This rap duo was on the forefront of the Atlanta-based Dirty South rap
genre of the late 1990s. OutKast, which consists of friends Andre
Benjamin (Dre) and Antwan Patton (Big Boi), epitomize Dirty South with
their smooth raps intertwined with S-Fink. Dre (b: May 27, 1975) met Big
Boi (b: February 1, 1975) at his high school in Atlanta. The two, who
used to battle, found a respect for one another and formed OutKast while
in high school. Prior to their graduation, they were pursued by
Organized Noise Productions (TLC, Xscape), and shortly after high school
they were signed to Babyface’s label: LaFace. In 1994, the group
released the single, “Player’s Ball,” which was number one on the rap
chars for six weeks and created buzz for their debut album. OutKast’s
debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, was in the top twenty in
1994. By the end of that year it was platinum. OutKast earned much
praise and respect from their debut album. They received the 1995 Source
Award for Best New Rap Group of the Year. They were also credited with
helping to develop the then new sound, Dirty South. The single, “Elevators
(Me and You),” was a major success in July 1996 when it became a U.S.
top 20. The single was number one on the rap charts and number twelve on
the pop charts. In August of 1996, the duo released their sophomore
album, ATLiens, which debuted at number two and became a Billboard 200
on the album charts. OutKast’s third album, Aquemini, was released in
October 1998. The album debuted at number two and shortly after became
double platinum. The album did not have any huge hit singles. The one
single which was moderately successful, “Rosa Parks,” caused controversy
when the song’s namesake sued the group. The civil rights activist
claimed OutKast was trying to gain success from her name, and she did
not agree with the language used on the song. Although the complaint was
dismissed in 1999, an appeal was pending when their new album was
released in 2000. OutKast released Stankonia in late 2000. The album
immediately was praised due to the music being more diverse and
progressive. The single, “Ms. Jackson,” (reportedly about singer/songwriter
Erykah Badu), was a big hit.
Bio written by: bandhunt |
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