OutKast is officially taking their rightful place in music history as part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2025 inductees.
The dynamic duo, composed of André 3000 and Big Boi, has been an undeniable force in shaping the landscape of Hip-Hop and beyond for decades. And, despite being inactive as a group for some time, their impact on the culture continues to resonate and now they’re receiving even more of the recognition they deserve.
Joining them in the 2025 honoree class are other legendary artists including Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes. In addition to OutKast’s induction, the 2025 class also includes Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon, who will both receive the Musical Influence Award. Thom Bell, Nicky Hopkins, and Carol Kaye will also be honored with the Musical Excellence Award, while Lenny Waronker will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award.
“Each of these inductees created their own sound and attitude that had a profound impact on culture and helped to change the course of Rock & Roll forever,” John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, stated. “Their music gave a voice to generations and influenced countless artists that followed in their footsteps.”
OutKast’s last album together, Idlewild, was released in 2006 as a soundtrack to the eponymous film. Prior to that, the duo gave us the Grammy-winning, Diamond-certified double-album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, still regarded as one of the most iconic works in Hip-Hop. André 3000 most recently released his debut solo instrumental album New Blue Sun in 2023, which garnered three Grammy nominations.
Big Boi, on the other hand, has priorly released the three solo albums: Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty (2010), Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors (2012) and Boomiverse (2017) along with projects including Big Grams with Phantogram (2015) and Big Sleepover with Sleepy Brown in 2021.
The Atlanta sensation celebrated the news on Instagram, sharing a career-spanning video and reflecting on the honor. “The last infinity stone in the Thanos Glove!” he wrote. “OutKast is everlasting.”
The induction ceremony is set for Nov. 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
Leave a comment