20. Two Dope Boyz (In A Cadillac) Album: ATLiens
Fresh off of one of the best intro’s (You May Die) in rap history, Two Dope Boyz is the ever so essential welcoming track that sets the mood for what is one of the greatest rap albums of all time. There are no underlying messages or meaning in this track, Andre and Big Boi are simply just coming out, setting a tone and letting you know right off the jump that they are two extremely dope artists, with lyrical skill that is unmatched.
Andre Lyric: “But in the middle we stay calm, we just drop bombs.”
Big Boi Lyric: “Every time I rhyme for y’all, I’m looking to prove a point.”
19. B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad) Album: Stankonia
Released in 2000, this was unlike anything that had ever been introduced to the culture of rap before. A spastic symphony of drum, bass and aggressive lyrics, this song was a contributor to many lively dance floors throughout the early 2000’s. While the intricate beat was the most captivating aspect of this track, the lyrics are insanely dynamic and hold much significance, as the duo profess about the dying rap industry and the low quality of music that was being released in large quantity.
Big Boi Lyric: “Pitty pat rappers tryin’ to get to five. I’m a microphone fiend trying to stay alive.”
Andre Lyric: “Who want some? Don’t come unprepared, I’ll be there, but when I leave there, better be a household name.”
18. Roses Album: Speakerboxxx/The Love Below
While Idlewild is officially Outkast’s last studio album together, many Kast’ fans saw Speakerboox/The Love Below as the album that marked the beginning of the duo’s eventual hiatus from one another. On the thirty-nine track double disc release, this track was one of only three that both Dre and Big Boi performed on together. It is understandably one of their most popular songs, as the piano and pop-ish chorus are instantly captivating off the bat. Speaking to the pretty woman of the world who ruin their beauty by their unpleasant actions, Andre and Big Boi created a timeless tune that undoubtedly belongs on any list of Outkast’s greatest songs.
Andre Lyric: “She needs a golden calculator to divide, the time it took to look inside and realize, that real guys go for real down to mars girls.”
17. Skew It On The Bar-B Album: Aquemini
The opening chorus says it all, “Old school players to new school fools, Kast’ keep it jumpin’ like kangaroos. We’ll skew it on the bar-b we ain’t tryin’ to lose, say I be gahtdamnit they done changed the rules.” With help from Wu-Tang’s own, Chef Raekwon, Outkast’ takes their combined lyrical strengths from their first two efforts and pair it with their newly acquired futuristic funk-driven instrumentation. Another track, like B.O.B., with aggressive beat structures that was an instant recipe for a hype house party or dance floor.
16. So Fresh, So Clean Album: Stankonia
Once again, a case of Outkast just coming right out and letting the world know how unbelievably cool they are. “Ain’t nobody dope as me, I’m just so fresh, so clean.” Man, back when this track first dropped, anyone with Outkast in the headphones felt like the coolest individual on the planet when this came on. Simply just a feel-good, summer mood type track, which sheds light on one of the greatest things about Outkast. Although they had the ability to, they didn’t always feel obligated to come with super enlightening lyrics on every song. They knew that the easy flowing, feel-good, party type tracks were just as essential to their style.
