The majority of the production on Aquemini is handled by OutKast, as well as Mr. The duo chose to go the less traditional route on the musical end. On Aquemini, each of them embraces what makes them gifted artists and works to create a musical “middle ground” that allows each to play to their strengths, while still ending up greater as a whole.Īfter the commercial success of their debut LP Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (1994) and its follow-up ATLiens (1996), OutKast was given more leeway by their label, LaFace Records, to be a little more experimental with their next album. Throughout the duo’s previous two albums, André played the role of the more abstract explorer, while Big Boi settled into his position as the street-wise former B-Boy. Specifically, it’s about the continued convergence of André 3000 and Big Boi’s personalities. The central theme of Aquemini is the meshing of musical styles and sensibilities. Aquemini feels like a rebirth of a duo that’s already experienced multiple rebirths. When Big Boi proclaims “Even though we got two albums, this one feel like the beginning” on “Y’all Scared,” he’s not wrong. And by their third album, Aquemini, released 20 years ago, they evolved even further still. Made up of André “3000” Benjamin and Antwan “ Big Boi” Patton, they entered the hip-hop scene sounding one way, then evolved to use another approach and message. Even fewer challenge their listeners to come along with them on their journey, encouraging them to forget what they thought they knew about their music and keep them guessing about what’s coming next. But a select few really grow artistically as their careers progress. And many that do experiment head back to the mean soon afterwards. There’s nothing inherently wrong with an artist sticking with what they’re good at, playing to their strengths and delivering the type of album that they’re good at creating.įew artists really switch up their approach from one album to the next. Most find their lane and like to stick with it, never really leaving their comfort zones in any meaningful way. The majority of musical artists are risk averse. Happy 20th Anniversary to OutKast’s third studio album Aquemini, originally released September 29, 1998.

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