Lyrics
Delivered with rhythmic vocal styles and distinctive Southern rapping, the main focus of the album seemed to be on morality. With complex metaphors and dirty South slang, Andre addresses his critics in the album opener, "Return of the G". It's the return of the gangsta/Thanks ta' them niggas that think you soft/And say, "Y'all be gospel rappin'" /But they be steady clappin'/When you talk about bitches and switches/And hoes and clothes and weed.... Aquemini's catchy lyrics are a mix of street-wise and common sense. RapReviews.com noted that "Aquemini is full of small moments that make you nod your head and look forward to hearing them again." "SpottieOttieDopaliscious" featured a soulful hook by Sleepy Brown and introspective lyricism by Big Boi and Andre, reciting it in spoken word style.
The L.A. Times called Aquemini a "brilliant slice of hip-hop". It also received a "classic" ranking of 5 mics from The Source magazine, which later wrote of the album that it "possesses an uncanny blend of sonic beauty, poignant lyricism and spirituality that compels without commanding". In a November 1998 article, What Magazine praised Aquemini, as they wrote:
"OutKast's third album is the perfect concoction of spirituality, street reality and chunky Southern beats. On Aquemini, Atlanta's first soldiers have pointed their Cadillacs toward the Cosmos. Lyrically, Big Boi's street patter flawlessly complements Dre's increasingly abstract cerebral flow. While Big Boi keeps your feet firmly planted in reality, Dre drags your head through the many dimensions of the spiritual universe. The results are dangerous."
—What Magazine
Some critics appreciated the absence of a materialist focus. Rolling Stone declared that the album proved "that you don't have to sell out to sell records", while PopMatters agreed, claiming "(i)n a year where excess was romanticized by nearly everyone, OutKast was one of the few commercial groups concerned with more than just 'the Benjamins'". The music website Nude as the News called "Rosa Parks" "one of the best rap songs ever crafted." The album was later ranked #21 on Chris Rock's list of the Top 25 Hip-Hop Albums of all time.
Hold On Be Strong
OutKast Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hold on, be strong
Hold on, be strong
Hold on, be strong
The repetition of "Hold on, be strong" in Outkast's song serves as an anthem of hope and resilience in the face of life's challenges. The lyrics encourage listeners to persevere through difficult times, to keep striving despite setbacks, and to maintain inner strength and faith. The words "hold on" suggest a sense of urgency and determination, while the phrase "be strong" speaks to the importance of mental and emotional fortitude.
This message of perseverance is reinforced by the song's soulful, gospel-inspired sound. The uplifting melody and soulful vocals evoke a sense of spiritual energy, and the lyrics call back to the gospel tradition of using music to provide hope and upliftment. Overall, "Hold On Be Strong" is a powerful reminder that we can endure and overcome life's obstacles, as long as we hold onto our strength, resilience, and hope.
Line by Line Meaning
Hold on, be strong
Keep going and stay resilient
Hold on, be strong
Don't give up, keep pushing forward
Hold on, be strong
Believe in yourself and keep striving
Hold on, be strong
Persevere through hardship and difficulty
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Andre Benjamin, Antwan Patton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
la Son
on Mainstream
@23 references psalm 23
A healthy portion of this song on all verses spits on spiritual