OutKast is an anomaly in popular music – one member is a self-described player and the other a poet. Innovative, street-savvy rappers, the duo's appeal cuts across all borders, even within the feudalistic, highly competitive world of hip-hop.

Dre and Big Boi's spectacular success as artists not only lies in their ability to pioneer new sounds with each recording, but in accepting their different personalities and building on their common interests – a shared love of Parliament/Funkadelic, James Brown, and Jimi Hendrix.

OutKast consistently provides superb lyrics laced over bumpin' tracks, which have earned them platinum albums, #1 hit singles, awards, and respect in the world of rap. In 1994 the duo entered the hip hop scene with the Organized Noize (TLC, En Vogue, Goodie Mob) produced platinum album, "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik." It debuted at #3 on the R&B Billboard Chart, received a 4.5 mic rating (out of 5) from The Source Magazine, and the group received a Source Award for Best New Group or Duo.

The album's first single, "Player's Ball," went gold in a matter of weeks, holding down the #1 spot on the Billboard Rap Chart for more than six consecutive weeks. In short, OutKast made the industry stop and respect that rap can flow from the dirty south.

OutKast came right back with their sophomore album, "ATLiens," which sold 1.5 million units. "ATLiens" reached platinum status within a few weeks of its release when it entered the Billboard Top 200 at #2 (directly behind Pearl Jam). The album, also produced by ONP, marked the very impressive production debut by Big Boi and Dre, who crafted the first release off "ATLiens," "Elevators." The single stayed at #1 for weeks, reached platinum status, and had hip hop heads across the nation chanting "Me & you, your momma and your cousin too, rollin' down the strip on vogues, comin' up slammin' Cadillac doors."

Although you might find the two ordering from different menus (Dre is a vegan and Big Boi is likely to be found at MoJo's Chicken Wing Shack) or going in different directions when they leave the studio, their direction in music is clear and united.

Big Boi and Dre came together at Atlanta's Tri-City high school where OutKast was formed. They signed a contract with LaFace Records just prior to graduation and began their exceptional career in the rap game. The depth, emotion and intricacy of OutKast's words can be partially explained in the fact that they've lived the city life since childhood. Dre (Andre Benjamin) grew up in a single parent home moving from place to place within southwest Atlanta until he was 15 and went to live with his father. It was during his adolescence that Andre fell victim to a negative lifestyle like many urban youth as a means of survival. Big Bois (Antwan Patton) story is similar, moving from Savannah to Atlanta to join Andre in the ranks of the young, gifted, black and untapped as he ran the Atlanta city streets as well.

Clearly on a changed and correct path, the duo have ventured into their own business creating Earthtone Production, for which they are actively seeking new talent. In addition, Big Boi owns and runs Pitfall Kennels, a lucrative business where he breeds and sells Pitbull dogs and Dre is pursuing his visual talents via painting with Andre Classic Paintings.

The playa and the poet elevated their game for the third time with "Aquemini." Musically, individually, and collectively Big Boi and Dre came on strong and impressive.

OutKast members are --

Notable songs include --

Years active: 
   ..90s, ..00s

Formed:
   1992
      ..in Georgia
         ..in Atlanta