Adored Atlanta superstar André 3000 may have turned to the flute and never looked back, but his impact on hip-hop remains unmatched.
As one-half of the influential hip-hop duo OutKast, alongside Big Boi, André played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of Southern hip-hop, particularly with the release of their critically acclaimed debut album “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik” in 1994, spawning their hit track, “Player’s Ball.” This earned them the 1995 Source Award for Best New Group, which was met with boos from the crowd. Luckily, this did not sway them.
Their second studio album, “ATLiens,” arrived in 1996 and helped showcase their unique blend of funk, jazz, and futuristic beats, once setting them apart from their peers. Their third album, “Aquemini” followed, leading to the duo’s 2000 project, “Stankonia,” which further cemented their legacy, featuring hits like “Ms. Jackson” and “B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad).”
Three stacks branched out on several solo ventures. The group’s 2003 double album, “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below,” showcased each one’s individual capabilities. André’s “The Love Below” included the chart-topping single “Hey Ya!” which won a Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance. Ironically, that was his final solo album, though he granted features on songs such as Drake’s “The Real Her,” UGK’s “International Players Anthem,” Beyonce’s “Party,” and many others.
André finally unveiled his debut solo album, “New Blue Sun,” in 2023, though it wasn’t the rap album fans were hoping for. Nevertheless, the artistry of the instrumental compilation is still widely respected. As he enters a new level, let’s take a look back at some of our favorite André 3000 on his 49th birthday.
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