OutKast "ATLiens" (August 27, 1996 + Tribute Mix)

Though they were likely lost on casual hip-hop fans, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik was full of subtle indications that OutKast were a lot more inventive than your average Southern playas. Their idiosyncrasies bubbled to the surface on their sophomore effort, ATLiens, an album of spacy sci-fi funk performed on live instruments. Largely abandoning the hard-partying playa characters of their debut, Dre and Big Boi develop a startlingly fresh, original sound to go along with their futuristic new personas. George Clinton's space obsessions might seem to make P-Funk obvious musical source material, but ATLiens ignores the hard funk in favor of a smooth, laid-back vibe that perfectly suits the duo's sense of melody. The album's chief musical foundation is still soul, especially the early-'70s variety, but other influences begin to pop up as well. Some tracks have a spiritual, almost gospel feel (though only in tone, not lyrical content), and the Organized Noize production team frequently employs the spacious mixes and echo effects of dub reggae in creating the album's alien soundscapes. In addition to the striking musical leap forward, Dre and Big Boi continue to grow as rappers; their flows are getting more tongue-twistingly complex, and their lyrics more free-associative. Despite a couple of overly sleepy moments during the second half, ATLiens is overall a smashing success thanks to its highly distinctive style, and stands as probably OutKast's most focused work (though it isn't as wildly varied as subsequent efforts). The album may have alienated (pun recognized, but not intended) the more conservative wing of the group's fans, but it broke new ground for Southern hip-hop and marked OutKast as one of the most creatively restless and ambitious hip-hop groups of the '90s. - AllMusic. Today, we're tapping into last year's tribute mix from Toronto's DJ Filthy Rich. Celebrating over 25 years of OutKast's classic album ATLiens, Filthy Rich's mix includes original samples, exclusive blends, and remixes. Listen below because "The South got somethin' to say!" is still relevant to this day. Art above by Torre Pentel. Props to DJ Filthy Rich.

OutKast "Aquemini" (September 29, 1998)

They brought you the Platinum Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. Then they brought the Platinum plus ATLiens. Now Big Boi and Dre, the player and the poet, bring you their highly anticipated third album, Aquemini, destined for at least Double Platinum. OutKast consistently provides superb lyrics laced over bumpin' tracks which have earned them Platinum albums, #1 hit singles, awards and respect in the world of rap. In 1994 the duo entered the hip-hop scene with the Organized Noize (TLC, EnVogue, Goodibe Mob) produced Platinum album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. It debuted at #3 on the R&B Billboard Chart, received a 4.5 mic rating (out of 5) from The Source magazine and the group received a Source Award for Best New Group or Duo. The album's first single, "Player's Ball," went Gold in a matter of weeks, holding down the #1 spot on Billboard Rap Chart for over six consecutive weeks. In short, OutKast made the industry stop and respect that rap can flow from the dirty south. OutKast came right back with their sophomore album, ATLiens, which sold 1.5 million units. ATLiens reached Platinum status within a few weeks of its release when it entered the Billboard Top 200 at #2 (directly behind Pearl Jam). The album, also produced by ONP, marked the very impressive production debut by Big Boi and Dre, who crafted the first release off ATLiens, "Elevators." The single stayed at #1 for weeks, reached Platinum status, and had hip-hop heads across the nation chanting, "Me & you, your momma and your cousin too, rollin down the strip on vogues, comin up slammin cadillac doors." - Press Release, 1998. Revisit Aquemini, cont'd below...

David Banner spoke about the album in The Source's Record Report and had this to say, "I look at OutKast as being visionary. They are one of the few groups that show there is dexterity in their music. From the poetry to the live feeling, this album change the way people look at rap music. They brought in orchestras and African drummers, different types of instruments that you're not used to hearing in rap music. Big Boi took care of the streets while Andre took us to the next galaxy. It's like a diary to a Southern cat's life. "Return of the G" was the feeling of the streets and "Rosa Parks" was like going to church in the South. That's what made the album great. If you felt like you need "Liberation" you had it. It wasn't too much of anything, it was just enough. I don't care if you the hardest gangsta in the world, you not killing somebody every day. No one is happy every day. A dope fiend ain't high every single day. And I don't give a f#ck what nobody says: Andre Benjamin is one of the top five lyricists of all time. From their first album to now, he has never kicked a weak rhyme... Let's embrace them while they're alive." - The Source. Agreed, top 5 lyricist of ALL-TIME!

OutKast "ATLiens" (August 27, 1996)

The evolution of hip-hop music into a greater art form will never occur if the artists and their producers themselves don't grow as individuals. Outkast and their producers, Organized Noize, understand that without growth, audiences mature beyond the artists. Their sophomore release, "ATLiens," represents a big change in faith, philosophy, and deed for the Atlanta duo. As the album title suggests, Big Boi and Dre have gone out of this world into a new dimension of sight, sound, and mind. While Big Boi speaks of embracing the responsibilities of manhood on cuts like "Decatur Psalm," Dre, like a disciple cleansing himself in baptismal water, gives voice to personal spiritual rejuvenation and renunciation of his former worldly ways on songs like "Babylon," "E.T.," and "Millennium." Outkast transcends by descending neighborhood scenery, leaving the audience to expand its imagination. "ATLiens" is socially responsible, spiritual, and street all at the same time. Almost like in the Twilight Zone, or the Million Man March, or at a southern Baptist revival, "ATLiens" embodies the power and the spirit of black music. When the offering plate begins to make its rounds, your undivided attention is the only payment required. - The Source, '96. Listen below...

The B-Side to the picture disc copy of OutKast's ATLiens LP...

Andre 3000 "Rewind: The Tape Deck 2010-2019" (Mixtape, 2019)

Since 2007, Hip-Hop Is Read has curated numerous compilations and mixes with artists' music, samples and so-forth. End of last year, they released a handful of decade wrap-ups including Nas, Your Old Droog, Prodigy; and this one is Andre 3000 of OutKast. One of the nicest and most innovative artists in our culture, it's nice to Rewind the Tape Deck with this mix of tracks from 2010-2019. You'll hear tracks with Beyonce, GoldLink, Future, Ciara, Ludacris, T.I., Chris Brown, Drake, Kanye West, Fabolous, Rick Ross, Lloyd, Lil Wayne, James Blake, Gorillaz, Ke$ha, B.o.B., Young Jeezy, Frank Ocean, Anderson .Paak, Big Boi and more. I'll be honest, many of these songs cross too far over, but I still respect his ingenuity and what he brings to every track he touches. Dig into it...

Andre 3000 & Madlib "Otis Benjamin 2.0" (Mixtape)

Altered Crates delivers a sonic delight by blending Andre 3000’s spectacular verses with Madlib’s magnificent tracks. Aptly-titled Otis Benjamin 2.0, the extended project adds four new edits, including Madstacks takes on UGK’s “Int’l Players Anthem,” Lloyd’s “I Want You,” and Outkast’s “Elevators.” The tape caps a ten-release year from Crates, whose mash-up archive now features the stellar Premier Hussle project, a Yasiin Bey x Al Green twist-up, and a Freddie Gibbs Christmas album. These releases from Altered Crates have been phenomenal, check Otis Benjamin 2.0 below...

J.Period Presents "Outkast: ReFixed" (Mix)

“In honor of the 23rd Anniversary of SouthernPlayalistic..., J.PERIOD & Vibe Magazine pay tribute to Outkast with OutKast: ReFixed, a live DJ mix featuring classic Outkast and newly-minted J.PERIOD remixes. Recorded live at Art Of Storytellin' Brooklyn, OutKast: ReFixed is a clear reminder of why this duo will forever remain one of hip hop's greatest groups. Re-imagining "B.O.B." over "Panda," "Art of Storytellin" over "Children's Story," "Skew It on the BBQ" over "Truffle Butter" and more, J.PERIOD amplifies classic Dre and Big Boi verses in new musical contexts, illuminating their lyrical brilliance in a whole new way. Cement their status: Outkast are legends.” - J.Period

OutKast "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik" (4/26/94)

Outkast's debut album, 'Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik,' was released on this day in 1994 through LaFace Records. The duo of Andre 3000 and Big Boi helped build the credibility of Southern artists as lyricists and unique creatives with their "splashes of funk, harmonic choruses, and thought-provoking rhymes." The lead single was 'Player's Ball,' a smash that was originally a Christmas record. In fact, they sent out postcards inviting listeners ("All the Players & Phatt Macks") to the "ball of all century, the Player's Ball on Christmas Day. Come stacked because it's gonna be phatt like that." L.A. Reid was behind that; he asked Outkast to record a track for a Christmas compilation, but when the record had hit potential, they released it as the lead single with minor changes to the beat and lyrics. Ironically, with all that said, I kinda dismissed the record because I didn't feel the chorus (at first), and it wasn't until May (after the album had dropped) that I heard the title-track, and off that, copped the album. Neither that or 'Git Up, Git Out' did nearly as well on radio, but I think the bulk of the investment in promo was done prior to the album's release, so that didn't really surprise me. As the group continued their rise in popularity and mainstream success, LaFace reissued the album in '98, giving it a second push, and by 2000 ('Stankonia'), I think it's safe to say the whole world celebrated Outkast's catalog as being some of the most forward-thinking and innovative hip-hop music of our generation. I can't say I was a "day one" fan, but they definitely won me over. "Cadillacs are coming! Are you ready to ride?" The 'Player's Ball' video and postcards are below.

OutKast "Benz or Beamer" Feature (Rap Pages, 1995)

Outkast's 'Benz or Beamer' was released on the New Jersey Drive Soundtrack in 1995. Ironically, the soundtrack was reviewed alongside Big L's 'Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous' in The Source and both were released 22 years ago today. 'Benz or Beamer' was one of many great tracks on the soundtrack - in fact, there were so many, Tommy Boy capitalized on the buzz and put out 2 volumes. The duo of Andre 3000 and Big Boi flexed their lyrical abilities, bouncy production and storytelling on 'Benz or Beamer' so well, I was always amazed this & all their early work didn't capture more attention. It wasn't until 2000, when Outkast released 'Stankonia,' that they reached #2 on Billboard and received sales that more closely matched their talent. Will we ever get another Outkast project or a solo effort from Andre 3000? I don't know, but be clear - they are one of the best groups to ever do it regardless of what's next. The above illustration and lyrics were featured in Rap Pages, June 1995. You can see their video below, and be sure to read the lyrics!

OutKast "Aquemini" (XXL Review, 1998) + Rosa Parks vs OutKast

"As the release of OutKast's third installment, Aquemini, drew near, fans of the Dirty South were getting a bit antsy, and understandably so. After the funk of their 1994 debut, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, was followed up with the more subdued, experimental ATLiens in '96, many devotees were left confused as they threw their hands in the ay-er. What would the older, wealthier OutKast do next? Don't stress. Atlanta's finest come correct with Aquemini, a tight third album featuring an eclectic mix of tracks a la their sophomore effort - but with just enough elements of their classic debut to remind you how they got where they are. The backing track used on "Slump" could have come off the first album - rich with bass and easy on the strings and keys. But Dre and Big Boi aren't taking the criticism of their second album lying down: naysayers are addressed in "Return of the G," which features an ominous blend of instrumentals and boom bap."

"Rosa Parks" has a similar tone, as Dre rhymes about buying a new tape from his favorite rapper and hoping that it's jamming. Teamed once again with the Organized Noize production team, Outkast stirs a mix of horns, guitars and percussion on Aquemini that is no less than brilliant on songs like "SpottieOttie-Dopalicious" (a spoken word piece) and "Chonkyfire." And if anyone is still sleeping on these cats' rhyming skills, each of them put all doubts to rest with a ridiculous flow. To top it off, guest appearances from Raekwon on "Skew It On The Bar-B" and Goodie Mob's Cee-Lo and Dre's lady Erykah Badu on "Liberation" gives the album a broader view, but it still remains OutKast's show. Much of Aquemini takes on the serious tone of Hotlanta cohorts Goodie Mob lyrically and musically, yet it's festive enough for folks to appreciate when they just want to marinate." Cont'd below...

Interestingly, while "Rosa Parks" was the first single to Aquemini, it was not released without issue. In March (2000), Vibe released an article, titled: "Rosa Parks sues Outkast and loses." Rosa Parks sued OutKast, their label, parent company and distributor in federal court, "claiming the duo had no right to use "Rosa Parks" as the title of their 1998 party anthem. As punishment, she sought $25,000 and the removal of her name from all OutKast releases," which would have cost at least 6 figures. The federal judge "determined that artistic works that use the names of public figures in their titles are protected from publicity claims under the First Amendment. In other words, OutKast could use Park's name." Vibe ads, "She apparently learned of the song's existence from her minister and soon discovered that "Rosa Parks" contained profanity and the chorus "Ah hah, hush that fuss, everybody move to the back of the bus," which she understood to be an insult" ... In a statement, Dre and Big Boi said, "We are pleased that our freedom of speech wasn't compromised but are still saddened that Ms. Park's lawyers felt the need to take this to court.... We respect Ms. Parks and all that she has done for our people and this country." - Vibe, March 2000.

"A Tribe Called Kast" (Blend Tape)

In short, this a dope blend tape from DJ Nappy Needles, featuring the lyrics of Outkast over beats by A Tribe Called Quest. The result is "A Tribe Called Kast," a 12-track ode to two legendary groups! At the memorial for Phife Dawg (R.I.P.), Andre 3000 revealed that he and Big Boi had discussed working with A Tribe Called Quest on an album; it is now one of the biggest 'what-if' moments in all of Hip-Hop. "A Tribe Called Kast" gives a glimpse at what those collaborations might have sounded like, while still remaining a bittersweet moment in the passing of the beloved, Phife Dawg. Peep it...

OutKast "Next" Feature In Vibe Magazine (August, 1994)

"Booty Macks, Pimp Slaps, and Day-Glo Cadillacs: the infamous imagery of '70's baadasssss blaxploitation films has been appropriated by the hip hop nation since the early days of the new school... OutKast have composed the perfect soundtrack to accompany their mack daddy fantasies, and their debut single, "Player's Ball," swaggers like a lethal mixture of Stagolee and Superfly dancing to a wah-wah beat. "With our music, me and Big Boi are trying to bring back the '70s," Andre says in a thick-as-smoke country accent. With a beat that's as smooth as a black '77 Seville with a Tabasco red crushed-velvet interior, "Player's Ball" is just a piece of the larger picture. Their album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, is crude enough to be Afro-kitsch, cool enough to be an Iceberg Slim daydream. "Down South there's lots of players rolling in Cadillacs. We just wanted to put that wild lifestyle on wax," Big Boi explains." Check the visuals to the title track, cont'd below...

"Big Boi, 19, and Andre, 18, first became homeboys when they were students at Atlanta's Tri-Cities High School, a performing arts school that their homegirls Xscape attended. After the OutKast boys hooked up, they began developing their skills in Andre's father's basement. "I had moved in with my Pops 'cause me and my mother were having problems. Then Big Boi moved in with me," Andre says. After performing at talent shows, OutKast began playin' in local clubs. Says Andre, "It was round that time that we met our producers, Organized  Noize." (The team - Rico, Ray, and Pat - has also done tracks for TLC.) "We worked on material for a few months, then we were asked to drop some rhymes on L.A. Reid from LaFace Records." Smiling, Big Boi adds, "We dropped some freestyles, then LaFace set up a showcase for us. After doing two more showcases, we were signed." ... "Real recognizes real," says Andre. "L.A. may not know a lot about rap music, but he knows what sounds good." ... 'The vibe in A-T-L is good for making good music'." - Vibe, "Next," (August 1994).

OutKast "Greetings Earthling" (Mixed by Mick Boogie, 2014)

A message from MICK: "Greetings Earthling: Outkast, hands down, is one of my favorite groups of all time - in any genre of music. Their music set trends, defined a generation, and created a mood unlike any other. In honor of their Coachella reunion, I put together a fun mix of Big Boi and Andre 3000 rarities, demos, collaborations and remixes. If you're a MICK fan, you'll find this similar to the retrospectives I did for A Tribe Called Quest and the Beastie Boys. If you're looking for Outkast's greatest hits or stuff from their albums, you're out of luck. Go to iTunes and buy those right now. If you're a true fan and looking to dig a little bit deeper and really enter the world of the Dungeon Family - this is made for you. And it's hella long - maybe TOO long - almost 2 hours!" Listen below...