Outkast: The Listener’s Guide
The legendary duo from Atlanta has checked all boxes when it comes to what you want out of a musical career. From plenty of hits accessible for everyone and don’t sacrifice their artistry, to hard hitting execution of whatever concept they were pushing and intertwining it with their own creativity, there will never be another. With that being said, here is my listener’s guide for the one and only OUTKAST.
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik - For reference and perspective, Andre and Big Boi were not even in their 20s when they released this which means they were younger when recording it. Going on record, this album is probably one of the best rap debuts ever on top of being one of the best bodies of work released by an act at such a young age. With Ain’t No Thang, the group makes their trademark on hard hitting intro’s and then throughout the album flexing their lyrical abilities and creativity. With songs like Player’s Ball, Crumblin Erb, Git Up, Git Out, this was only the beginning for the two. A great introductory album because it only gets better from here.
ATLIENS - I consider Atliens one of their more serious efforts in terms of tone. Although it’s not as funky as the previous album, the production is still beyond impressive. When we talk about themes and album art not too many did it like Outkast. Driving home the point that their special and repping their city, this album is the definition of a rap clinic…touching on multiple sobering topics….probably my 2nd favorite.
AQUEMINI - To me, this is their magnum opus. Aquemini is everything you love about Outkast supercharged, improved on and more. It takes their musical roots and expands them into a body of work that’s incredible. Coming off the 2nd album, there were a lot of questions about Big Boi and Andre’s relationship, but with Return of the G, 3K puts all of it to rest and Big Boi to confirm. Making a statement for the rap game and art as a whole the diversity of subject matter and instrumentation are the biggest high points on this album for me. And to top it all off…Chonkyfire.
STANKONIA - Now, Stankonia is what I consider their most polarizing album. It’s probably the most musically daring effort the duo has done. With some of their most popular radio hits come with this album line Ms. Jackson and So Fresh, So Clean..I often think their lyrical content goes under the radar on here. Also, Bombs Over Baghdad is probably one of the greatest listening experiences ever. Touching on certain topics in the black community, commercialism, longevity and more, this album will truly leave you on the edge of your seat at every turn.
SPEAKERBOXXX/THE LOVE BELOW - This is where we start to see Andre and Big Boi drift off from each other. Each having their own side to the album, this is also one of their most popular efforts. With Roses, The Way You Move, and Hey Ya. But, I also think this album goes under the radar because they still continue to push boundaries even later in their careers, with Prototype, A Day in the Life of Andre Benjamin and GhettoMusick.
IDLEWILD - Although it is a soundtrack to a movie. It’s still impressive how good it is. Even if it is the worst out of all their bodies of work.
I could go on about their features, Big Boi’s solo efforts and the dungeon family as a whole. Regardless, give people their flowers while they can still smell them. There is no Southern Rap without Outkast.
