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The one and only Big Boi, who was part of the acclaimed hip-hop duo OutKast, is now celebrating the 25th birthday of their groundbreaking ‘Stankonia’ album. The rapper, in a very mindful manner, made a post acknowledging the milestone and also paying tribute to his late collaborator Rico Wade.
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The Instagram post simply said, ‘Stankonia 25 🛸’ followed by the hashtags ‘#RicoWadeForever’ and ‘#LongLiveUncleMoonie’. This double celebration indicates that not only is the album alive but also the memory of the Organized Noize producer Rico Wade who was very instrumental in creating the Atlanta sound that was characteristic and defined a period of music. Big Boi was the partner in the legendary rap group who discussed the album’s different facets in a short video by referring to its unique soundscape.
In the video Big Boi said, “That’s why the whole album sounds just like this, it’s everywhere, and it’s like, what it all blends in because, I mean, the styles that we use, all the best of the sounds that’s intertwined in the songs. And I’ve heard it all like this before in my life, and you know what I’m saying? I’m just glad to be a part of it.”
The 2000 release of ‘Stankonia’ marks the most creative period of OutKast when the blending of various genres such as funk, rock, and electronic with hip-hop in ways unheard before. The album’s massive hits included ‘Ms. Jackson’ and ‘B.O.B.’ (Bombs Over Baghdad), and it also won the duo a Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, thus further strengthening their status as the ones who set the trends in the music industry.
The anniversary post did not take long to get noticed by many of the followers who tactlessly began to share their own experience and love for the classic work. One of them was the fortunate person who wrote: “But it all blends in perfectly! Let the liquor tell it!” Someone even pointed to the album’s cohesiveness despite varied inputs, which incidentally mirrored Big Boi’s interpretation of the sonic architecture of the project.
Another follower pointed out it “Another legendary album ✨Happy 25 Years Stankonia!” signifying the acceptance of the creation that stretches a quarter-century after its initial release. The remark underlines that ‘Stankonia’ has not only maintained its pertinence but has also been critically acknowledged through different times and groups of listeners.
The individual impact of the album was reaffirmed with remarks from those who encountered it in their early years. “Wow I was a junior in high school and this was our shit in Savannah. Forever a magical place in time,” a netizen wrote indicating that the music was the setting for certain periods in the audience’s lives. The blurring of personal memory and artistic creation illustrates the deep connection between OutKast’s output and their audience.
A very sharp comment came from one follower who opined that through their works OutKast had “Literally created their own sound.” The artists’ recognition of their cleverness directly hits the heart of the matter why ‘Stankonia’ is still considered relevant—o it was not only a hip-hop album but a whole new path that broadened the definition of what could be included in a genre.
The anniversary party by putting the spotlight on Rico Wade becomes even more significant. He was very close to the Dungeon Family collective, co-founder of Organized Noize, and a very influential in the formation of the Southern hip-hop sound which OutKast both ascended and transcended. His passing in April 2024, which also coincided with the anniversary of the album’s launch, made the anniversary nostalgic for the people who were there when the album was made.
Big Boi’s statements of being “just glad to be a part of it” reflect the humbleness of the artist who recognizes the uniqueness of creative collaborations. The rapper, after having enjoyed years of success and received many awards, still sounds like he is thankful that he was a part of something that has turned out to be greater than just musical projects.
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The high reputation of ‘Stankonia’ after 25 years is an unambiguous indication of the fact that innovative art indeed carries its power through time. Trends in music change, however, the fearless experimentations and blending of the genres have made the album a part of the great American recordings. Big Boi’s succinct but poignant tribute to this occasion really acts as an affirmation of music’s ability to represent moments in the past while at the same time, communicating with future generations. Recently, he shared another exciting moment from his life. Andre 3000, his partner in OutKast, continues to be celebrated for their influence. He also cherishes his role as a grandfather.
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