Outkast Biography

Rappers

The rap duo known as Outkast consists of Big Boi (Antwan Patton, born 1 February 1975) and Dre (Andre Benjamin, b. 27 May 1975, also known as 3000). The two met while students at Tri-Cities High near Atlanta, Georgia. Their first album, 1994's Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, included the hit single "Player's Ball." Outkast became known for its heavy funk emphasis and far-out wardrobe; E! Online once described them as "psychedelic glam-rappers." The band cemented its fame with two Grammy Awards in 2002: best rap album for Stankonia and best rap duo for the tune "Ms. Jackson," from the same album. Their 2003 double album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was a critical and popular success and featured the crossover hit "Hey Ya!" Other Outkast albums include ATLiens (1996) and Aquemini (1998) and Idlewild (2006).

Extra credit: Outkast was sued by civil rights icon Rosa Parks after they used her name as a song title on Aquemini. The suit was settled in 2005... Dre is not related to fellow rapper Dr. Dre.

Other rappers of the era include DMX, Tupac Shakur, Li'l Kim and Jay-Z.