Introduction to Outkast
Outkast proved that they were "for real" when Stankonia became a sensation 25 years ago. The hip-hop duo, consisting of André 3000 and Big Boi, was based in Atlanta and had previously recorded two albums that reached number 2 on the Billboard 200 album chart: 1996’s ATLiens and 1998’s Aquarius.
The Making of Stankonia
Ray Murray, a producer who had a long relationship with Outkast, starting with their debut studio album in 1994, remembers the two rappers as being supernatural but benefiting from structure. "They were great MCs, but they would just go on forever and not have well thought-out hooks," says Murray. This all changed with the recording of Stankonia, which was praised for introducing the dirty, funky sensibility of South Hip-Hop to genres such as rock, radio, gospel, and psychedelia.
The Album’s Impact
Stankonia employees remember that Outkast was confident during the recording sessions for their fourth studio album. "Stankonia was like Dre channeling [Jimi] Hendrix," says Sleepy Brown, a member of Organized Noize and a featured singer on Stankonia. The album’s first single, "B.O.B," never reached the Hot 100, but has since been hailed as ahead of its time, with Pitchfork naming it the best song of the 2000s. The second single, "Ms. Jackson," became the first Outkast song to top the Hot 100, and the third single, "So Fresh, So Clean," was also a hit.
Awards and Legacy
Stankonia was released on October 31, 2000, and reached number 2 on the Billboard 200 before being certified five times platinum. Outkast won their first Grammys, including Best Rap Album and Best Group Rap Performance for "Ms. Jackson." The album is set to celebrate its 25-year anniversary and continues to earn praise, with Rolling Stone ranking it number 64 on its list of the best albums of all time.
Outkast’s Future
Outkast continued to be successful with their 2003 double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, but no new music has been released as a group in almost two decades. They are part of this year’s class for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with their induction ceremony set for November 8. CeeLo Green, who has known Outkast since childhood, repeats the feeling of many fans: "I would love to see new Outkast music because everyone would gather around them and they would really celebrate."
