After spending decades redefining what Southern rap could sound like, OutKast is officially being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and it’s about time. The Atlanta duo, made up of André 3000 and Big Boi, didn’t just put the South on the map — they redecorated it.
While other rappers were flexing chains and gang ties, OutKast was out here bending genres, wearing flawless wigs (stiff where?), and dropping philosophical gems between basslines.
From ATLiens to Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, OutKast didn’t just push boundaries—they launched them into space. André 3000 once said, “The South got somethin’ to say” — and 30 years later, the world’s still listening.
The duo gets their flowers
They were announced as first-time nominees back in February. Now, they will be inducted alongside other inductees, such as the White Stripes and Cyndi Lauper.
To be eligible for Hall of Fame status, an artist or band must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years ago. The final inductees were selected by a 1,200-member supergroup of artists, historians, industry pros, and a fan vote, which hopefully involved at least one person yelling “Caroline!” while hitting “submit.”
“Each of these inductees created their own sound and attitude that had a profound impact on culture and helped to change the course of Rock & Roll forever … Their music gave a voice to generations and influenced countless artists that followed in their footsteps,” John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, said in a statement.
While André 3000 has stayed silent so far (probably busy communing with forest spirits and perfecting his pan flute solo), Big Boi reacted in true superhero fashion with a Marvel-style Instagram post that basically said: “Yeah, we did that.”
Others online are celebrating the major victory for the duo, along with giving them their flowers for being pioneers in hip-hop.
For those who want to watch OutKast receive the honor live, the ceremony will stream live on Disney+ on November 8 and will be available on Hulu the following day. It will also air on ABC at a later, unannounced date.
