5. ATLiens Album: ATLiens
When ATLiens dropped in 1996, this track being the title track and second single released off the album, was the first gateway introduction song that took the duo’s brand new alien-ish avant-garde sound from the South and familiarized itself with a rapidly increasing fan base from all over the Country. The chorus alone, “Throw your hands in the AY-YER, and wave them like you just don’t CAY-YER”, epitomizes the new style that they were attempting to establish and is in turn entrenched throughout the classic album. Dre and Big Boi are basically telling listeners to let go of their inhibitions, become one with the music, and then proceed to dance, sing or do whatever it is you do when you get hype. Not lost in their new innovative sound though, is the duo’s refined lyrical assault, which is on full display over this spacey track.
Dre Lyric: “Found a way to channel my anger, not to embark. The World’s a stage and everybody’s got to play their part.”
Big Boi Lyric: “And when I’m on the microphone it’s best to wear your sweater, cause i’m cooler than a polar bears toenails.”
4. Rosa Parks Album: Aquemini
Rosa Parks is easily one of the most recognizable songs, and more specifically choruses (“Ahhh Ha, hush that fuss”), that the duo has ever constructed. With this being the first single released off of Aquemini as Outkast was in the middle of their maturation process post-ATLiens, this charismatic song ensured their fans that while they were on a mission to become more refined and polished on their new album, they had no intentions of leaving behind the southern feel-good, party style in the process. If you hadn’t heard of Outkast before this dropped in 98′, then this likely got you familiar with them. From the dynamic world play, to the heavy bass and scratching, to the collective chants/clapping and one large harmonica breakdown, Rosa Parks is laced with a little bit of all of Outkast’s best qualities. This track is as timeless as they come.
Andre Lyric: “She hipped me to some life game, to stimulate then activate the left and right brain. Said, baby boy you only funky as your last cut. You focus on the past your ass will be a has what.”
Big Boi Lyric: “A-T-L, Georgia. What do we do for ya. Bulldoggin’ hoes like them Georgetown Hoyas.”
3. Return Of The G’ Album: Aquemini
This track was directed towards anyone in the hip-hop culture who ever once hated on or doubted Outkast for whatever reason. As the duo inevitably became more and more cultivated with each of their first two releases, there were some people in the rap industry who looked at Outkast’s aberrant style as soft and weak, as opposed to innovative. Andre and Big Boi use this slow bass driven track as grounds for what ends up being the most viciously pleasant array of lyrics in their whole discography. Along with people’s negative opinions of their music, the two emcees also address fake rappers, mindless gangsters and thoughtless parents. There is a certain type of captivating anger that is liberated by the two emcees on Return Of The G’, as they both seem to have large chips on their shoulder and some negative shit on their chest. In some of the most polarizing verses to date from each emcee, they clearly convey the message that they are back in a major way, and don’t really give a f–k what anyone thinks about it.
Andre Lyric: “Let’s talk about time travelin’, rhyme javelin’, something mind unraveling.” / “Return of the gangsta, thanks ta’, Them ni—s that get the wrong impression of expression.”
Big Boi Lyric: “Stickin’ together like flour and water to make that slow dough. We worked for everything we have, and gon’ stick up for each other like we brothers from another mother, kind of like Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.”
2. Elevators (Me & You) Album: ATLiens
This track is the epitome of who Outkast is. Production that is funky, laid-back and bass heavy, paired with substantial lyrics, a dynamic delivery and distinct endearment. With the track being one big metaphor comparing the duo’s lives and careers to that of an elevator rising from the bottom floor to the top, it’s obvious that Andre and Big Boi have a firm sense of self awareness, but also possess a certain type of confidence that is essential to longevity in the music industry. They are clear about the hurdles they had to overcome both in their adolescence and in the beginning stages of their music careers, to eventually get to the fortunate position they are currently in. Andre’s verse about running into an old classmate in the mall, is my favorite all-time verse of his, as he explains to this guy who he doesn’t remember, “I live by the beat, like you live check to check. If you don’t move your feet, than I don’t eat. So we like neck-to-neck.” The ability to appreciate and acknowledge that if it weren’t for the fans, their music wouldn’t be possible, has always been one of the most engaging things about Outkast. In the midst of a rap culture that was full of deceit and fabrication, it’s conscience verses like that which would help pave the way for Outkast to become something special.
1. Aquemini Album: Aquemini
The title track off of their third album, the name Aquemini comes from the combination of both Big Boi and Andre’s zodiac signs, being Aquarius and Gemini. In that same realm of cohesiveness, this track is so essential to and telling of the duo’s relationship in and out of music. Throughout their professional careers with one another, and even into their recent hiatus, there has seemingly always been an incorruptible chemistry between the two MC’s. This track is basically the eternally inked contract to that chemistry. Andre and Big Boi profess that while there will be inevitable ups and downs throughout their two man voyage into the limelight, Outkast will flourish and never die. The opening hook may be the most profound lyrics to ever be spoke in an Outkast song. “Even the sun goes down, heroes eventually die, horoscopes often lie. And that’s sometimes “y”, nothing is for sure, nothing is for certain, nothing lasts forever.. but until they close the curtain.. It’s him and I.. Aquemini.” Sure, there are more beloved, catchy and lyrically skilled Outkast songs than Aquemini, but this is the most powerfully symbolic track of what Outkast has stood for their whole career. And with the recent news of Andre and Big Boi possibly on the verge of re-uniting, is there any song in their whole catalog that is currently more relevant? I don’t believe there is.
But until they close the curtain..
Stream this Outkast Top 20 playlist on Spotify below or find it HERE
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*This Article Was Originally Published By Michael Blair in 2013*
