Since Y2K, 3K became a part-time rapper. It's been a discussion for the last 25 years. After Stankonia dropped, there were frequent rumors about Outkast was breaking up to pursue solo careers.
Those rumors lingered for years, then we got what we thought was going to be their last album as a group. Thanks to some label politics, contractual obligations and marketing trickery at its finest, we didn't really get the last Outkast album, we got Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, which was precisely the start of their solo careers.
It's not like many of us didn't want this, it's that we didn't expect it. And we certainly didn't expect Andre 3000 to stray from the very thing that made us appreciate him and that was his otherworldly ability at rapping. Big Boi would an ace on any staff, but his partner happened to be an all-time great. Andre Benjamin solidified that status after the 3rd consecutive classic, Aquemini in 1998.
In just 4 short years, Andre jumped the line and entered the top emcee lists. He became a favorite for many and a GOAT for some. He was the reason fans outside of the South even paid attention to it. Sure, groups like Geto Boys, U.G.K., 8Ball & MJG and 2 Live Crew helped paved the way but like Andre said at The Source Awards, "I'm tired of them closed minded folks, it's like we gotta demo tape but don't nobody want to hear it. But it's like this: the South got something to say, that's all I got to say."
The Dirty South was born and a legend was made. And like many legends, we marvel at them for as long as they allow us to. Stars fade for various reasons. Some to an untimely death. Some get caught up in the fame and some simply losing the passion. Whether it's Jimi Hendrix, Joy Division, Lauryn Hill, Mos Def, Kurt Cobain, 2Pac or Jeff Buckley, losing the ability to witness their greatness isn't something us fans can come to grips with.
Andre is a unicorn. He's always had a unique style and sound. He was mature beyond his years. He had a remarkable ability at storytelling and his delivery was bar none. He had mental prowess and his skill at entertaining and articulating the fundamental understanding of life was a thing of beauty.
Only the greats really get a pass when it comes to fashion. Michael Jackson had that pass. Prince had that pass. David Bowie had that pass. Andre Benjamin had that pass. It's a testament to their greatness. Their influence. Their timeless classics. It didn't matter he wore a wig like ear a wig like Morrie or would throw on a sundress or kilt because he just felt like it, Andre 3000, the rapper, could do no wrong in our eyes.
We've been blessed with the occasional guest verse throughout the years, but it's never enough. We've been teased with thought of new music from Andre, but then we end up with the soundtrack to The Legend of Zelda with New Blue Sun.
It's easy to shuffle around your top 10 rapper list and replace a few guys from time to time, but you can never replace Andre 3000.
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