10. Ms. Jackson Album: Stankonia
In terms of widespread mainstream recognition, Ms. Jackson was a groundbreaking song for the duo. But while this was a well-known and at times overplayed radio hit, the sentiment in it was never lost. This is one of Andre’s most personal tracks, as the basis of his lyrics are molded around the deteriorated relationship between he and R&B singer Erykah Badu, who is the mother of his child. He uses the song to address Erykah’s mother and let her know that regardless of the ups and downs of his relationship with her daughter, he will beyond doubt be the best father he can be for his son. A refreshing and catchy track, that ends up acting as a verbal diary for Three Stacks’ dejection.
Andre Lyric: “Ms. Jackson my intentions were good. I wish I could become a magician to abracadabra all the sadder, thoughts of me, thoughts of she, thoughts of he. Asking what happened to that feeling that her and me had.. I pray so much about it, need some knee pads.”
9. Wheelz Of Steel Album: ATLiens
One of the specific tracks on ATLiens that puts more emphasis on the mood rather than the message. Powered by a plethora of scratching throughout the track, which is a sample from a 1970’s song called Focus III by the Dutch band, Focus, Wheelz Of Steel allows for Big Boi and Andre to showcase their verbal chemistry in its finest form. The duo plays a cat and mouse type game with their short intertwined verses, as they feed off each other and push one another to their respective lyrical capabilities over the gripping production.
8. Millennium Album: ATLiens
One of Outkast’s most underrated tracks. They do some of their best work in regards to creating visualizations for the listener through their lyrics and the metaphorical relevance in them. Barely breaking three minutes in length and only harboring one verse each from the duo, Millennium’s strength is in the substance and delivery of the lyrics. The duo uses their skillful wordplay to touch on tales of broken dreams, pressures in succumbing to sin, betrayal and their faith and relationship with God. The beat isn’t overly captivating and it lacks the usual engaging Outkast chorus, but it provides a perfect melodic podium for what ends up being one of the most insightful displays of words from Dre and Big Boi.
Andre Lyric: “Inside I’m melting like water on wicked witches. A monster truck done came and ran over my picket fences. I had the best of life in my clinches, but monkey wrenches was thrown, like chairs kings sit on, my prayers seem too long.”
Big Boi Lyric: “I’m writing this rhyme in faith, so when you hear it, I hope you true it.”
7. Da Art Of Storytellin’ (Part 1 & 2) Album: Aquemini
Although Da Art Of Storytellin‘ is split into two tracks on Aquemini, I ranked it as one track on this list. Mainly so I could fit an extra song in my top 20, but also because they are placed in order on the album and for good reason, as they both in unison are exactly what the title would lead you to believe they are. Story raps. In the first act, the Duo tells the tale of two young women, who are on the wrong path in life due to bad decisions and some degree just being a product of their environment. In the second act, Dre and Big Boi move on to another extreme type story session, in which they frantically rap about a quickly approaching apocalypse on earth. Both verses on part 2 are potent and emphatically delivered, and paired with the lyrical illustrations on part 1, Da Art Of Storytellin’ is a classic 6 1/2 minute ride with the authors from Atlanta.
Andre Lyric: “I said what you wanna be? She said, ‘Alive”. It made me think for a minute, then looked in her eyes. I coulda died, time went on, I got grown, rhyme got strong, mind got blown, I came back home to find lil’ Sasha was gone.”
Big Boi Lyric: “Writing the raps and doing the beats to make this last recording. F–k abortion, I got in the booth to run the final portion. The beat was very dirty and the vocals had distortion.”
6. E.T. (Extraterrestrial) Album: ATLiens
This track is quite possibly the apotheosis of Outkast grasping the significance of their own lyrical consciousness. Another track that barely exceeds three minutes and only contains two verses, but those verses are two of the most insightful collections of words throughout the whole entire Outkast catalog. Over a slow mesmerizing hook that croons the words “Out of this worldddd”, Dre and Big Boi intricately dissect this track with lyrics that prove the otherworldly, advanced beings theme of the whole album to ring true. While Big Boi raps about the issues that people fall victim to in hood and staying true to his style, Andre shines on this track, touching on everything from not taking life for granted and treating others kindly, to taking the necessary risks in chasing your dreams. The majority of rap in the mid 90’s wasn’t very thought-provoking, so for Outkast to have songs like this was extremely refreshing at the time, and helped initiate the eventual process of them being placed in a league of their own.
Andre Lyric(s): “Right now I’m smiling, taking advantage of this moment cause there might not be another soon. Holding on to memories, like rollercoaster handlebars.”
“Cause in a sense, we all be kind of fly. Just can’t be scared to spread your wings and head to better things.”
