching them grow. That’s why it’s my favorite.”
Check out Sleepy Brown’s interview about Outkast here.
Don’t expect any new Outkast music, according to Sleepy Brown. The singer was caught at LAX by TMZ, and he stated the run is officially over. The album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below turns 20 this year, and Brown said a reunion isn’t likely.
“They not. Dre is on a whole nother journey and is doing something out there,” Brown said. “Me and Big still going, still doing tours. Don’t hold your breath on any Outkast reunion. If you want to see us we going to be Dungeon Family. That’s about it.”
Meanwhile, Andre 3000 is touring Japan, playing his flute.
Andre 3000 is one of hip hop’s most famous geminis, recently celebrating his 48th birthday on May 29th. The hip-hop legend came up alongside Big Boi as one-half of Outkast. Together, they released six studio albums, spawning some of hip-hop’s most iconic records. Andre 3000’s career and legacy have been cemented by Outkast’s historic run but he has since moved on to other successful solo ventures and collaborations. He has had a prolific acting career, notably starring as Jimi Hendrix in the biopic, Jimi: All Is By My Side and the animated series, Class of 3000 on Cartoon Network. Nowadays, he can be seen in random locations playing the flute.
The closest thing to a solo album from André 3000 came in the form of the second disc on Outkast’s penultimate album, Speakerboxxx / The Love Below. The Love Below was handled entirely by Andre, including production. Still, Speakerboxxx / The Love Below was still billed as an Outkast album. Beyond Outkast, André 3000 has produced songs for other artists, including Killer Mike, Kelis, Gwen Stefani, and Kids See Ghosts. He even produced a song on Big Boi’s debut solo album. He also released a 2-song EP in 2018 dedicated to his mother. Since the last Outkast album in 2006, André 3000 has expressed that he has little desire to release a full-length album, though he tends to hop on songs from other artists and obliterate his verses. An André 3000 feature verse is rare but always a moment as he tends to outshine whoever he is on a song with.
The Top Collabs of Andre 3000’s Solo Career
This is a list of André 3000’s best solo collaborations, drawing from his work with other artists outside of Outkast. Although some of his recent contributions, such as Kanye West’s “30 Hours,” have been minimal, he’s continuously showcased his unique flare on songs in recent years, such as the remix of Chris Brown’s “Deuces.” Still, Andre 3000 has had some unexpected collabs throughout the years that showcase exactly why he’s a rare breed in hip-hop. Below is a ranking of his best guest appearances throughout the years outside of his work with Big Boi. Take a look at the list below.
11. Frank Ocean – “Pink Matter” (2012)
What makes “Pink Matter” such a special collaboration is that it goes beyond just a simple guest verse. Frank Ocean pours his heart out onto the song’s slow, melancholic instrumental. For his verse, André 3000 fits perfectly into the pockets of the production’s downbeat rhythm. His contributions aren’t limited to bars, though. He follows his short yet potent verse with a show-stealing guitar solo. Towards the end of the song, André also sings a soulful outro. Many of Andre 3000’s collabs throughout his solo career consist of a guest verse, which is rare on its own. He and Frank Ocean went above and beyond on this song.
10. Beyoncé – “Party” (2011)
Beyoncé’s “Party” is the ultimate summer block party song. The song heavily samples Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick’s “La Di Da Di.” Beyoncé’s vocals shimmer over the song’s glamorous instrumental before Kanye West strips back the production for André’s verse. He “sets the scene” within his first line and weaves between different flows in a short verse. He approaches the song in a calm and collected manner and seamlessly flows over the beat.
9. Erykah Badu – “Hello” (2015)
André 3000 and Erykah Badu have a strong relationship, both as co-parents and as musical collaborators. “Hello” is a reflection of both of those relationships. The song interpolates “Hello It’s Me” by The Isley Brothers. It starts with a lush instrumental and André 3000 effortlessly floats over the simple chords with impressive rhyme patterns. He handles the song’s bridge, sings a second verse, and ends the song by singing the outro with Erykah Badu. The song is a highlight in Andre 3000’s solo career.
8. Drake – “The Real Her” (2011)
“The Real Her” is one of Drake’s best collaborations, featuring Lil Wayne and André 3000. In the beautifully moody song, Drake sings about falling in love with a stripper and wanting to know who she really is. Lil Wayne continues the same sentiment when rapping about how she stands out to him even though she has met other rappers. While the two rap about their feelings toward the girl, André focuses on the girl’s experiences. Though this thinking makes him feel attached, he does not give in to temptation.
7. Jeezy – “I Do” (2011)
Throughout his career, André 3000 has appeared on many all-star collaborations, many of which are on this list. No matter who is on the song, he manages to have the best verse, and “I Do” is a prime example of that. He joins Jeezy and JAY-Z for a song that gives “Int’l Players Anthem” vibes. Much like that UGK song, the song is extremely soulful and discusses marriage, although Jeezy and Jay marry the streets on “I Do.” André however, actually expresses his love for his woman.
6. Kanye West – “Life of the Party” (2021)
This song is the most recent addition to André 3000’s best collaborations in his solo career. “Life of the Party” comes from a deluxe version of Kanye West’s Donda album and its soulful instrumental brings fans back into the “old Kanye.” Though Kanye spits one of his best verses in recent memory on the song, it is André 3000 who steals the show before Kanye even begins. He raps about the pain of missing his mother and what he would say to her as he pens his verse.
5. Lil Wayne – “Interlude” (2011)
The intro, interlude, and outro of Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter IV album are essentially one long posse cut split into three songs. Each song features the same beat. Lil Wayne handles the intro by himself while the outro features Bun B, Nas, Shyne, and Busta Rhymes. “Interlude” is arguably the best out of the three as Tech N9ne spits his signature chopper flow, rapidly impressing with his complex rhyming. While only having 46 seconds to rap, André 3000 comes in with a relaxed verse and nicely contrasts Tech N9ne’s with his raps.
4. B.o.B – “Play the Guitar” (2011)
“Play the Guitar” is definitely playful. The funky instrumental allows B.o.B to showcase his animated flow, making for one of his greatest rapping performances. The song is fun on its own but André 3000 steals the show and makes the song his own. Some of the songs on this list are serious rap performances or vulnerable poetry-like verses. However, André is definitely enjoying himself on “Play the Guitar” as he slides across the beat. It makes for one of the most memorable verses of André 3000’s solo career.
3. Anderson .Paak – “Come Home” (2019)
“Come Home” is already a compelling album intro on its own as Anderson .Paak provides his signature soul to the percussive production. The 2019 track features a rare contribution from André, who spits a dazzling verse that only he could write. The verse is a masterclass in rhyme schemes as he raps at double time with tongue-twisting bars. The verse is even more magnificent as he manages to squeeze in multiple double entendres that will have you doubling back.
2. T.I. – “Sorry” (2012)
T.I. once admitted that André 3000 outrapped him on “Sorry” and it is clear why. The song is one of T.I.’s best rap performances but Andre 3000 rapped one of his best verses in his post-Outkast career. He starts his verse rapping fast but slows it down after saying, “I don’t even like rapping fast but that’s how the world comes to me.” André incorporates his different flows and cadences throughout the verse, even harmonizing part of it. He ends his verse with a bang, rapping, “all some pussy n**** on the Internet can say is, ‘That verse ain’t good.’”
1. Rick Ross – “Sixteen” (2012)
Like the majority of the collaborations on this last, André 3000 manages to make another artist’s track his own when he hops on it. Rick Ross’s “Sixteen” sounds like it was specifically designed for André to do just that. The idea of the song is that 16 bars just is not enough for a rapper to get their point across, which is articulated in the chorus. On the song, André goes above and beyond, handling the song’s hook and bridge while also rapping a 2-minute verse and playing a guitar solo at the end.
Rick Ross curates the song with a luxurious beat from J.U.S.T.I.C.E League, rapping a clean verse, and leaving everything else to André. Ross spits 32 bars while André raps a whopping 50, reflecting on his upbringing and how it got him to his current position. An André 3000 guest verse may be rare as he has not rapped much in his solo career, but verses like these are what make them such an event.
Slick Rick’s influence on hip-hop goes unnoticed by the majority of hip-hop fans in the present day. However, most 90s icons will credit the London-born MC for his impact. Rapper Slick Rick has been sampled across the board, from Beyonce to MF DOOM. Even Snoop Dogg’s “La Di Da Di” off of Doggystyle directly draws inspiration from Dougie E. Fresh and Slick Rick’s iconic “Lodi Dodi.” Nowadays, Slick Rick sits in the hall of fame of East Coast MCs. We’re reflecting on what is arguably his greatest album to date, The Art of Storytelling.
By the time Slick Rick was 18 years old, he was already making waves in the hip-hop industry. He joined Doug E. Fresh’s Get Fresh Crew under the stage name MC Ricky D. The Roots’ Questlove told Rolling Stone, “Point blank: Slick Rick’s voice was the most beautiful thing to happen to hip-hop culture. Rick is full of punchlines, wit, melody, cool cadence, confidence, and style. He is the blueprint.” His early success culminated with his signing to Def Jam Records in 1986, becoming only the third artist who inked a deal with the label.
Slick Rick’s The Art of Storytelling Revived His Career
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–MAY 15: Rapper Slick Rick (aka Richard Martin Lloyd Walters) and his mother appear in a photo shoot taken on May 15, 1991 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
Just over a decade after his debut album The Great Adventures of Slick Rick, the then 34-year-old was in utter need of a career revival. Subsequent projects in the forms of The Ruler’s Back and Behind Bars didn’t achieve the success of Rick’s debut. However, The Ruler was still able to solidify his own sonic lane by the time his fourth studio album rolled around. He made his debut in the late 80s, just as hip-hop began gaining commercial steam. However, as the 90s rolled around, and a new generation of rappers who he influenced emerged, legal issues and other hurdles had him in and out of the public eye throughout the peak of his relevance.
With The Art of Storytelling being Slick Rick’s final album, his overarching vision was to create a record that was timeless. Upon its release, the project reached No.8 on the Billboard 200 and No.1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop chart. As implied by the album’s name, Slick Rick had garnered a reputation for his iconic pen. Known for tracks that were almost too personal, if such a thing exists, the focus of The Art of Storytelling is on uncompromising honesty. Rather than the grandiosity of many of his contemporaries, Rick was writing verses existing in the weeds of reality.
Slick Rick during The 4th Annual Jammy Awards – Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc)
In particular, the project’s crown jewel would become the Outkast-aided “Street Talkin’.” More specifically, Big Boi shines on what would become one of the most commercially successful cuts in Slick Rick’s discography. The Art of Storytelling also featured Nas, Raekwon, and Snoop Dogg. The star-studded feature list was an obvious testament to how much respect Rick had garnered in the music industry. He assumes a variety of personas to parallel his precarious state of mind throughout The Ary of Storytelling. His morality tales surrounding poverty brought to life the stories of his upbringing. Slick Rick told The Guardian, “I think what I brought to hip-hop was a visual, storybook-type of a style, like reading a children’s book, but in rap form.”
However, the influence of The Art of Storytelling goes beyond its in-depth lyricism. The project’s soundscapes set the DNA for many of hip-hop’s sonic tropes going forward. The Chipmunk-soul induced “Frozen” blatantly wears a Kanye West The College Dropout era hat. Tracks such as “Me & Nas Bring It To Your Hardest” or “I Own America” are engaging boom-bap outings, mirroring the style that Rick grew up around. In addition, the emphasis on the drum pacing feels prototypical of future tracks from groups such as The Neptunes. With much of the album being sampled and referenced throughout future generations, The Art of Storytelling’s influence travels far beyond its numbers.
Slick Rick Spent Five Years in Prison
HOLLYWOOD – JUNE 29: Rap legend Slick Rick poses backstage at the 2004 Black Entertainment Awards held at the Kodak Theatre on June 29, 2004 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Leading up to The Art of Storytelling, Slick Rick had been through the wringer. Back in 1990, Slick Rick was convicted of attempted murder in the second degree in 1991. He was sentenced to three-and-a-third-to-ten years in prison. Rick ultimately served five years and twelve days behind bars. The story began with Slick Rick’s mother hiring his first cousin, Mark Plummer, as his bodyguard. However, Plummer would allegedly begin attempting to extort money from the artist while threatening Rick and his mother. The conflict led to Slick Rick firing four shots at Plummer after finding bullet holes in his front door, with one hitting Plummer and another hitting a passerby. While neither were seriously injured, the incident permanently altered Rick’s career.
Slick Rick’s time in prison gave him a fresh mindset heading into The Art of Storytelling. He told The Guardian, “But you learn from your mistakes; what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. You learn from your prison time, your bad and good situations. It’s like the story of Van Gogh with the ear-cutting-off: it depends on how you look at something.” The primary reason for Rick’s struggling second and third albums was that he was forced to create them in brief moments on bail. The time constraints forced him to rush the project. With The Art of Storytelling, Slick Rick was able to approach the album with a sense of purpose and reflection for the first time in a decade. The result? A generation-defining album for hip-hop.
Big Boi and André 3000 of OutKast are revered as two of the greatest MCs of all time, a take that’s cooler than a polar bear’s toenails at this point. The duo’s material still gets spins and love today, and a Dallas DJ named Menace recently showed appreciation in his own unique way. Moreover, he recreated the beat to the duo’s title track from their 1996 classic album ATLiens. Much to Menace’s surprise, none other than Killer Mike reached out to him and let him know that someone very special heard the recreation as well. Furthermore, Menace took to Twitter to express that Big Boi watching his recreation made his day.
“How fun is my life?” Menace began his appreciative message. “Earlier today I made a video recreating the “Atliens” beat with the original sample. Hours later I get a text from Killer Mike as he’s watching the video with f***ing BIG BOI in the studio!!!! Ha! Day made.” Big props to Menace for reaching the two hip-hop legends. Also, this adds to the lore surrounding Killer Mike’s next album MICHAEL.
Menace’s DJ Tribute To “ATLiens” Shouted Out By Killer Mike
How fun is my life? Earlier today I made a video recreating the “Atliens” beat with the original sample. Hours later I get a text from Killer Mike as he’s watching the video with fucking BIG BOI in the studio!!!! Ha! Day made. pic.twitter.com/XKDUJzQFvB
Recently, the R.A.P. Music MC revealed the tracklist (with hidden features) and the album cover. However, something that got fans even more excited was the news that the album will reportedly featureLil Wayne and André 3000 himself. While this news didn’t see official confirmation from the Run The Jewels member, it’s certainly not impossible. After all, Big Boi was also in the studio with him based on what Menace showed us, so is a reunion on the cards? Probably not, but a fan can dream. No matter who or what shows up on MICHAEL, we’re sure that it’ll be a fulfilling and triumphant return for the Dungeon Family alum.
Meanwhile, praise and influence continue to be two big factors on OutKast’s side. For example, Joe Budden recently labeled them the greatest rap group of all time, whereas T.I. believes they are the best Atlanta rappers ever. Whether it’s from fans or the industry, no all-time hip-hop rotation is complete without 3 Stacks and Sir Lucious Left Foot. For more news on OutKast and the latest updates on Killer Mike, keep checking in with HNHH.
Rapper Killer Mike has an impressive level of wealth and net worth. This isn’t surprising, given the rapper’s talent, passion, and dedication to his craft. Born Michael Santiago Render, he’s not only a Grammy award-winning rapper but also a successful entrepreneur and activist.
As of 2023, Killer Mike’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth.
Factors Contributing To Killer Mike’s Net Worth
Photo by Hutton Supancic/Getty Images for SXSW)
Killer Mike’s journey to wealth wasn’t a straight line, but the result of years of hard work and perseverance. He gained recognition through his early work with OutKast and his impressive solo career. But his role as one-half of the critically acclaimed duo, Run the Jewels, has solidified his place in the music industry.
Additionally, Killer Mike’s net worth has been boosted by his involvement in various business ventures. These include his barbershop chain, SWAG Shop (Shave, Wash, and Groom), and Greenwood, a digital banking platform designed to serve Black and Latinx communities.
How Killer Mike’s Music Career Impacted His Net Worth
(Photo by Rick Kern/FilmMagic)
Killer Mike’s music has always been a significant part of his life, and it’s reflected in his net worth. His breakthrough came when he featured on OutKast’s Grammy-winning song, “The Whole World,” in 2001. His solo albums, like R.A.P Music, and his collaboration with El-P as Run the Jewels, have further increased his popularity and wealth.
Killer Mike’s Business Ventures
(Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)
Beyond his music, Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit contributes to his impressive net worth. His barbershop, SWAG Shop, provides high-quality grooming services, and has become a community hub in Atlanta. Greenwood, his digital banking platform, focuses on providing financial services to underserved communities, reflecting Mike’s commitment to social justice.
Killer Mike’s Activism
(Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
While his activism doesn’t directly contribute to Mike’s net worth, it does enhance his overall public image, indirectly influencing his income. Mike is a well-known social and political activist, advocating for issues such as racial equality, police reform, and economic justice.
The rapper’s net worth of $5 million in 2023 is a testament to his talent, business acumen, and dedication to his community. As he continues to make music and drive his business ventures forward, there’s every reason to expect his net worth to grow in the coming years.
Conclusion/TLDR
In conclusion, Killer Mike’s net worth is a reflection of his multifaceted career. He’s more than just a rapper; he’s an entrepreneur, an activist, and a leader in his community. His story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about financial wealth, but also about making a positive impact in the world.
Janelle Monae, the multi-talented singer, songwriter, actress, and producer, has accumulated an impressive net worth over the years. But, what is her net worth as of 2023? We’ll be taking a look at her success and accumulated wealth in this article.
Janelle Monae Net Worth
As of 2023, the singer’s estimated net worth is a staggering $12 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
The Journey To Janelle Monae’s Net Worth
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Monae’s initial foray into the music industry was far from glamorous. She began performing in local bars and clubs in Atlanta, slowly building a following with her unique blend of funk, soul, and R&B. A chance meeting with Big Boi from OutKast and a feature on their album led to her being introduced to Sean Combs. This connection ultimately launched her career on a larger scale.
Boosting Her Wealth
(Photo by FilmMagic/FilmMagic for Life is Beautiful Music & Art Festival)
The majority of Monae’s wealth has undoubtedly been amassed through her musical career. She’s known for her dynamic albums that blend genres and tell complex narratives. Her debut studio album, The ArchAndroid, was met with widespread acclaim and earned her a Grammy nomination. Her following albums, The Electric Lady andDirty Computer, continued this trend, solidifying her place in the music industry.
Acting Contributions
(Photo by Mark Horton/Getty Images)
In addition to her music, Monae has also ventured into acting, further increasing her net worth. She’s been part of critically acclaimed films like Hidden Figures and Moonlight, and her performances have garnered praise, proving her versatility as an artist.
Business Ventures
(Photo by Jason Howard/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
Apart from her music and acting career, Monae has also invested in several business ventures. She is the co-founder of the Wondaland Arts Society, a collective and record label that supports other artists. This entrepreneurial spirit has undoubtedly contributed to her net worth.
Philanthropy
(Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Despite her wealth, Monae has never lost sight of the importance of giving back. She’s known for her philanthropic work, particularly her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and racial equality. Although these endeavors may not directly increase her net worth, they certainly enhance her public image and reputation, indirectly contributing to her overall success.
Conclusion/TLDR
Janelle Monae’s net worth of $12 million is a testament to her talent, hard work, and versatility. Whether it’s through her unique and compelling music, her performances on the silver screen, or her entrepreneurial ventures, she continues to build upon her success. Furthermore, her commitment to philanthropy shows that her wealth hasn’t detracted from her dedication to social issues. As she continues her career, there’s no doubt that Janelle Monae’s net worth will only continue to grow.
On this day in Hip Hop history, OutKast, the duo that helped pioneer putting southern Hip Hop on the map, released their debut classic LP, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.
This Dungeon Family masterpiece recorded by Andre 3000 and Big Boi paved the way for Atlanta and the rest of the Dirty South to have their unique voice in Hip Hop. Before this album, there weren’t many hit records coming from anywhere south of the Mason-Dixon line. Peaking at #20 on the Billboard 200 and being certified platinum less than a year after its release, this album’s achievements speak for themselves.
Produced entirely by OutKast and Organized Noize, this project was like none before. Its sound is perfectly described as southern rap. Everything about this album screams Atlanta, from the dialect to the instruments used to the references. The smooth blues and marching band-influenced beats blend with Big Boi and Andre 3000’s flows, creating something new that rippled the tide of an industry saturated with G-Funk or New York Hip Hop.
Both commercially and critically, this album was immensely successful. It peaked at #20 on the Billboard 200 and #3 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop charts. This album was also the reason OutKast received the Best Newcomer Award at the 1995 Source Awards, which, as we all know, was met with controversy. Regardless of the haters, this album came at the beginning of the career of two rappers who changed the game forever.
Next April will mark 30 years since legendary Southern rap duo Outkast burst onto the Hip-Hop scene with their debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Andre 3000 and Big Boi rose to rap supremacy. Many fans and critics regard the duo as the greatest Hip-Hop group of all time. Outkast is well-remembered for their thought-provoking lyrics, funky beats, and overall unique and everlasting sound. Here’s a look at 10 of Outkast’s best songs.
10. “So Fresh, So Clean” (2000)
“So Fresh, So Clean” is the perfect anthem for anytime someone puts on their best outfit and looks in the mirror. The song was the third single from Outkast’s album Stankonia. Rico Wade of Organized Noize created the now iconic chorus while he sang in the shower one evening. Sleepy Brown recorded the chorus the following day, an interpolation of Joe Simon’s “Before the Night is Over.” Along with the chorus, Big Boi and Andre 3000 drop some of their smoothest flows over a funky, southern beat as they describe their “playeristic” nature. “So Fresh, So Clean” is a smooth, sexual anthem and an all-time classic.
9. “Hey Ya!” (2003)
Perhaps Outkast’s most famous song, “Hey Ya!”, came from the group’s double album Speakerboxx/The Love Below. Twenty years after its release, “Hey Ya!” is still on many DJs set lists and can be heard at almost any social gathering nationwide. The song is an upbeat, acoustic-driven, ’60s-esque pop song delivered entirely by Andre 3000. Yet, the lyrics detail a failing relationship as Andre profoundly questions what keeps couples together. While “Hey Ya!” veers away from the sounds of much of Outkast’s discography, its creativity, rejection of genre, and lyrics lead to its greatness. Lines such as “What’s cooler than bein’ cool, Ice Cold” and “Shake it like a Polaroid picture” are still quoted today. “Hey Ya!” is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable songs ever.
8. “Git Up, Git Out”( 1994)
“Git Up, Git Out” is the third single from Outkast’s debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. Along with verses from Big Boi and Andre 3000, the track also features Cee-Lo and Big Gipp of the Goodie Mob. Big Boi and Andre were 19 years old at the time of the song’s release. The subject matter of “Git Up, Git Out” reflects the adolescent desire to overcome circumstances and make something out of life. In their verses, each rapper contemplates the impact of their decisions, including dropping out of school and using too much weed. Andre’s verse is particularly contemplative as he describes his childhood and his uncertainty with the meaning of existence. “Git Up, Git Out” also questions systems of government that have held each rapper down, and the song’s content is unsure, rebellious, and philosophical.
7. “B.O.B. (Bombs Over Bagdhad)” (2000)
“B.O.B” is one of Outkast’s discography’s most experimental and ambitious songs. It meshes Hip-Hop with drum and bass rhythms, a gospel choir, and an electric guitar. At the turn of the 21st century, Outkast felt that much of the Hip-Hop had become stagnant and formulaic. They looked to break genre boundaries with songs such as “B.O.B.” The song moves at 155 beats per minute, making it one of the fastest rap songs ever. Andre 3000 and Big Boi supplement this with frenetic flows and delivery.
“B.O.B” also features a Jimi Hendrix-esque guitar solo halfway through as a gospel choir repeats the phrase “bombs over Baghdad.” “B.O.B” is a prime example of Outkast’s ability to venture into territories yet to be explored by most Hip-Hop artists of their time.
6. “Elevators (Me & You)”(1996)
“Elevators” was the first single from Outkast’s sophomore album ATLiens. The song perfectly captures the spatial, otherworldly atmosphere of the album. The instrumental for “Elevators” is funky and shares characteristics with the “lo-fi” genre of music. At its release, “Elevators” was the highest charting song in Outkast’s discography as it reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. Ironically, Andre 3000’s final verse on the song describes how far the group had left to go and the hunger the duo still felt to succeed in Hip-Hop. About this, Andre raps, “I live by the beat / Like you live check-to-check / If it don’t move your feet / Then I don’t eat / So we like neck-to-neck.”
5. “Ms. Jackson” (2000)
“Ms. Jackson” was Outkast’s first No. 1 hit. The song is a profession of love to the mother of the narrator’s romantic partner. It also tells the story of issues that arise from having a child out of wedlock. “Ms. Jackson” depicts Outkast’s storytelling ability at its finest, and the lyrics are inspired, in part, by Andre 3000’s relationship with Erykah Badu and her mother. The track is vulnerably apologetic and combative at the same time. It shows Outkast’s ability to intertwine emotion and storytelling with a catchy, pop-like chorus that resonated with fans. “Ms. Jackson” is one of Outkast’s most famous and commercially successful songs, yet the song is also deeply personal and intimate.
4. “Da Art of Storytelling Pt. 1” (1998)
“Da Art of Storytelling Pt. 1” was the third single from Outkast’s album Aquemini. True to its title, Big Boi and Andre 3000 tell the stories of two love interests from their pasts. Big Boi’s story is of a brief sexual encounter with a woman named “Suzy Screw,” which ends after he gets what he wants. However, Andre 3000’s story takes a darker turn as he tells the story of a woman named “Sasha Thumper.” Andre tells the tale of the two’s connection, Sasha’s life, and her eventual death by overdose. The song and the stories within are haunting, and the synth-heavy instrumental adds to the evocative atmosphere of the track. “Da Art of Storytelling Pt. 1” is the pinnacle of Hip-Hop storytelling at its finest.
3. “SpottieOttieDopalicious” (1998)
“SpottieOttieDopalicious” is a seven-minute psychedelic escapade into Outkast’s experiences within Atlanta’s nightlife. The song features one of the most iconic horn riffs as Big Boi and Andre 3000 give spoken-word verses. Meanwhile, Sleepy Brown sings in the background. The song is lyrical, and Big Boi and Andre 3000 deliver their verses like poetry. “SpottieOttieDopalicious” displays Outkast’s unique experimentation and storytelling ability. The song is more of an experience than a piece of music. Artists such as Beyoncé, Lil Wayne, Childish Gambino, and J. Cole have all sampled “SpottieOttieDopalicious”; the song is truly one of a kind.
2. “ATLiens” (1996)
“ATLiens” serves as the perfect introduction to the world of Outkast. The song’s title plays into the group’s geographical home of Atlanta and their place as foreigners in the Hip-Hop scene. In addition, the content of the song reflects this sentiment. The beat begins with a sound effect reminiscent of those in movies where aliens first appear. Big Boi and Andre 3000 deliver verses that pay homage to their Southern roots and contain phrases that establish their “alien” vernacular. The chorus of the song is pitched up and sounds almost otherworldly. “ATLiens” is slick, powerful, and contains everything that makes Outkast legendary.
1. “Aquemini” (1998)
“Aquemini” is a nostalgic reflection on the bond between Big Boi and Andre 3000. As the chorus notes, “Nothing lasts forever / But until they close the curtain / It’s him and I, Aquemini.” Along with the chorus’s somber tone, Big Boi and Andre 3000 deliver some of their greatest verses. Andre 3000’s second is mainly one of, if not the best, rap verse. Almost every word rhymes as Andre raps about philosophy, his “alien” nature, and his response to criticism about his outlandish behavior and personality. “Aquemini” displays Outkast at their technical best, as well as at their emotional best. The song serves as a sort of manifesto for both Big Boi and Andre 3000’s beliefs on the world, the Hip-Hop scene, and their place as “outcasts” within each of those places.
Sure, it’s a pretty cold take at this point, but it’s still one of the most interesting and tough conversations to have. Joe Budden recently called Outkast “the greatest group of all time” during his appearance on the Drink Champs podcast with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN. Moreover, it seems like they were answering prompts and taking shots, and one of the questions that came up was a choice between the Atlanta duo and Mobb Deep. “Well, Outkast is the greatest group of all time,” Budden began. “But I’m from New York… I mean, but Outkast is better than Mobb Deep.”
“I’m not gonna be on camera saying otherwise,” the Slaughterhouse alum added. However, he still gave due respect to Mobb Deep, which is a strong contender in that conversation in their own right. “But Queens, Mobb Deep, Rest In Peace Prodigy,” he remarked to the camera with a salute. As the cohosts agreed, they took a shot, most likely in honor of the fallen hip-hop legend. A lot more groups are usually part of that conversation, but there’s no denying that Outkast is often seen as the favorite.
Still, it does open up a question about what’s considered a rap group in the first place. Sure, Big Boi and André 3000 have an impeccable discography (the best in the genre, some say), but they are two guys stacked up against groups like the Wu-Tang Clan. However, many include Organized Noize in that conversation for their indelible contributions to Big and Dré’s production, so that debate could last thirty more years and beyond. Unfortunately, an Outkast reunion or another album seems like the stuff of legend at this point, but one can dream.
As someone known for their often scathing takes, Joe gets a bit too much flack for just speaking honestly. In this case, it’s doubtful that many will be at his throat for making such an assumption when a GOAT contender (or two, if we’re being fair and honest) is in what he considers the greatest group of all time. The one thing we know for sure, though, is that this is an evergreen point of conversation for the hip-hop world. With that in mind, let us know what you think the greatest group of all time is in the comments and come back to HNHH for the latest on Joe Budden and Outkast.
