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Big Boi has unveiled the entire video of the homage that was given to OutKast, the legendary duo that has now been recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he has done so for his fans. The rapper, after screening the video, posted that the compilation was made of OutKast’s greatest moments, a report that perfectly captures the nostalgia and sentimentality sharing movement that was initiated by the reposting of the video by Big Boi, as this was still a memorable period in the lives of the group of their music having been part of the different phases of their lives.
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Mourning the loss of the great group to all eternity, Big Boi uploaded the video tribute, which came from a fan account that is solely dedicated to OutKast, and it showcases the core of what the duo from Atlanta was as artists. The artists’ attitude, their Southern pride, and their determination to be free from anyone’s labels were the main reasons for their being, apart from their music. The video had promptly turned the comments section into a digital time capsule where the viewers were sharing their personal memories and thoughts on the lasting legacy of OutKast.
One user was so eloquent in his/her description of the whole experience, he/she said, “What a moment to be and to see – two friends, gray-haired, with weathered faces, but the spirit of youngsters. Breaking the mold, being ahead of their time, ‘weird’, ‘then cool’. Southern, underground, then mainstream.” The comment did not finish there but continued to draw such a vivid picture of the period: “High school desk beats. College parties. Walkmans. CD players. Record stores and posters. Anticipation. Release dates. They are of that era.” The user did a real service to the audience by saying that the group rendered music that was both earthly and futuristic; it could be said that their time was both above and within.
In another comment, a fan boasted, in a way, of the fact that artists are recognized while they are still alive. “I am beyond proud and my heart is filled that artists are able to get their flowers while they are here,” they said. The comment emphasized the position of OutKast as the Southern pioneers: “Tell your own story, never give up, make it very clear that the South has something to say and still does. They make us Southerners proud to be from the South and different.” The same feeling was present in the replies, many echoed that OutKast had unblocked the path for Southern hip-hop while securing their identity.
After more than thirty years, the bond between the fans and OutKast’s music is still very powerful. In one of the comments, a listener very succinctly remarked, “Y’all changed my life. Long live OutKast,” which was followed by many others, saying the same as to the great impact that the group had on the audience’s lives and the personal link they had with the artists. Another one even went as far as to say, “My favorite duo…. Congratulations to Big Boi and 3Stacks for the induction!! #Kast,” displayed the strong trust and affection by using Andre 3000’s nickname.
The most amazing thing is that the music still sounds as new as ever to the old listeners. “🐐🛸👑 and I still bump every last track like it just dropped yesterday❤️❤️❤️” one user commented, the person through the use of the UFO and crown emojis that refer to the group’s alien theme and undisputed royalty in the world of hip-hop, is certainly trying to say that he/she belongs to the same group of the audience that appreciates the timeless quality of their music. The comment reflects on the quality of their songs— they have not lost their appeal although some of them are already decades old.
While the duo of Big Boi and Dre had a new chapter opened for them, one wish was being heard from various directions the loudest across social media platforms. “Please make another album together please 🙏 @andre3000,” one fan with high hopes said, tagging both artists in his/her request, which has become even more common since the duo went on a hiatus. The longing for new works shows how deeply audiences are interwoven with the pair of Boi and 3K, and how much the musical landscape of the present sees the collaborative magic of two rappers let alone missing it.
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Among other things, the video tribute is a very powerful reminder of the path that OutKast took starting from underground clubs in Atlanta, passing through their international success where they sold millions of records, to their current situation as the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers whose art is not only innovation but destines to last for the genre’s future. The very first of albums such as “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik” and the last “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” are testaments to their enduring creativity. The recent surprise collaboration from Big Boi shows he’s still active. Fans are also excited about the potential for a Dungeon Family reunion. Furthermore, Big Boi and Clipse recently delivered a memorable performance together.
