OutKast Quotes

OutKast proved that Southern hip hop could be daring, funny and experimental, and still top the charts. Here is the story of the duo, a guide to their essential songs and a set of original lines inspired by their music.

The story of OutKast

OutKast was formed in Atlanta in the early 1990s by André Benjamin, better known as André 3000, and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton, who met in high school. Their debut, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (1994), put Atlanta on the hip hop map.

Albums such as ATLiens, Aquemini and Stankonia mixed funk, soul, rock and electronic sounds. The double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003), with “Hey Ya!”, won the Grammy for Album of the Year, something very rare for a hip hop record. After Idlewild (2006) both members followed their own paths; in 2023 André 3000 surprised everyone with an instrumental flute album.

Songs that say it best

• Elevators (Me & You) (1996): a reflective song about the difference between fame and real life.
• Rosa Parks (1998): a high-energy track named after the civil rights pioneer.
• B.O.B. (2000): a frantic mix of drum and bass, gospel and rap.
• Ms. Jackson (2000): an apology to the mother of an ex-partner, and one of their biggest hits.
• Hey Ya! (2003): an irresistible pop song about a relationship that is falling apart.
• The Way You Move (2003): Big Boi’s funky, horn-filled hit from the same album.

Quotes inspired by OutKast

The lines below are our own, written by the Pretty Phrases team in the spirit of the music of OutKast. They are not song lyrics and they are not statements by the artists.

1. Be so original that nobody can copy you.
2. Two different styles can make one great story.
3. Shake off what does not fit your vibe.
4. Stay curious; the weird ideas are often the best ones.

5. Your hometown is your launch pad, not your limit.
6. Do not follow the trend, start one.
7. Creativity grows where rules get a little loose.
8. Love yourself first, then love out loud.

9. Respect the past, but keep inventing the future.
10. The world needs your strange ideas.
11. Real friends give you space to change.
12. Keep your head cool and your style hot.

OutKast showed that being different is a strength. Share these lines with someone who is about to try something new.