Tag Archives: Outkast

Andre 3000 Says Recent Songs With Big Boi Are “Not Outkast Collaborations”

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For fans who hoped that Frank Ocean‘s remix of “Pink Matter” featuring verses from Outkast rappers Andre 3000 and Big Boi signified a reunion, their dreams have been dashed once more. The enigmatic 3 Stacks said that the recent pairing of with his longtime rap partner does not mean the legendary group has reunited. The “Hey Ya!” rapper sent an exclusive statement to SPIN  to effectively squash all rumors that the legendary Atlanta-based duo were at least on on the heels of making a triumphant return.

Andre 3000′s statement via SPIN:

It’s important for me to be clear about the origins of my contributions to ‘Pink Matter’ and ‘Sorry.’

I was approached as a solo artist by both Frank Ocean & Tip. I discussed musical direction with each artist and completed my verses. It was after that when Big Boi’s name came up.

I never want to mislead our audience – I worried that some would think these were Outkast collaborations. These songs are not Outkast collaborations. I discussed this rationale with Big, Frank and T.I. and everyone agreed. That is why I was surprised to read about these remixes.

I understand that anyone can put out an unofficial remix to any song but I have an obligation to be honest with fans about what this is … and what it isn’t.

While his frustrations are certainly valid, it appears that if an Outkast reunion were to happen it would be Andre 3000 with the final say.

Is Stacks holding the Outkast brand hostage? If you were Big Boi, would you have any gripes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments?

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CNN Calls Nas “The Greatest Lyricist Of All Time”

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CNN Calls Nas "The Greatest Lyricist Of All Time"

In an article published yesterday on CNN titled A case for Nas, hip-hop’s finest MC, Eliott C. McLaughlin calls Nas“the greatest lyricist of all time.” In the article, he argues that Nas deserves the status of G.O.A.T. lyricist because of his longevity and ability, and explains why he ranks Nas higher than Jay-Z, 2Pac, Biggie, Eminem, and the rest. As for Nas, he’s not ready to compile a list of the greatest rappers just yet. In the article, he’s quoted saying, ”It’s wayyyyyy, way, way too early in our lives. It’s great to put a list together, but don’t take it too seriously because your list won’t matter 10 years from now or 15 years from now. It’ll be a different list.” As for Nas’ thoughts on 2Pac and Biggie, he says, “I just think Biggie was something else. He was the Hitchcock of this thing, man. He told you a story. There was a seriousness that came with it that can’t compare with nothing.” He adds, ”I’d probably be better if they were still around. I think I’d be a lot better.”

Read excerpts from the article below.

On Longevity:

With “Life is Good,” Nas dropped his ninth No. 1 hip-hop album since 1994. Seven of those have gone platinum, which places him second among rappers only to Jay-Z with 11. (We’re not counting compilations or collaborations here, only original solo efforts, and yes, Tupac Shakur had nine, but five were posthumous releases.)It also ties Nas with Snoop Dogg or Snoop Lion or whatever his name is, and it puts the Queens native one plaque ahead of Eminem, Too Short, OutKast and LL Cool J, all of whom belong in the greatest-ever discussion, as well.

On Jay-Z vs. Nas:

Here is where that “lyricist” v. “hip-hop artist” distinction becomes important. Jay-Z said it best himself: He’s not a businessman; he’s a business, man. When you consider 11 of his albums have sold at least a million copies — seven of those 2 million or more — as have his four collaborations, two with R. Kelly and one each with Linkin Park and Kanye West, it’s as if Hova is King Midas, but with platinum.He’s a hit maker extraordinaire, maybe the world’s best, but that doesn’t translate to best lyricist. Jay-Z acknowledged as much on “Moment of Clarity” when he rhymed, “If skills sold, truth be told/I’d probably be, lyrically, Talib Kweli.”

Even in dissing Nas on “Takeover,” he explained why he had sampled Nas’ lyrics on “Dead Presidents”: “So yeah, I sampled your voice; you was using it wrong/you made it a hot line; I made it a hot song.” And that, friends, is the crux of the debate: hot lines vs. hot songs. No one would deny Hova his dap, but it seems he has said, in both word and action, that it’s tough to top Nas.

Do you agree? Is Nas the G.O.A.T. rap lyricist?

[via HipHopWired