Maximum OutKast

Outkast

Atlanta-based hip-hop duo Outkast succeeded in bringing an unorthodox rhyme style and quirky, P-Funk-influenced sound and presentation into the rap mainstream. Successful since their 1994 debut, Outkast have gotten progressively more idiosyncratic. Their sophomore release, ATLIENS, took musical and lyrical risks which were reflected in Outkast's video output, such as the Mars-meets-Egyptology production for the album's hit "Elevators." STANKONIA, released in 2000, cemented the duo's reputation as influential hip-hop innovators, while its ambitious follow-up, 2003's SPEAKERBOXXX/THE LOVE BELOW, made Outkast masterminds Andre 3000 and Big Boi international superstars.