Over the weekend, OutKast was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They were welcomed by cheers as they made their way to the stage.
Needless to say, it was an emotional moment—something that was visible during their acceptance speech. Big Boi thanked numerous people who contributed to their journey, including the cities of Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia—his hometown. However, things got a little emotional as he thanked André.
“I want to say especially to my brother right here, man,” Big Boi said, while 3 Stacks put his arm around him. “Thank you for making me be the best I can be, man. And going toe to toe on them records. Iron sharpens iron to be the best, man. Ain’t nothing but pressure.”
Like his partner in rhyme, Dre thanked a lot of people, including some of Atlanta’s vets such as Raheem the Dream and Kilo. He mentioned that the studios were subpar, but they made the best of it—and reflecting on those times became emotional.
“We started in little…” Dre said before getting choked up. “Little rooms. Great things start in little rooms. That’s it.”
Watching that acceptance speech felt like a full-circle moment. Just thirty years ago, Kast was on a similar stage, accepting Best New Artist of the Year at the 1995 Source Awards—but with a not-so-warm welcome.
“But it’s like this though,” André said then. “I’m tired of folks, ya know what I’m saying—them closed-minded folks, ya know what I’m saying—like we got a demo tape and nobody wanna hear it. But it’s like this: the South got somethin’ to say!”
Personally, it’s not just about the South—though I was born and raised in the Southern region—it’s about the least expected overcoming the odds.
Inspiring!
WATCH FULL INDUCTION SPEECH BELOW
