OutKast are considered legends in this thing we call Hip Hop. Though we didn’t get the quantity of albums we wanted from Big Boi and André 3000, we definitely got the quality. Speaking of quality, let’s chop it up about ATLiens and Aquemini, Kast’s second & third albums.
Big Boi and Dre’ gave us ATLiens in the Summer of 1996. Creatively, it was different from Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, their 1994-debut. They added a different element to their production with the use of outer space sound effects. The new implements could be heard in songs such as the album’s title track and “Wheelz of Steel.”
Their subject matter had elevated as well. Though they had found success, they let it be known that they were regular people in their bop, “Elevators (Me & You).”
“True, I got more fans than the average man, but not enough loot to last me to the end of the week. I live by the beat, like you live check to check. If it don’t move your feet, then I don’t eat. So, we like neck-to-neck.” – André 3000
ATLiens reached number 2 on Billboard 200. It was certified double-platinum.
In 1998, OutKast released Aquemini. Again, they would take their production to new heights with the use of live instruments. Their delivery and flow kept pace as well which was evident in “Return of the G.”
The album was promoted by singles “Skew It on the Bar-B,” “Rosa Parks,” and “Da Art of Storytellin’ (Pt. 1).”
Like ATLiens, Aquemini peak at number 2 on Billboard 200 and was certified double-platinum. After this release, Daddy Fat Sax and 3 Stax forge ahead of their Southern rap peers.
When it comes to Hip Hop duos, no group has been impactful as much as OutKast has in terms of pushing the envelope. They have the catalog to back it up.
ATLiens or Aquemini?
Polls Are Closed!
Aquemini – 52%
ATLiens – 48%
