“Aquemini” by Outkast showed an experimental, spacy, and creative departure from “ATLiens”. This album showcased some psychedelic vibes with background noises that connected this elaborate story that takes many listens to unpack in order to get the complete story. Dare I say that Outkast was the Pink Floyd of hip-hop?
First of all, “Happy Birthday” to a revolutionary in Rosa Parks. Outkast pays the most flattering tribute to her in the song “Rosa Parks”. The song is a total anthem for the #BLM movement and pays homage to the woman that refused to give up her seat on the segregated bus.
Along with their activism, Outkast showcases their love to the “ATL” with the songs “Slump” and “West Savannah”, which pays homage to their hometown of Atlanta. “Synethesizer” brought on George Clinton of Parliament Funkadelic fame, and it showcases the funk, experimental psychedelic vibes of Outkast. Outkast took chances and that’s why they’re arguably one of the most popular hip-hop groups in history. In fact, there’s no debate. Without Outkast, there is no “Dirty South”, there’s no two ways around that. The flow is effortless and when Big Boi and Andre 3000 got along, they showed the world that they are a force to be reckoned with.
Outkast broke the glass ceiling that rappers could be from other places besides New York and Los Angeles and have a major impact in the game. I promise you that if it wasn’t for Outkast, we might not be familiar with Ludcris, Jermaine Dupri or Lil’ Jon today. It’ll be a glorious day if and when Outkast decides to make a comeback. Check out “Aquemini” by Outkast below:
