This October marks the 25th anniversary of one of hip-hop’s most important releases - one that not only elevated two rappers into the mainstream consciousness, but would also provide a blueprint for aspiring artists in the future.
‘Stankonia’ by Southern Rap group OutKast was their fourth studio effort and would become one of their biggest successes upon release. The album earned the Best Rap Album award at the 44th GRAMMY Awards, was also nominated for Album of the Year, peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200, and has gone on to sell over 5 million copies, becoming certified 5x Platinum.
Propelled by three singles, ‘B.O.B’ and ‘So Fresh, So Clean,’ it would be the emotional ode to the mother of Erykah Badu, ‘Ms. Jackson,’ which would elicit huge commercial success, becoming the duo’s first single to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and earned them another Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
Such has been the huge success and cultural impact the album has, as it waved the flag for Southern hip-hop at a time when its rise was controversially described by some, including Nas, as the 'death knell' of the hip-hop scene, that several contemporary artists have namechecked the work, and the duo, as profound influences on not only their sound but their aesthetic too.
Here are 15 acts who, along with ourselves, will no doubt be celebrating the anniversary of one of Southern Hip Hop’s most important albums.
5. J Cole
The North Carolina rapper has often acknowledged OutKast as an inspiration. The blend of personal narrative and social commentary found on Stankonia is a staple of Cole's music. His appreciation is further demonstrated by his sampling of OutKast's 'Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)' on his track 'Land of the Snakes.' | VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images
6. Janelle Monáe
As a direct artistic descendant of OutKast, Monáe has a clear link to the duo's music and aesthetic. She was mentored by Big Boi, and her futuristic, funk-infused R&B and soul sound is a continuation of the Afrofuturist vision that OutKast explored on albums like Stankonia. | Savion Washington/Getty Images
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7. Childish Gambino (Donald Glover)
Gambino's artistic evolution, particularly the funk and psychedelic soul of his album Awaken, My Love!, is a testament to OutKast's influence. As noted by Apple Music, Gambino "ventured into the land of classic soul, drawing from Outkast's fusion of blues and Dirty South rap." | Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET
8. Anderson.Paak
Like Gambino, Anderson .Paak's music is a modern take on the funk-infused hip-hop and soul that OutKast perfected. He has a similar ability to blend singing and rapping over live instrumentation, a style that was heavily featured on Stankonia. | Kevin Winter/Getty Images