How Outkast Set Southern Hip Hop Free

This week we're heading to the South - specifically diving into Outkast's 1996 album "ATLiens"
We'll see how their style and flow changed between their first album and this one, what happened in between, dive into the production, the lyrics, the flow, and see how this album contributed to the rise of the Dirty South.
NOTE: To watch the full edit that's 2 mins longer (and less acapellas), join me at / diggingthegreats
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SOURCES
Interview with Organized Noize: • Organized Noize on Dis...
Interview with Outkast in 1998: • Outkast 1998 interview...
www.billboard....
Clip from VH1 on the Source Awards: • Outkast winning Best N...
Outkast Interview with SPIN: books.google.c...
#outkast #hiphop #musichistory

[@moneymikz]

Kast totally redefined their sound and took insanely bold chances with every album but still went platinum every time, incredible

[@chas3ton]

Because they made great music every time, no matter how different it was 🔥

[@KtotheG]

@@chas3ton They lost the street cats after the first album, though... they became a college crowd favorite from ATLiens onward. I did notice that at the time. I stayed a fan, but they lost me on Idlewood. And I had mixed feelings on their double album/solo joints. I preferred Big Boi's Speakerboxx more.

[@moneymikz]

@@KtotheG yeah safe to say Andre got a little bit out there lol

[@CantTellYou]

This is what's disappointing about people who seem to only know them from Stankonia onward, or singles alone, and write the rest off because of it... they don't realize how steadily & heavily they evolved every time and how much great shit came with it (that isn't necessarily in the singles they'd recognize)

[@MetalSonic420]

ATLiens is one of those albums where any track can be your favorite track.

[@diggingthegreats]

💯💯💯

[@nagichampa9866]

Personally my favorite OutKast album. Such good vibes!

[@ga_colossus]

That's the first album I put on during an out of state drive. Absolute CLASSIC!

[@MegaVern1]

That’s a fact!

[@DanlowMusic]

This album is crazily slept on when people talk about the greatest albums in hip hop.

[@jobrien505]

💯

[@mp2ativ51]

And it’s my favorite of them all. It deserves that level of recognition because it’s just that phenomenal.

[@HILAL19564]

As a true hiphop head i coincidentally bought ATLiens album on CD yesterday. Already knew it but never gave it a good chance honestly don't know why and I have to say it's one of the best albums I've heard. Not a single weak song. The vibe, the lyrics, the instrumentals, the spacy sounds.. Straight up masterpiece. Even the album cover is art.. Outkast definitely one of the best and one of the most original duo. Next up is playalisticadillacmuzik EDIT : southernplayalisticadillacmuzik of course

[@crizpy9119]

@@HILAL19564 I had this CD in my car for at least 2-3 years straight. It never left the rotation... NEVER got old. Easily a GOAT hip hop album in my eyes - production and lyricism masterclass, and they mesh perfectly.

[@KtotheG]

Andre's speech at the '95 The Source awards was the beginning of the end for NY's hip hop dominance. They didn't know it at the time, but NYC just insulted at least 50% of their fanbase, because Southerners were proud of Outkast and they didn't like the disrespect... so they withdrew their support of NYC artists and kept their buying dollars local. I know, because in the late '90s, I began to see Southern fans who openly scoffed at NYC artists and only rocked with their local heroes. That's when No Limit and Cash Money blew up... the South made them go multi-platinum... just like they did for Biggie, Nas, Jay and Wu-Tang... but since Southern fans kept their dollars in the South, that made NY take a hit, and they've been down ever since. Everybody wants to point out all of these other excuses, but they never thought about the huge effect that the South had on the market for NYC hip hop.

[@arthurswanson3285]

I was in college the early 90s. NY people were incredibly arrogant back then. Very derisive and condescending towards people from other regions. They were due for a smackdown.

[@KtotheG]

@@arthurswanson3285 I went to college down south. The New Yorkers there were cool, because they knew they were outnumbered, I guess. I was actually friends with many of them. But yeah, if you get them away from such a scene, they can be very dismissive and disrespectful of the South and its culture... but I tell them that Southerners invented hip hop. Most of those pioneers in the Bronx in the early '70s were new transplants from down south. They brought hip hop with them. The whole idea of the block party is Southern culture. Disco King Mario, who is purported to be the first hip hop DJ, is from NC. T-Roy, who is the original B-boy, is from SC. MC Sha-Roc, who is the first female MC, is from NC.. The Caribbeans and the Latinos didn't get involved until we made it hot first.

[@gweah7821]

So true

[@danielhoskins4690]

@@KtotheGthat’s really interesting, thank you for educating.

[@arthurswanson3285]

@@KtotheG NYers back then were disrepectful of anything south of New York. I went college in Philly and they were constantly berating the city and Jersey (where Im from) because it wasnt NY. The part of Jersey Im from has southern roots, we had our family reunions in Virginia and my Philly family was escapees from South Carolina sharecropping, so I always had a deep respect to my Southern roots. But NY niggas was acting like they just teleported to NY and was above all other black folk in the country. And of course the foundations of hip hop was laid down in the South by James Brown and before him, the Blues.

[@rg1q84]

This album and Midnight Marauders invoke such deep feelings of happiness and heavenly nostalgia

[@davido3109]

boooooooooommmmmmmm!!!!!!!

[@fatstogie]

Finally, I've been waiting for an OutKast video for a while now. Outkast is arguably the best duo imo.

[@LESMOS28]

It's not even arguably to me. I've always believed that nobody is better than OutKast.

[@Blakek.]

​@lesmos4764 come on now.... everybody knows Ying Yang twins are the best duo 😂😂😂😂

[@artfuldodger4557]

INarguably, you mean......

[@joegross4366]

This is the album that shifted my tastes and interests. As a southerner myself, this is a landmark, not just of southern hip hop but southern culture itself.

[@HowIsTheCraic]

Would love to see videos about 90s Houston Rap or 90s Memphis rap, so influential today but never get the love they deserve

[@ibzuck100]

Wheelz of Steel is one of the dopest songs ever made & ATLiens is an absolute classic. I love this channel! Every video is well made & really interesting. Thank you so much for all your hard work.

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏🙏🙏

[@KtotheG]

I love the scratches... you don't really hear too many southern rap records with DJ scratches and soloing .

[@jobrien505]

Wheelz was arguably way ahead of it’s time… and still sounds extra amazing, all these years later.

[@mojomogul]

Thank you everyone sleeps on Wheels of Steel!

[@djsltx4378]

That and Growing Old and Mainstreem are my top 3 for the album.

[@blueknight5754]

That album is on my top 10 list..the beat from “elevators” is incredible and 13th floor helps you understand that you are on this planet for a short time with the verse “Trees bright and green turn yellow-brown Autumn caught em, see all them leaves must fall down, growin' old.”

[@jobrien505]

Love how you find that amazing balance where production heads, hardcore fans, and younger / unaware people, all can get something out of and enjoy your breakdowns / dives. Keep up the great work B, you’re truly on a roll, man! And on the OutKast / production specific tips, anyone who has not seen the documentary, The Art of Organized Noize, do yourself a favor and seek it out / watch it… you won’t regret it.

[@diggingthegreats]

Yes! Fantastic doc!

[@oleg_samples]

Outkats's different attitude only made it better when they used sampling or interpolation. My personal favourites are on Aquemini 😎👍🏼 Great video again my friend.

[@ikennaenwelum7798]

Exactly, Aquemini was just on another level sonically. Such a great album, one of my favorite OAT!

[@Eldoradoredd]

Thank you for this. I was sitting here tearing up because I felt for years no one on the other coasts understood our music and you broke it down succinctly. The reason it hits home for me is my wife is a singer and was a part of the family. She has credit on Even in Darkness. This entire group of people collectively created a sound that is still unmatched to this day. So thank you!!!

[@davidlincoln1529]

This album and aqueminai (sp) are perfect no skip albums. I still play both today. Dungeon family baby!

[@diggingthegreats]

🔥🔥🔥

[@nicolesherman8974]

It’s Digging the Greats, and he’s starting the year off with a banger 🔥🔥🔥🔥. Elevators Me + You is such an eerie, yet vibey song in terms of production 🔥

[@pastourmadotiropitas1878]

Outkast to me is maybe the greatest rap group in history just cuz i can't remember anyone else who redefined his sound and took a different approach with more musical risks with each album and did it so fcking well EVERY FUCKING TIME. They even went full R&B and Pop with Speakerboxx/Love Below and they didn't caught a single bad feedback cuz they executed it so fcking well. The run from ATLiens to Stankonia may be the greatest 3 album run in Hip Hop or even music history in general..In my eyes they will never get the credit and the flowers they deserve for what they did

[@diggingthegreats]

Guess I should do videos on those albums too? 🤔

[@pastourmadotiropitas1878]

@@diggingthegreats For sure I would love to see your breakdowns on these classics

[@SamFocused]

The Source speech was so legendary. And the First Sign for the Amazing Album ATLians. Amazing Video 💯💯💯

[@PrimitiveOs]

There's just something magical about the way you do your videos. Is like a painter that paints a flower and for the first time they show you that flowers true beauty. Thanks man, I enjoy a lot your videos, as soon as is possible I'll get on your Patreon

[@stencil_cp]

OutKast's music kept evolving and they kept it fresh. Also notable for ATLiens - no skits

[@cloudbloom]

I've been dying for you to do an Outkast video since your channel started, in fact I was just blasting Aquemini the moment I woke up an hour ago it's my favorite album of theirs. Thanks for this!

[@tecpaocelotl]

Little did anyone know, the South was going to win the West vs. East.

[@mdt498]

The “(Intro) You May Die” is such a beautiful track and sets the mood for what’s to come within the album. I learned how to accept life listening to this ATLiens. And I know this album will be here for me when I need it the most.

[@robertleavell9944]

I'm from the South and the Kast has always been my favorite group...

[@brandonmuse5532]

I LOVE THE SONG "MAINSTREAM" !!!! VERY UNDERRATED SONG. THANK YOU FOR HIGHLIGHTING IT

[@DanlowMusic]

Because of your awesome video on this great album and what i saw yesterday about Camp Lo, im going and grabbing 2 of the best front to back albums in hip hop history and get to my daily chores. Have a blessed day!

[@diggingthegreats]

🔥🔥🔥

[@lauracassidy8152]

This channel provides such a service. Can’t wait to hear what the youngnz create with this influence. You rock.

[@UnpopularOpinion42]

ATLeins absolutely changed my life to put it simply

[@steventalmakkies6015]

I bought this album with my pocket money in the holiday after my senior year at school. My friend worked in the store and played it while i hung around in the store. Once i heard it I had to have it and is still one of my favourite albums today.

[@tempeff8670]

"Andre Flutethousand" Lol. Classic

[@djisizzle]

Thank you for diving into Outkast's "ATLiens"! This album is special to me, and I appreciate your exploration of their evolution and its impact. I'm grateful and excited to join this musical journey with you!

[@kaysizzle2861]

thank you for doing this video.. as a fromer college DJ.. i had the honour of being part of the hip-hop scene of the ATL. OutKast, goodie mob and all of the dungeon family i have seen them all perform LIVE.

[@alexlindbjerg]

Great work! I love the smooth tie-ins to your other videos.

[@oj1255]

I’ve been waiting on you to do a video about Kast!! I’m hype for this one!

[@pickinstone]

that rhythmic feel you started to talk about at the end sounds very much like what great jazz players do as they relate pulse to polyrhythm. Mike Longo was a great educator and Dizzy Gillespie's pianist before he passed on. Mike said that Diz used to talk about jazz time as three dimensional--as a reality that could not be captured on the page. That pulse was created by multiple layers of eighth note, quarter note, and half note triplets mixed into the gumbo along with other tuplets. Once the rue has been cooked to perfection, the layperson doesn't taste all the separate polyrhythms--rather their tongue just appreciates the end product, that scrumptious swing. Best way to hear that in action is to look up West African drumming, like CK Ladzekpo. I'm trying to convince the peeps over at the jazz podcast "You'll Hear It" to invite you on over for an episode about Hip Hop and Jazz. At the end of the day, it's all Black American Music (kudos to Nicholas Payton)--and we should learn from the continuum instead of siphoning off the pathways--could clear up a lot of ignorance around all that music, ya know?

[@diggingthegreats]

I love this explanation - yes!

[@pickinstone]

@@diggingthegreats Check out Mike Longo's series RHYTHMIC NATURE OF JAZZ. He uses the djembe to connect harmony and melody to the polyrhythmic foundation of jazz--there are definitely connections throughout the BAM spectrum, including hip hop and R&B.

[@retroesso]

The fact that players ball is Christmas record makes it even better

[@remibereola9654]

EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT choice. OutKast is in a very rare conversation of best 4-5 album run in MUSIC HISTORY…not just hip hop. Well done.

[@siiyaosullivan7932]

this channel needs its own netflix series, production and how translatable you make genuinely complex things. You deserve ya flowers bro x

[@nicolaslazy-soul6318]

I still can remember the feelings I had listening this record for the first time at the record store. Discovering this new futuristic, sweaty and polished kind of hip hop. I'm still frequently listening to ATLiens and Aquemini.

[@NumunuBeats]

My all time favorite album from any genre.

[@theherbiebrown]

Your videos are ALWAYS well-researched and produced at a HIGH level. *I love your videos.* To your point about counting the song “Mainstream.” First, I didn’t realize that the sample was in 3 as long as I’ve been listening to this song! I learned something new today. Also, if you count it in 6, it’s much more palatable as far as counting goes (make no mistake: the song is DOPE in its own right).

[@nebstaism]

Every time I hear this album it takes me straight back to 96 one of my favourite albums ever... really good informative video breaking the tracks down

[@VarianNash]

One of the greatest duos part of one of a hell of a super group.

[@mistersippiburning]

“People don’t know the stress dealing with day to day. Speaking about the feelings I’m possessing for Renee”. That bar still hits hard. 🕊️

[@KtotheG]

That's not the same Renee that Mr. Cheeks was seeing, right? If so, she got around.

[@mistersippiburning]

@@KtotheG nope, it was his aunt that died from pneumonia.

[@KtotheG]

@@mistersippiburning Oh okay. Thanks.

[@koblamoats880]

Another Banger!! Love how you educate and entertain while dropping gems about our favorite music. 🙏🏾👏🏾💪🏾

[@squishymcsquisherson]

I shit you not, I just bought this album on vinyl on Monday. An absolute classic that released my Jr. year in HS. Damn near none of my friends liked it. Didn't get the concept. Thought it was all weird. Well, I not only banged Two Dope Boyz and Elevators every day in the car on the way to school, but we used Wheelz of Steel for my highlight tape we sent out to college coaches. This album is personal for me.

[@diggingthegreats]

🔥🔥🔥

[@offbeatninja]

As a Georgia native I thank you for sharing this! 🙏🏾

[@jakekaydence]

This is probably the best video I’ve seen breaking down OutKast’s production. Us Atliens thank you 🙏🏼

[@pacizalive1759]

my favorite album of all time, nothing to throw away, just banger after banger after banger

[@MegaVern1]

Preston Crump on the bass!!! Mainstream is such a great song! This is why ATLiens is my favorite Kast album. No skips

[@anthonys3892]

ATLiens is legendary. But don’t forget Southernplayalistic! That really put the south on the map!

[@apexone5502]

My favorite ‘Kast album in an outstanding classic album lineup.

[@e66iu]

Big Boi's flow is like a tap dancer, the way the rhythm is always changing but stays in the groove. Andre 3000's flow is like a sand dancer, with the same fundamentals as the tap dancer, but slower and a bit smoother, using the grain from the beat so glide his lyrics. Both are unmatched at their abilities, that's why they work so well together. Like Ike and Tina.

[@GeedyP]

Great video much love to the south from New Orleans ❤️🫶🏾🎤

[@manuboy214]

ATLiens is one of my favorite albums of all time!

[@eaka68]

I remember getting the cd at the time. Still bumping tracks in my playlist till today.

[@lasvegasotis6780]

The narratives around hip hop are unparalleled.

[@justinbarber2599]

Great video! Can’t wait for more about Organized Noise production!!! Thank you for your work!

[@corinne_vintage]

This album contains one of my top 5 lyrics of all time, which is *ahem*: "Yea we take no shit, like ummm stopped up commodes".

[@Kanyewestbiggestfan123]

Goes hard for a poop bar ngl

[@diggingthegreats]

😂

[@samabbadi]

Dude!!!!!! You know how your ISH,you can’t teach music knowledge you are born with it …….. Hats off sir Hats off . Keep doing what you do it’s needed these days with the music we currently have 😮😮

[@franckateba2970]

We need an episode on the dungeon family asap🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@brandonmuse5532]

I remember buying this Album!!!! It's Amazing

[@MathieuFiset]

This train analogy is by far the best way to explain what is playing laid back or rushing or "drunk" while still following the beat...I'll use that with singers I produce ;) Thank you !

[@diggingthegreats]

Absolutely 🔥

[@iceybundles]

First time I heard SPCM I was absolutely blown away

[@elgringovagabundo]

I am always so stoked when a new Digging The Greats video pops up in my alerts! Thanks for this one, the first three Kast albums are amongst my favorites in any genre. Those guys were fucking geniuses. And yes, please, make a couple of vids about Organized Noize, Dungeon Family, Laface and the early ATL scene in general. A real vibrant period in music history, and I'd enjoy watching your analysis and breakdown. Keep up the awesome work man!

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏🙏🙏

[@rafaelvazquez7465]

I’m in for the spin-off videos

[@elroc1]

I’d already heard ATLiens in the mid 90’s but my cousin gave me “Aquemini” on cd for a Christmas gift when it came out and it was a revelation. I listened to that album front to back a hundred times. OutKast is unique.

[@JosephP-b7w]

You are doing God's work young man ..I feel so peaceful and at home watching these

[@awall3531]

Thank you 🙏🏾 I've been waiting on this one. I'm the biggest fan on the planet

[@yuvalc]

imo this is their best album. great video btw

[@grinchoi1]

Crazy seeing this video. I was listening to ATLiens this morning after a long time.

[@holizmoyombo4686]

First album I bought with my own money was Aquemini. They are two of my favorite artists of any genre of all time.

[@seagers_studio]

Players Ball is an amazing track, great to see it featured

[@philipmcp]

This album into Aquemini just blew my mind and still does to this day. Nothing like them since.

[@federicovicente8116]

The train analogy is both funny and educational 😂😂😂

[@ethnofalcon]

You wanna talk about someone putting too many syllables in a bar, let's get a Talib Kweli video. Great work as always!

[@dwightxb]

One of a few albums I own that I don't skip any tracks on.

[@jerediahgonzalez2315]

ATLiens is one of my favorite albums!

[@stewart2449]

This channel is such an education. I’d never heard of OutKast before Stankonia; Aquemini tracks started popping up on my Spotify recently and I assumed it was a more recent album… doh.

[@apexone5502]

Man, go check out their catalog. You won’t be disappointed. There’s a reason hardcore Hip Hop fans from all over hold them in such high regards.

[@WesleyVerhoevePhotography]

oh my word yes, videos on Organized NOIZE and Dungeon Fam videos, I cannot wait!

[@thekidflames]

Arguably the greatest Hip-Hop album of all time. It’s actually number 1 for me - even more so than Illmatic. It impacted me at such an impressionable time in life - 16 years old - and I felt similar to them, not really fitting in anywhere. This was where 3K really started his ascent into my top 5. Brilliant video, as always, brother, and thank you for covering their contribution to the culture in such depth.

[@DemoniqueLewis]

Man, you laid the tracks for covering the south so please take break the sound barrier in delivering. Wish this was a longer episode.

[@ryan.stinson]

Can’t wait for the Dungeon Family and Organized Noize vids

[@gwopin1]

The cadence is it's begging to look alot like Christmas. This was the slick way they got out of making a regular Christmas song. Look it up

[@ag_supersonic]

Extraterrestrial is definitely my favourite song from this album. A completely drumless song yet it still sounds great. Love the ambient vibe.

[@crowfoot7355]

Thank you 👏👏👏👏 I would love to see something on a Tribe called red (The Hallucination) Stadium Pow Wow

[@jbroadway12]

Hell yea. Been needing an outkast video

[@rukus1210]

The south had rappers and rap groups that sounded like the East and West coast in the 80s..... From Nemesis to the Fila Fresh Crew, The D.O.C's first group which was featured on NWA and the posse, to Raheim the Invincible and Geto Boys. Then UGK dropped in 91. Louisiana had theie bounce in the early 90s with DJ Jimi and Everlasting Hitman to Pimp Daddy and Cheeky Black....we've always been diverse and proud in the South.

[@IronHulk2]

This was dope! This still is my favorite group and the info on this is on point. Next I’d love to see UGK- Super Tight or 8Ball $ MJG- Comin’ Out Hard

[@mitmon_8538]

Damn, it's been a while since i've listened to this album. Hearing these classics gave me natural highs all over again.

[@jorgemezaphotography2807]

Love your videos man

[@MrHizman]

YES... been hoping this video would come. Going to watch it when I am all alone and in peace (and no kids screaming in the background)🎉🎉❤

[@diggingthegreats]

I get it 😂

[@MrHizman]

​@@diggingthegreats just watched it and savoured every bit of the video. This is an epic video and one of your best in an awesome library. Take a bow 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@bboymac84]

“Planes flying over trains, that’s insane” BARS! Lol 😅

[@davido3109]

You channel is incredible... Treal treal treal... Namaste...

[@vdb3953]

ATLiens is in my all time top 5 hip hop albums. Timeless art. 🙏

[@MakeSomeNoisePlaylists]

We love your musical knowledge. Fan from epsideo one. Greetings from Hamburg, Germany, that is 😍

[@diggingthegreats]

I appreciate you hopping on the journey from the beginning 🔥🙏

[@e66iu]

"This the flute got something to say, that's all I got to say!" ~Andre 3000

[@phallanglesia3677]

ATLiens Is One Of My Favourite All Time Albums🙌🏾

[@HunterGibson6969]

Im gonna need that Society Of Soul video

[@Arithearchitect]

The South Got Something to Say That’s all I Got to Say! That one line from Andre’ 3000 helped Outkast, The Dungeon Family, Society of Soul and the South Dominate hip hop/ rap the last 30 years.

[@antgal9467]

You should definitely do a video on the Dungeon Family! It has always amazes me that many don't know that Future was the last member of the DF. They are truly an amazing story, upset Netflix took Organized Noize doc.