Outkast

Atlanta-based hip-hop duo Outkast succeeded in bringing an unorthodox rhyme style and quirky, P-Funk-influenced sound and presentation into the rap mainstream. Successful since their 1994 debut, Outkast have got progressively more idiosyncratic. Their follow-up release, ATLIENS, took musical and lyrical risks which were reflected in Outkast's video output, such as the Mars-meets-Egyptology production for the album's hit "Elevators". STANKONIA, released in 2000, cemented the duo's reputation as influential hip-hop innovators, while its ambitious follow-up, 2003's SPEAKERBOXXX/THE LOVE BELOW, made Outkast masterminds Andre 3000 and Big Boi international superstars.

• pop
• hip hop/rap