OutKasts

OutKast is an American hip hop duo formed in 1992 in Atlanta, Georgia. The official name of the group is OutKast; the plural form OutKasts is occasionally used in informal contexts but is not the standard spelling. The duo comprises André 3000 (André Benjamin) and Big Boi (Antwan Patton), and they are associated with the Dungeon Family collective.

The group is widely credited with helping to shape Southern hip hop and bringing it to a national and international audience. Their music blends elements of funk, soul, jazz, rock, and experimental production with rap, and they are known for inventive lyricism and diverse stylistic approaches. Early work pushed the boundaries of mainstream rap, while later releases achieved broad commercial success and critical acclaim.

Key albums include Southernplayalistic Cadillac Muzik (1994), ATLiens (1996), and Aquemini (1998). Their 2000 album Stankonia expanded their sound further and produced enduring singles such as "Ms. Jackson." In 2003 they released Speakerboxxx/The Love Below as a double album, a project that highlighted each member’s divergent artistic direction and included the hit "Hey Ya!" Idlewild (2006) served as the soundtrack to the film Idlewild. Over the years, OutKast has released several charting singles and achieved substantial sales, with estimates placing global album sales well over 25 million copies.

Impact and legacy: OutKast is regarded as one of the most influential and commercially successful rap groups of their era. They have earned multiple Grammy Awards and are frequently cited for broadening the scope of hip hop and inspiring a generation of artists. Since their active recording period, the duo has performed in various reunions and tours, continuing to influence artists across genres.