The group's original musical style was a mixture of Dirty South and G-Funk. Since then funk, soul, pop, electronic music, rock, spoken word poetry, jazz, and blues have been added to the group's musical palette. The duo consists of Atlanta native André "Andre 3000" Benjamin (formerly known as Dré) and Georgia-born Antwan "Big Boi" Patton.
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is one of only four hip-hop albums to be certified Diamond in the U.S. for shipping over 10 million units. Along with Outkast's commercial success, they have maintained an experimental approach in their music and are widely praised for their originality and artistic content.
Benjamin and Patton met while attending Tri-Cities High School, a Visual and Performing Arts School. Benjamin's parents were divorced and he was living with his father. Meanwhile, Patton had to move with his four brothers and six sisters from Savannah to Atlanta. Benjamin and Patton eventually teamed up and were pursued by Organized Noize, a group of local producers who would later make hits for TLC. The duo initially wanted to be called "2 Shades Deep" or "The Misfits", but because those names were already taken they later decided to use "OutKast" based on finding "outcast" as synonym for "misfit" in a dictionary. OutKast, Organized Noize, and schoolmates Goodie Mob formed the nucleus of the Dungeon Family organization.
OutKast signed to LaFace Records in 1992, becoming the label's first hip hop act and making their first appearance on the remix of label mate TLC's "What About Your Friends". In 1993, they released their first single, "Player's Ball". The song's funky style, much of it accomplished with live instrumentation, was a hit with audiences. "Player's Ball" hit number-one on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart.
Their debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, was issued on April 26th, 1994. This initial effort is credited with laying the foundation for southern hip hop and is considered a classic by many hip hop aficionados. Every track on Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik was produced by Organized Noize and featured other members of the Dungeon Family. Follow-up singles included the title track and "Git Up Git Out", a politically charged collaboration with Goodie Mob that was later sampled by Macy Gray for her 1999 hit "Do Something." On this early material, both André and Big Boi contrast lyrical content reflecting the lifestyles of pimps and gangsters with politically conscious material commenting on the status of African Americans in the South. OutKast won Best New Rap Group at the Source Awards in 1995. In the same year, the group contributed "Benz or a Beamer" to the popular New Jersey Drive soundtrack.
ATLiens was OutKast's second album, released on August 27th, 1996. The album exhibited more self-consciousness, and further solidified OutKast as the flagship representatives of the 1st generation Dungeon Family and the Southern hip hop movement. The album helped the group earn more recognition among East Coast hip hop fans in the East and West coasts.
For this album, OutKast joined with partner David "Mr. DJ" Sheats to form the Earthtone III production company, which allowed the group to produce some of their own tracks. "ATLiens" was the group's second Top 40 single (following "Player's Ball" from their first album), and reflected the beginning of André's increasingly sober lifestyle: "No drugs or alcohol/so I can get the signal clear," he rhymes about himself. "Elevators (Me & You)," OutKast's first self-produced single, became the group's first Top 20 hit the same year.
OutKast's third album Aquemini was released on September 29, 1998 and also reached the number-two position on the Billboard 200 album chart in the United States; its title was a combination of the zodiac signs of Big Boi (an Aquarius) and André (a Gemini). The album was widely praised as possibly the group's best material to date: when reviewed by popular hip-hop publication The Source, it received the much-coveted "5 Mics" (out of five) rating.
Producing more material themselves, both Big Boi and André explored more eclectic subject matter, delving into sounds inspired by soul, trip hop, and electro music. The album featured production by Organized Noize and collaborations with Raekwon, funk pioneer and musical forebear George Clinton, and Goodie Mob.
In 1999, OutKast and LaFace Records were sued by Rosa Parks over the album's most successful radio single, which bore Parks' name as its title. The lawsuit alleged that the song misappropriated Parks' name, and also objected to some of the song's obscene language.
The song's lyrics were largely unrelated to Parks, save for a line in the chorus: "Ah ha, hush that fuss / Everybody move to the back of the bus". The song, which OutKast maintained was intended partly as homage, only refers to Parks as a metaphor: the purpose of the song's chorus is to imply that OutKast is overturning hip hop's old order, that people should make way for a new style and sound. The initial lawsuit was dismissed. Parks' representation hired lawyer Johnnie Cochran to appeal the decision in 2001, but the appeal was denied on First Amendment grounds. In 2003, the Supreme Court allowed Parks' lawyers to proceed with the lawsuit.
In 2004, the judge in the case appointed an impartial representative for Parks after her family expressed concerns that her caretakers and her lawyers were pursuing the case based on their own financial interest. Later that same year, the members of OutKast were dropped as co-defendants, and Parks' lawyers continued to seek action against LaFace and parent company BMG. In 2003 André told UK journalist Angus Batey that, following a Detroit concert in the midst of the legal battle, relatives of Parks had approached him and implied that the case was less to do with Rosa than with the lawyers. The suit was finally settled on April 14, 2005, with neither OutKast nor their label having to admit any wrongdoing. The group did, however, have to agree to perform some sort of tribute to Parks.
Originally titled "Sandbox", the pair's fourth album, "Stankonia", was released in October 2000 to excellent reviews. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 in the U.S., and would eventually be certified quadruple-platinum. Stankonia's first single was "B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad)", a high-tempo jungle-influenced record. The second single, "Ms. Jackson," combined a pop hook with lyrics about divorce and relationship breakups, particularly André's breakup with singer Erykah Badu; the titular "Ms. Jackson" character being a doppelgänger for Badu's mother. It was at this time that André changed his stage name to the current "André 3000".
The single became their first pop hit, landing the number-one position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and the number-two position on the UK Singles Chart. The album's final single was the Organized Noize-produced "So Fresh, So Clean", featuring a credited guest appearance from regular guest vocalist and Organized Noize-member Sleepy Brown and garnered a remix featuring Snoop Dogg. All three singles' videos had heavy MTV2 airplay, and Outkast won two 2001 Grammy Awards, one for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "Ms. Jackson", and another for Stankonia as Best Rap Album.
During the recording of Stankonia, OutKast and Mr. DJ began producing tracks for the artists on their Aquemini Records imprint through Columbia, including Slimm Cutta Calhoun and Killer Mike, who made his debut on Stankonia's "Snappin' & Trappin."
Webzine Pitchforkmedia.com named Stankonia the 4th greatest album released between 2000 and 2004 in its 2005 feature. In 2009, B.O.B. was chosen as the number one song of the decade.
In December 2001, OutKast released a greatest hits album, Big Boi and Dre Present...OutKast, which also contained three new tracks. One of these new tracks was the single "The Whole World," which won a 2002 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Killer Mike also was featured on the song, gaining some exposure among areas outside of his native Atlanta. The other two new songs were called "Funkin' Around" and "Movin' Cool (The After Party)"
The same year OutKast participated in the only Dungeon Family group album, Even in Darkness, along with Goodie Mob, Killer Mike, Sleepy Brown, Witchdoctor, and Backbone among others, and featuring Bubba Sparxxx, Shuga Luv and Mello. In 2002, the group and Killer Mike contributed the lead single "Land of a Million Drums" to the Scooby Doo soundtrack.
In September 2003, OutKast released a double album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. It is essentially two solo albums, one by each member, packaged as a single release under the OutKast banner; the two members also appear on each others' discs for a few songs apiece. Big Boi's Speakerboxxx is largely a funk and Dirty South blended party record; André 3000's The Love Below features only brief instances of hip hop, presenting instead elements found in funk, jazz, rock, electronic music, and R&B.
The album is also OutKast's biggest commercial success yet, having debuted on the Billboard 200 albums chart at number-one and stayed there for several weeks. The album eventually sold over five million copies, and, as double-album sales count double for Recording Industry Association of America certification, the album was certified diamond for 10 million units shipped in December 2004. Its latest certification, in May 2006, reaches 11 million copies in shipping.
The first two singles from the album(s), which were released nearly simultaneously, were Big Boi's "The Way You Move" and André 3000's "Hey Ya!" The video for "Hey Ya!" is based on The Beatles' landmark appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. The video's storyline has "The Love Below"—a fictional band with all members, through the use of special effects, played by André—performing in London. "Hey Ya!" was the number one song on the very final weekend of American Top 40 with Casey Kasem. It was also number one a week later on the very first weekend of American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest. The singles spent ten weeks at number one on the Hot 100 singles chart, with "Hey Ya!" spending nineteen weeks and "The Way You Move" briefly taking over in February 2004. These singles were seen as a breakthrough for the hip-hop industry, being among the first hip-hop songs to be widely played on adult contemporary radio stations.
OutKast's next official single was not released until the summer of 2004. "Roses", a track featuring both members from The Love Below half of the album, did not meet the level of success as either of its predecessors, but it became a modest-sized hit on urban radio and the American music video networks. The video for "Roses" is loosely based on the musical West Side Story and Grease. It featured sparring 1950s-style gangs, one representing Speakerboxxx, and one representing The Love Below, parodying the widespread arguing among critics and fans as to which half of the album was better and that the two members were estranged. The final singles were André 3000's "Prototype", which was paired with a science fiction-themed video about alien visitors, and Speakerboxxx's "Ghettomusick," which featured both members of OutKast and a sample from a song by Patti LaBelle, who also makes an appearance in the video.
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below won the Grammy Award for the 2004 Album of the Year, becoming only the second rap album to ever receive the honor (the first being The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill in 1999). OutKast was one of the headlining acts at the show, and gave two performances: Big Boi performed "The Way You Move" during a medley with George Clinton & P-Funk and Robert Randolph and the Family Band, while André 3000 performed "Hey Ya!" as the show closed. In February 2004, André 3000's performance, which featured female dancers moving wildly around a green teepee in war paint and feathered headdresses, was criticized by the Native American Cultural Center, who called for a boycott of OutKast, Arista Records, NARAS, and of CBS, the broadcaster of the awards show. CBS later apologized.
Between OutKast albums, Big Boi and André 3000 ventured into film projects. André co-starred in John Singleton's action film Four Brothers and also had a part in Be Cool, while Big Boi took a featured role in the T.I. movie ATL. Both members also began working on a joint film, Idlewild, directed by OutKast music video director Bryan Barber. Idlewild, a Prohibition-era musical film set to a blues-influenced hip-hop soundtrack, was released on August 25, 2006 by Universal Pictures. The Idlewild soundtrack was released August 22, 2006. Its lead single, "Mighty 'O'", features both OutKast members, and was briefly played exclusively on local Atlanta radio stations before being issued as a single in May 2006. They released and shot the video for "Morris Brown" instead. A video for "Idlewild Blue (Don'tchu Worry About Me)" soon followed.
Aquemini Records folded in 2004, and Big Boi founded a new record label, Purple Ribbon Entertainment, to be distributed by Virgin Records. Among its first signees were Sleepy Brown, Bubba Sparxxx, and Killer Mike, Big Boi has released a group album/compilation, titled Big Boi Presents... The Purple Ribbon All-Stars - Got Purp? Vol. 2.
One album remains on the band's LaFace contract. It was originally planned as a ten-track release called 10 The Hard Way; shortly after Idlewild was released, the duo confirmed the album is still in the works, though both have begun new projects without releasing any new information on the album. Due to both Big Boi and André's interest in separate projects such as movies, TV (André's Class of 3000) and solo albums, rumors of a split have turned up frequently in the media. André denied those rumors in a phone interview with MTV News, stating that even though they do not feel like performing on stage together, OutKast is "still tight". In an August, 2006, interview with UK journalist Craig McLean, after emphasizing that they would not split, the pair looked beyond music and film careers, Big Boi suggesting he may consider running for the job of Mayor of Atlanta in the future.
In 2007, Andre 3000 confirmed a new OutKast album would be released, but said that he and Big Boi released solo records first, stating the group album is still possibly two years away. Big Boi's solo album will be released first in June/July of 2009, with the first single, "Royal Flush" (also featuring Andre 3000, essentially making it an OutKast song), planned to have been released on December 31, 2007, but was not released on the announced date. Big Boi announced on his MySpace that the release date for Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty is now sometime in the summer of 2009.
On Nov 14, 2008, the Guardian reported that OutKast will release their follow-up to Idlewild in 2009 after Big Boi and Andre 3000 release their solo albums in the same year. As of August 2009, the albums have not yet been released.
Ain
OutKast Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Y'all hear my shit go, it's Andre, can yo punk ass come out to play?
Stay in your little hole, then coward duck your head
You don't know who you be fucking with you'se better off, dead
Is what I say, best run the other way
In case of physical breakdown, y'all can break now
My kitchen full of heat, if you can't take the temp
Make yourself exempt
Nowhere to duck, pull his file, niggas die
By getting blasted, how drastic
They got the nerve to ask me why I do the things I do
I got the nerve to serve you up just like a waiter do, but no (no, no)
I take that back, that's my problem
Turning and walking away, this ain't goin' work when they be robbing
As long as Big Boi's still living, never standing by my lonesome
Step up nigga, if you want some
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
We having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
It's just a pimps(players), Mack daddies(East Point)
It's all about that see's in yo chest(It's the joint)
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
We having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
It's just a pimps(players), Mack daddies(East Point)
It's all about that see's in yo chest(It's the joint)
Well nigga, you softer than silicone, used to pump up tits
It's that nigga down in the Dungeon with them playeristic hits
I'm quick to stop a sucka flow like menopause, it's the
Original ghetto bastard, so now I makes a switch
I used to sell dope, but in 1994
I'm making Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
But see these voices in my skull has got me reminiscing
About the days back when me mammy had to work in kitchens
She had me making better grades to make a better life
But I never had no love or respect, cause we goin' be alright
I ran the streets and broke my curfew cause I gave a shit
I carried guns and butcher knives cause I was steadily in the mix, yeah
It was so hard to say goodbye, I'm a man now
I'm at the end of my street, so it's time to take my stand now
I call the wild because it's time to take the streets
So if you ain't got the vertebrae, ya big enough nuts, retreat
I'm ready to wet 'em up like cereal
Just an international player, coming through your stereo
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
We having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
It's just a pimps(players), Mack daddies(East Point)
It's all about that see's in yo chest(It's the joint)
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
We having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
It's just a pimps(players), Mack daddies(East Point)
It's all about that see's in yo chest(It's the joint)
3-5-7 to your forehead, there'll be mo' dead
cause I'ma pro, kid
But Lord forgive me, I gots to keep my Milli right Be-near me
My nine be doing fine until these niggas wants to clear me off my street
But in my hood hood, they hollering ghetto
Don't got no neighbors, they hit the pipe and never let go
But I feel for them like Chaka Khan feel for you
Ain't shit that we can do but rest in peace, pour a brew
On the concrete, remember when we ran deep
Remember at the party when we served them niggaz dandy
They know not to test us, test me, do me, try me
Trippin with that drama, my Beretta's right beside me
One is in the air and one is the chamber
Y'all ask me what the fuck I'm doin, I'm releasin anger
Quick to dodge danger, I'm takin it one day
At a time, I got the fattest dimes around my way
You can sway with Andre, I'll take it to the Ho-Jo, bitch
Just let you know, yeah
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
We having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
It's just a pimps(players), Mack daddies(East Point)
It's all about that see's in yo chest(It's the joint)
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
We having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
It's just a pimps(players), Mack daddies(East Point)
It's all about that see's in yo chest(It's the joint)
It's on my friend, on the road again, I'm travelin
No more than 65 on 85 off in my Cadillac
I got that nigga Dre, he ridin shotgun
And got my pump under my seat,
in case these yougstas wanna have some fun
I'd do it if I have to,
busting caps with this a heat and load it clip up after clip
I'm packing my gauge, if I feel it
The glock, the gat, the nine, the heaters
See I be busting caps like my amp be busting speakers
So how do you figure that Big Boi be scared to blast ya
You 'posed to be quickest draw, but man, I hail 'em faster
1-2-3, you need to think about the future
Before I shoot your ass and dilute your blood with lead
From my hollow tips, I'll send you to an early grave
You fucking slave, you better try another way
To take me out, is truly something difficult
Don't even run up on me, unless you want your brain broke
I'm out of bullets letting loose my last clip
I'ma kick you in your ass and your nigga getting pistol whipped
You know that's how I do, you know that's how I do
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
We having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
It's just a pimps(players), Mack daddies(East Point)
It's all about that see's in yo chest(It's the joint)
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
We having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
It's just a pimps(players), Mack daddies(East Point)
It's all about that see's in yo chest(It's the joint)
Yeah and it don't stop and it don't quit, to the motherfucking
Organized Noize, PA, Goodie Mob, Big Gipp and all the niggas
Around the East Pointe way
College Park is really on the map
We coming around Atlanta and the niggas are really strapped
With the motherfucking guns and the motherfucking glocks
Steady is the gas nigga, don't fear it and it don't stop
The lyrics to Outkast’s song Ain’t No Thang are a reflection of the duo’s uncompromising street style, and they stand out as a unique voice in hip hop music. The song kicks off with a defiance-laden verse from Andre, in which he declares his readiness to defend himself against anyone who dares to stand up to him. He issues a warning to weaker individuals to run in the other direction, especially if they have no stomach for violence. Big Boi leads the second verse with a declaration of pride in his origins and a reaffirmation of his commitment to his hood. He expresses his readiness to defend his territory against those who would threaten it. Together, the two rappers assert their gangsta style and tough-guy image, projecting a relentless aura of fearlessness and danger.
The song’s chorus – “Ain’t no thang but a chicken wang” – underscores this street mentality, and highlights the idea that life is no big deal to them, but something that they must combat with all their might. Throughout the song, the rappers discuss their experiences growing up in a rough environment, in which they were often forced to defend themselves against those who would do them harm. They discuss the resilience that comes with such a life, and the virtues of being tough-minded and able to fend for yourself. The song is a vivid exploration of their hard-knock reality, and their commitment to life on the streets. It stands out as one of Outkast’s early classics, and a milestone in the development of their distinctive style.
Line by Line Meaning
A nigga ready from the get go (blowe, blowe, blowe)
I am prepared and fully ready to take action from the very beginning.
Y'all hear my shit go, it's Andre, can yo punk ass come out to play?
Listen to my music, it's Andre, and I'm challenging you to step up and face me.
Stay in your little hole, then coward duck your head
You should hide and cower in fear, avoiding confrontation.
You don't know who you be fucking with you'se better off, dead
You have no idea what kind of trouble you're getting into, you'd be better off dead.
Is what I say, best run the other way
I'm warning you to quickly run away in the opposite direction.
In case of physical breakdown, y'all can break now
If you can't handle the physical strain, you should give up now.
My kitchen full of heat, if you can't take the temp
I have a lot of weapons at my disposal, and if you can't handle the pressure, you'll be in trouble.
Make yourself exempt
Remove yourself from the situation to avoid harm.
Pussy footing around don't be getting y'all nowhere but stuck
Tip-toeing around won't get you anywhere, it will only keep you trapped in the same place.
Nowhere to duck, pull his file, niggas die
There's nowhere to hide, revealing someone's information can be deadly.
By getting blasted, how drastic
They meet their end by getting shot, it's a drastic and severe outcome.
They got the nerve to ask me why I do the things I do
They dare to question why I behave the way I do.
I got the nerve to serve you up just like a waiter do, but no (no, no)
I have the audacity to confront and defeat you, just like a waiter serving a meal, but no, I won't hold back.
I take that back, that's my problem
Actually, I retract my previous statement, it's my own issue to deal with.
Turning and walking away, this ain't goin' work when they be robbing
Walking away and avoiding conflict won't be effective when dealing with robbers.
As long as Big Boi's still living, never standing by my lonesome
I will always have Big Boi by my side, I won't be alone in challenging situations.
Step up nigga, if you want some
If you're looking for trouble, then come face me head-on.
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
This is nothing more than a small and insignificant matter.
We having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
We're enjoying a gathering in a secret place, smoking marijuana.
It's just a pimps(players), Mack daddies(East Point)
It's all about the smooth and confident individuals from East Point.
It's all about that see's in yo chest(It's the joint)
It's about the style and swagger that you carry within you, it's the essence of the whole experience.
Well nigga, you softer than silicone, used to pump up tits
You're weak and feeble, like the silicone used to enhance breasts.
It's that nigga down in the Dungeon with them playeristic hits
I'm the one from the Dungeon, creating songs with a smooth and player-like style.
I'm quick to stop a sucka flow like menopause, it's the
I can easily shut down someone's weak rhymes, just like menopause halts a woman's menstrual cycle.
Original ghetto bastard, so now I makes a switch
I'm an authentic product of the hood, and now I'm making a change.
I used to sell dope, but in 1994
I used to be involved in drug dealing, but by 1994
I'm making Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
I'm creating a unique and influential style of music that represents the South.
But see these voices in my skull has got me reminiscing
The thoughts and memories swirling inside my mind have me reflecting on the past.
About the days back when me mammy had to work in kitchens
I think about the times when my mother had to work hard in kitchens.
She had me making better grades to make a better life
My mother pushed me to excel in school so that I could have a brighter future.
But I never had no love or respect, cause we goin' be alright
Despite the lack of love and respect, we will still be okay and overcome.
I ran the streets and broke my curfew cause I gave a shit
I disregarded curfew and spent time on the streets because I cared and was involved in things.
I carried guns and butcher knives cause I was steadily in the mix, yeah
I carried weapons because I was constantly involved in dangerous situations.
It was so hard to say goodbye, I'm a man now
It was difficult to leave that lifestyle behind, but now I've grown into a man.
I'm at the end of my street, so it's time to take my stand now
I've reached a critical point in my journey, and now it's time to make a bold move.
I call the wild because it's time to take the streets
I summon my courage and embrace my wild side to confront the challenges of the streets.
So if you ain't got the vertebrae, ya big enough nuts, retreat
If you don't have the backbone or courage to face me, you should turn away and flee.
I'm ready to wet 'em up like cereal
I'm prepared to shoot and harm my enemies, just like adding milk to cereal.
Just an international player, coming through your stereo
I'm a globally recognized musician, making an impact when my music plays through speakers.
3-5-7 to your forehead, there'll be mo' dead
If I shoot you with my gun, specifically aiming for your forehead, you'll end up dead.
cause I'ma pro, kid
Because I'm skilled and experienced at what I do.
But Lord forgive me, I gots to keep my Milli right Be-near me
But Lord, forgive me, because I need to keep my firearm close to me for protection.
My nine be doing fine until these niggas wants to clear me off my street
My gun is functioning properly and keeping me safe, but these individuals want to remove me from my territory.
But in my hood hood, they hollering ghetto
But in my neighborhood, people are screaming it's ghetto.
Don't got no neighbors, they hit the pipe and never let go
We don't have any decent neighbors, they are addicted to drugs and can't break free from their habit.
But I feel for them like Chaka Khan feel for you
I have empathy for them, similar to how Chaka Khan feels for her fans.
Ain't shit that we can do but rest in peace, pour a brew
There's nothing we can do except hope they find peace when they pass away, so let's pour drinks in their honor.
On the concrete, remember when we ran deep
On the sidewalks, let's remember when we used to have a large group.
Remember at the party when we served them niggaz dandy
Recall that time at the party when we outperformed and outshined those individuals.
They know not to test us, test me, do me, try me
They are aware that they shouldn't challenge us, testing me or attempting to harm me.
Trippin with that drama, my Beretta's right beside me
Causing unnecessary trouble with their dramatic behavior, but my gun is always with me for protection.
One is in the air and one is the chamber
I have one bullet in the air and another ready to be fired from the chamber of my gun.
Y'all ask me what the fuck I'm doin, I'm releasin anger
You question what I'm doing, but I'm actually letting out my anger and frustration.
Quick to dodge danger, I'm takin it one day
I'm skilled at avoiding dangerous situations, taking life one day at a time.
At a time, I got the fattest dimes around my way
I have the best and most attractive women in my neighborhood.
You can sway with Andre, I'll take it to the Ho-Jo, bitch
You can dance and party with Andre, but I'll take the situation to another level, just watch.
Just let you know, yeah
I'm informing you, making sure you understand.
It's on my friend, on the road again, I'm travelin
Now my friend, I'm back on the road again, traveling to new places.
No more than 65 on 85 off in my Cadillac
I won't exceed the speed limit of 65 miles per hour while driving on Interstate 85, cruising in my Cadillac.
I got that nigga Dre, he ridin shotgun
I have my friend Dre riding in the passenger seat alongside me.
And got my pump under my seat, in case these niggas wants to have some fun
And I have my weapon hidden under my seat, ready to defend myself in case these individuals want to cause trouble.
I'd do it if I have to, busting caps with this a heat and load it clip up after clip
I'm willing to use my gun if necessary, firing bullets with this heated weapon and loading up more bullets after each round.
I'm packing my gauge, if I feel it
I'm carrying my shotgun, just in case I sense any danger.
The glock, the gat, the nine, the heaters
Referring to different types of guns, such as a Glock, a gat (a slang term for a gun), a nine-millimeter, and other firearms.
See I be busting caps like my amp be busting speakers
I fire gunshots just like my amplifier blasts sound through speakers.
So how do you figure that Big Boi be scared to blast ya
So how can you imagine that I, Big Boi, would be afraid to shoot at you?
You 'posed to be quickest draw, but man, I hail 'em faster
You were supposed to be the fastest at pulling out a gun, but I prove to be even faster.
1-2-3, you need to think about the future
I count to three, indicating that you should consider the consequences of your actions.
Before I shoot your ass and dilute your blood with lead
Think twice before I shoot you and cause your blood to mix with the lead from my bullets.
From my hollow tips, I'll send you to an early grave
Using my bullets with hollow tips, I will send you to an early death.
You fucking slave, you better try another way
You pathetic person, you should find an alternative method or approach.
To take me out, is truly something difficult
Trying to eliminate me is truly a challenging task.
Don't even run up on me, unless you want your brain broke
Don't even attempt to confront me, unless you want your skull fractured.
I'm out of bullets letting loose my last clip
I have run out of bullets and I'm firing my final magazine.
I'ma kick you in your ass and your nigga getting pistol whipped
I will physically attack you, kicking you in the buttocks, and your friend will receive strikes with the handle of a pistol.
You know that's how I do, you know that's how I do
You're already aware that this is how I operate and behave.
Yeah and it don't stop and it don't quit, to the motherfucking
Yes, this continues without stopping or quitting, to the absolute.
Organized Noize, PA, Goodie Mob, Big Gipp and all the niggas
Referring to the music production group Organized Noize, the PA rap group Goodie Mob, Big Gipp, and all the other individuals.
Around the East Pointe way
They are all present and part of the East Point community.
College Park is really on the map
The neighborhood of College Park is gaining significant recognition and attention.
We coming around Atlanta and the niggas are really strapped
We are making our presence felt in Atlanta, and the individuals here are heavily armed.
With the motherfucking guns and the motherfucking glocks
We possess a wide range of firearms, including guns and glocks.
Steady is the gas nigga, don't fear it and it don't stop
Persistently providing the energy and intensity, don't be afraid and it won't cease.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Andre Benjamin, Antwan Patton, Patrick Brown, Raymon Murray, Rico Wade
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Limits98
Lyrics
[Intro: André 3000]
Niggas in the point ain't changed
Niggas in the point ain't changed
Yeah...
[Beat switch]
[Verse 1: André 3000]
A nigga ready from the get-go (Blaow, blaow, blaow)
Y'all hear my shit go, it's Andre
Can yo' punk ass come out to play?
Stay in your little hole, then coward duck your head
You don't know who you be fucking with, you's better off
Dead is what I say, best run the other way
In case of physical breakdown, y'all can break now
My kitchen full of heat, if you can't take the temp
Make yourself exempt
Pussy footing around don't be getting y'all nowhere but stuck
Nowhere to duck, bullets fly, niggas die
By getting blasted, how drastic
They got the nerve to ask me why I do the things I do
I got the nerve to serve you up just like a waiter do
But naw, I take that back, that's my problem
Turning and walking away
This ain't gon' work when they be robbing
As long as Big Boi's still living, never standing by my lonesome
Step up, nigga, if you want some
[Chorus]
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
We's having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
It's just a pimps (players), Mack daddies (East Point)
It's all about that cess in yo' chest (It's the joint)
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
We's having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
It's just a pimps (players), Mack daddies (East Point)
It's all about that cess in yo' chest (It's the joint)
[Verse 2: Big Boi]
Well, nigga, you softer than silicone used to pump up tits
It's that nigga down in the Dungeon with them playeristic hits
I'm quick to stop a sucka flow like menopause at 50
Original ghetto bastard, so now I makes a switch
I used to sell dope, but in 1994
I'm making Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik
But see these voices in my skull has got me reminiscing
About the days back when me mammy had to work in kitchens
She had me making better grades to make a better life
But I never had no love or respect, cause we's gon' be alright
I ran the streets and broke my curfew cause I gave a shit
I carried guns and butcher knives cause I was steadily in the mix
Yeah, it was so hard to say goodbye, I'm a man now
I'm at the end of my street, so it's time to take my stand now
I call the wild because it's time to take the streets
So if you ain't got the vertebrae or big enough nuts, retreat
I'm ready to wet 'em up like cereal
Just an international playa, coming through your stereo
[Chorus]
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
We's having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
It's just a pimps (players), Mack daddies (East Point)
It's all about that cess in yo' chest (It's the joint)
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
We's having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
It's just a pimps (players), Mack daddies (East Point)
It's all about that cess in yo' chest (It's the joint)
[Verse 3: André 3000]
3-5-7 to your forehead
There'll be mo' dead 'cause I'm a pro, kid
But Lord forgive me, I gots to keep my Milli right Vi-near me
My nine be doing fine until these niggas wants to clear me
Off my street, but in my hood-hood, they hollering ghetto
Don't got no neighbors, they hit the pipe and never let go
But I feel for them like Chaka Khan feel for you
Ain't shit that we can do but rest in peace, pour a brew
On the concrete, remember when we ran deep?
Remember at the party when we served them niggas dandy?
They know not to test us, test me, do me, try me
Tripping with that drama, my Beretta's right beside me
One is in the air and one is in the chamber
Y'all ask me what the fuck I'm doing, I'm releasing anger
Quick to dodge danger, I'm taking it one day
At a time, I got the fattest dimes around my way
You can sway with Andre, I'll take it to the Ho-Jo, bitch
Just to let you know, yeah
[Chorus]
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
We's having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
It's just a pimps (players), Mack daddies (East Point)
It's all about that cess in yo' chest (It's the joint)
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
We's having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
It's just a pimps (players), Mack daddies (East Point)
It's all about that cess in yo' chest (It's the joint)
[Verse 4: Big Boi]
It's on my friend, on the road again, I'm traveling
Do more than 65 on 85 off in my Cadillac
I got that nigga Dre, he riding shotgun
And got my pump under my seat
In case these youngsters wanna have some fun
I'd do it if I have to, busting caps with this, a heater
Load it clip up after clip, I'm packing my gauge, if I feel it
The Glock, the gat, the nine, the heaters
See, I be busting caps like my amp be busting speakers
So how do you figure that Big Boi be scared to blast you?
You 'posed to be the quickest draw, but man, I hail 'em faster
1-2-3, you need to think about the future
Before I shoot your ass and dilute your blood with lead
From my hollow tips, I'll send you to an early grave
You fucking slave, you better try another way
To take me out is truly something difficult
Don't even run up on me unless you want your brain broke
I'm out of bullets, letting loose my last clip
I'm a kick you in your ass and your nigga getting pistol whipped
Yeah, that's how I do
You know that's how I do, you know that's how I do
[Chorus]
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
We's having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
It's just a pimps (players), Mack daddies (East Point)
It's all about that cess in yo' chest (It's the joint)
Ain't no thang but a chicken wang
We's having a smoke out in the Dungeon with the Mary Jane
It's just a pimps (players), Mack daddies (East Point)
It's all about that cess in yo' chest (It's the joint)
[Outro: Big Boi]
Yeah, and it don't stop and it don't quit, to the motherfucking
Organized Noize, PA, Goodie Mob, Big Gipp and all the niggas
Around the East Point way
College Park is really on the map
We coming around Atlanta and the niggas are really strapped
With the motherfucking guns and the motherfucking Glocks
The heaters, the gats, nigga, don't fear it and it don't stop
Queen Crafts
23 YEARS LATER AND THIS STILL HOTTER THAN ANYTHING OUT IN THE RAP CIRCUIT RIGHT NOW!!! BRING REAL HIP HOP BACK NOOOOOOW!!
JASON Stone
Real
Private Eye
Ramirez used this song as inspiration. Go check it out. It's dope. The fo five.
Gabe Williams
Still bumpin this in Tennessee
SHEN REAPER
Dave Khan yes.
Dawgator
Yeah baby
20eyesmisfit
Dre's flow on this song is clean AF, his smooth chopped flow is unmatched.
Wendell 717
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik is one of the most vicious rap albums of the nineties. These clowns today, they don't know nothing about this type of music . Outkast is my favorite group out of the south of all time.
Gary Orlando Mason
+Wendell Wright I was telling my son, and this is just my opinion, but when this album came out, it was hard as hell. Outkast was hungry at this point and came raw wit this one. They continued to make good music, but as they made more money, it seemed to me like their music got watered down toward the end. I don't know what happened to Andre 3000 but this dude went another direction with his style
Ineed Acut
+Gary Orlando Mason he went left !! he was so fuckin ill now big boi got hella nicer so I still get the lyrical fix