Andre 3000, also known as André Benjamin, aka Three Stacks, is best known as one-half of the legendary hip-hop duo OutKast, along with his partner Big Boi. Since forming in 1992, OutKast has become one of the most influential and successful hip-hop acts of all time.
Dre was born on May 27, 1975, in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in a musical family showing an early interest in music, learning to play the piano and saxophone, and began writing his own songs as a teenager. After forming OutKast in high school, the two began performing at local clubs and talent shows, eventually attracting the attention of local rapper and producer Organized Noize.
OutKast released their debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, in 1994. The album was praised for its unique blend of southern hip-hop, funk, and soul, and introduced Andre 3000 as one of the most talented and innovative rappers of his generation. Over the next decade, OutKast released classic albums, including ATLiens (1996), Aquemini (1998), Stankonia (2000), and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003), each of which pushed the boundaries of hip-hop and expanded the duo’s musical palette.
Andre 3000 is known for his distinctive style, both in his music and his fashion. He is often credited with helping to popularize the use of oversized clothing and bold, colorful fashion choices in hip-hop, and is considered a trendsetter and style icon. He is also known for his introspective, thought-provoking lyrics, which often address social and political issues and challenge conventional wisdom
From his verse on Frank Ocean’s “Pink Matter” to his appearance on James Blake’s “Solo (Reprise),” Andre’s guest appearances are always a standout moment and an opportunity to flex the depth of his lyrics.
In “Sixteen,” Andre raps about his experiences as a teenager and his journey to adulthood. One notable line from the song is “I’m tryna pull my grades up, to get them saddle lace ups.” This genius line could inspire an entire white paper on its on, he uses the bootstrap metaphor, flips it and juxtaposes it next to the futility many kids in the inner city south feel about education, all while seeking success. Another memorable line from the song is “She’s yelling, “Selling’s a sin, well, so is telling young men/ That selling is a sin if you don’t offer new ways to win.” This line showcases Andre’s ability to use irony to highlight the hypocrisy of certain societal norms.
The verse on “Where’s the Catch?” opens with Three Stacks delving into his thought process and self-reflection. The line, “All my pets are mystic, keeps me in a cage (cage),” highlights Andre’s use of metaphor and vivid imagery to convey a deeper meaning. The mystic pets symbolize the mental and emotional struggles that keep him trapped, while the cage represents his internal struggle to overcome them. “Harmony, harmony, how many? / How many days of amazing will it be before it phases / And I say I told you so?” sees Dre ponder the fleeting nature of happiness and the inevitability of it eventually fading. This line speaks to his candor as an artist and his willingness to delve into personal themes in his music.
In “Pink Matter,” Andre’s verse “You were such a habit to call / I ain’t myself at all” and the line “Had to tell myself, ‘Naw / She better with some fella with a regular job” highlight André’s insecurities about himself and his unconventional lifestyle compared
Andre’s rapping skills and unique flow are often imitated but never duplicated.
If you’re a fan of Andre 3000 and his music, you’re in for a treat with this playlist. From “Rosa Parks” to “B.O.B.,” these tracks will take you on a journey through the world of Three Stacks and showcase his unique style and unparalleled talent. So sit back, hit play, and immerse yourself in the world of Andre 3000.
“Hey Ya!” – Outkast
“Roses” – Outkast
“Prototype” – Outkast
“B.O.B.” – Outkast
“Rosa Parks” – Outkast
“Pink Matter” – Frank Ocean ft. Andre 3000
“Sixteen” – Rick Ross ft. Andre 3000
“International Player’s Anthem (I Choose You)” – Outkast ft. UGK
“Humble Mumble” – Outkast ft. Erykah Badu
“The Whole World” – Outkast ft. Killer Mike
“Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long” – Erykah Badu ft. Andre 3000
“Take Off Your Cool” – Outkast ft. Norah Jones
“The Art of Storytellin’ (Pt. 4)” – Outkast
“Green Light” – John Legend ft. Andre 3000
“Huey” – David Banner ft. Andre 3000
“30 Something” – Jay-Z ft. Andre 3000
“In Your Dreams” – The-Dream ft. Andre 3000
“Where’s The Catch” – James Blake ft. Andre 3000
“So Fresh, So Clean” – Outkast
“Walk It Out (Remix)” – DJ Unk ft. Andre 3000
