Outkast is one of the most renowned hip-hop groups in history, boasting a discography spanning two decades and selling more than 25 million records worldwide.
After the release of their album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, they began exploring other creative endeavors – which ultimately led to their dissolution.
The group’s creative differences
Fans often experience sadness when a band splits, especially if it is one of music’s most successful and influential acts. But Outkast fans were in for something unexpected when they announced their departure last year – something which seemed inevitable at first sight.
Outkast was one of the greatest hip-hop groups of all time and they continuously challenged what rap music could be. With 6 studio albums released within eight years, Outkast achieved levels of success that were unheard-of at that time.
They were renowned for their unique sense of humor. Through songs that shared their experiences as outsiders, they were able to connect with audiences from all backgrounds. Their lyrics were uplifting and inspiring, reaching people from all walks of life.
Their distinctive style of music had its drawbacks; songs could be overly complex and lyrics difficult to follow, plus they tended to be repetitive in nature.
Outkast ultimately split up due to their creative output and need for keeping up with current trends. To stay relevant and keep their fans interested, they had to remain current.
Outkast’s split was due to a variety of reasons. Creative differences, differing priorities, and personal issues all played a role.
One of the primary reasons groups break up is due to creative differences. For instance, Big Boi and Andre 3000 had distinct styles of music due to their distinct tastes in music, making their work stand out from other releases.
Another reason a group may break up is lack of communication. For instance, if Big Boi and Andre 3000 don’t communicate frequently, then they may not be able to work on their music together effectively.
These are just a few reasons why Outkast broke up, but there are others as well. To prevent future breakups, ensure you communicate regularly with your team members and allow them to have their say in decision making processes. Furthermore, make sure to abide by industry laws and regulations.
The group’s success
For many years, Outkast was one of the most successful hip hop groups. Their six studio albums showcased their innovative blend of G-funk and Dirty South rap style that became a hallmark in hip hop for over a decade.
They achieved success at a time when rappers often failed to reach crossover status. This helped them cultivate an expansive audience and boost the popularity of the genre beyond its previous high.
Outkast were a group throughout their career, but ultimately decided to part ways. This explains why there hasn’t been any new music released since 2006.
Outkast was formed in 1992 by Antwan “Big Boi” Patton and Andre Benjamin (aka Andre 3000). These local rappers began working together as teenagers and eventually released their debut single “Players Ball” during the winter of 1993.
The song went to number one on the charts and earned them international fame, cementing their status as one of hip-hop history’s most influential acts.
Their debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, spurred a revival of southern rap in the 1990s and cemented Outkast as one of hip-hop’s leading acts. The album sold over two million units, with singles such as “Git Up Git Out” and “Do Something” reaching number one on the charts.
After their sixth album, Stankonia, Outkast went on hiatus. This led to speculation that they had broken up; although this has yet to be confirmed, each member pursued solo careers after parting ways.
Big Boi’s debut solo album, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty, was both critically and commercially successful. Since then he has released multiple other albums as well as collaborations.
For several weeks, the album remained at the top of Billboard 200 charts and sold more than five million copies – becoming the first rap album to be certified diamond by RIPA (Recording Industry Association of America).
Although their success made them one of the most influential hip-hop groups, it also created considerable tension between its members. They often disagreed on topics such as lyrics and style of their songs – which ultimately led to their breakup.
The group’s differences in priorities
After their 2003 breakthrough album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, Outkast shifted their focus and began working separately. Big Boi and Andre 3000 wanted to pursue other creative pursuits such as fashion and acting; it felt like their music had become secondary, with no cohesive vision anymore.
In 2014, Andre 3000 and Kayne Dimarco began working together again on a tour, but Andre was dissatisfied with the outcome and felt like he’d been sold out. Additionally, he hinted at possible retirement from music altogether.
Though it was hard to part with them, Outkast did great things for rap music and the industry as a whole. One of their most significant contributions was creating an open platform that allowed artists from different regions to come together and share their stories – an innovative idea at the time that made hip-hop more approachable to mainstream audiences.
Outkast made an impact through their music videos, which told stories about rural South. For instance, their video for “In Due Time” featured Cee-Lo Green and depicted the lives of working black men in rural Georgia. The video served as a great opportunity for those unfamiliar with the area to gain insight into its culture through the eyes of a rapper from there.
Storytelling is essential in the rap genre, as it allows new artists to become successful without needing their music to hit the mainstream. This has enabled the emergence of underground scenes across America that would not have existed without Outkast.
Outkast have always been known for their daring albums, featuring songs that break away from traditional genres of rap music. From Organized Noize’s lush studio instrumentation that revolutionized Southern rap to their bold yet relatable beats, Outkast have consistently challenged themselves to reach new heights.
Ultimately, Outkast’s dedication to musical integrity earned them a place as some of the greatest rappers ever. And their legacy lives on today, inspiring many talented artists around the globe.
The group’s personal issues
It appears that the group members had differing interests and objectives, which may have contributed to their eventual dissolution.
In the 1990s, Andre Benjamin (now known as Andre 3000) and Big Boi formed Outkast and introduced a fresh take on southern hip hop music with their powerful melodies, intricate lyrics, and inspirational messages. Their hit singles helped define what southern hip hop could become for listeners everywhere;
Their debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, was both critically and commercially successful. It featured the hit single “Elevators (Me and You),” which topped the charts for several weeks and sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide.
By the release of their second album, ATLiens, Outkast had become one of the most beloved hip-hop acts worldwide. They earned numerous nominations for their albums, including a Grammy nomination for “Rosa Parks.”
The duo’s third studio album, Aquemini, was a major hit and featured numerous hit songs. It also became their highest-grosing album to date.
Outkast were renowned for their quirky sense of humor and outrageous wardrobes. Furthermore, their stylish music videos became iconic landmarks as well.
They are widely recognized for redefining southern hip-hop, while also challenging its rigid boundaries. This was particularly evident in their 1999 single “Gangsta Shit,” featured on Xmas Is For Kids compilation.
In the video for this song, Outkast filmed their performances at a racially-integrated housing development. A former resident named Shirley Hightower recalls watching the Outkast performance and feeling inspired.
After Outkast disbanded, Andre Benjamin (now known as Andre 3000-) pursued a successful acting career. He has starred in several films and collaborated with renowned actors like John Travolta, Uma Thurman and Vince Vaughn.
He then ventured into fashion, launching his own clothing line called Benjamin Bixby. After some time had passed, he returned to music as a solo artist.
After Outkast broke up, Andre 3000 developed an interest in acting and fashion. Additionally, he made several guest appearances on other artists’ songs which may have been the reason why he and Big Boi ultimately decided to part ways.