3 Eternal Outkast Songs That Will Make Anyone a Hip-Hop Fan

If there’s one thing that’s for certain about the Atlanta-born rap duo Outkast, it’s they have fans from all over and all walks of life. The group was able to somehow bridge authenticity with commercial appeal, talent with appeal. It’s a fine line to walk but it made the group one of the most popular and now long-lasting rap groups of its generation.

Here below we wanted to explore three songs from the outfit that sum up their quintessential style. A trio of tracks that showcase just why Outkast is the cream of the crop when it comes to rap duos. Indeed, these are three eternal Outkast songs that will make anyone a hip-hop fan.

[RELATED: The Genius of André 3000 and His Post-Fame Reinvention]

“B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad)” from Stankonia (2000)

Not only are Outkast talented and appealing but they are at the top of the talent level. When Eminem declared Andre 3000 one of this favorite rappers in the song “Till I Collapse,” he hit the nail on the head. Andre has such versatility on a beat. He’s cerebral, cartoonish, and creative. Then when you bring in the southern rapper Big Boi to back him up, the package is complete. Indeed, this song opens with such power as Andre raps,

Yeah, inslumnational, underground
Thunder pounds when I stomp the ground (woo)
Like a million elephants or silverback orangutans
You can’t stop a train
Who want some? Don’t come unprepared
I’ll be there, but when I leave there
Better be a household name
Weather man tellin’ us it ain’t gon’ rain
So now we sittin’ in a drop-top, soakin’ wet
In a silk suit, tryin’ not to sweat
Hit somersaults without the net
But this’ll be the year that we won’t forget

“Rosa Parks” from Aquemini (1999)

As soon as that acoustic guitar comes in, you know just what you’re listening to and you’re awash in authentic rap music mixed with commercial appeal. With the co-frontmen of Andre 3000 and Big Boi, this song can be played in the parking lot, on Top-40 radio, in the club, or really anywhere else. With Big Boi’s low voice and Andre’s elastic one, the two lyricists have two different sounds covered. Truly, there is something for everyone—even harmonica lovers on the tune’s bridge. And on the track, Andre raps,

I met a gypsy and she hipped me to some life game
To simulate then activate the left and right brain
Said baby boy you’re only funky as your last cut
You focus on the past your ass’ll be a has but
That’s one to live by or either that one to die to
I try to just throw it at you determine your own adventure
André, got to her station here’s my destination
She got off the bus, the conversation lingered in my head for hours
Took a shower kinda sour cause my favorite group ain’t comin’ wit’ it
But I’m wit’ ya you ’cause you probably goin’ through it anyway

“Hey Ya!” from Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003)

Released as a double album for Outkast, the 2003 offering Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was really an Andre 3000 record and a Big Boi record. And the hit track off Andre’s side was “Hey Ya!” a track that could be heard from city to suburb and a music video that was everywhere, too. Today, the track boasts more than 700 million views on YouTube alone. And it has spawned many copycats. On the silky, honey-sweet track, Andre croons,

My baby don’t mess around
Because she loves me so
And this I know fo sho (uh)
But does she really wanna
But can’t stand to see me walk out the door? (Ah)
Don’t try to fight the feeling
Because the thought alone is killin’ me right now (uh)
Thank God for Mom and Dad
For sticking two together
‘Cause we don’t know how (c’mon)

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