Outkast is arguably the greatest duo in music. They have made memorable hits for decades, branching out from their more traditional southern hip-hop beginnings. Together, Andre “3000” Benjamin and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton have gone on a musical journey that musicians can only dream of. From meeting in school to raising their kids together, Outkast remains a solid favorite in the ears of listeners for so many reasons because of all the changes they have gone through.
What keeps their bond strong? What can musicians learn from Outkast when it comes to creating classic music?
1. Have contrast.
Fans of Outkast will instantly note that one of their favorite aspects of the group is that Andre and Big Boi’s styles contrast so perfectly. The group has learned to use this to their advantage. They started out with somewhat similar rapping styles on their first album and have magnified their differences ever since.
Musicians need to learn to come into their own by working with others who sound different rather than similar. When artists work with contrasting collaborators, their individuality becomes apparent.
2. Spend time alone.
Outkast knows better than any other group that time alone is necessary. They haven’t released an album together in ten years, but they are still considered relevant because they sometimes are featured on the same songs. Outkast’s diamond-selling double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below showcased the duo as solo artists, and it is their most successful album to date.
It is important for musicians to show what they can do alone came sometimes be more powerful than what they can do together.
3. Evolve.
Few groups have changed as much in a short period as Outkast did in their first ten years. Their willingness to change their sound is a testament to their relevance. They went from a soul-inspired rap group to space age rock and dance music. The more genres that Outkast dabbled in, the more fans they won over.
Musicians should think of defying the genres they have been placed in in order to stand out.
Through presenting unique takes on old genres, taking hiatuses, and using their differences as advantages, Outkast has cemented their legacy as one of music’s most successful duos. The effort they put into their projects should be emulated by musicians looking to work with others. Even if they were to both retire tomorrow, Andre and Big Boi would go down as music legends because of each other.
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Will Randick is a blogger and educator working out of the Bay Area.
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