When Andre 3000 and Big Boi signed a record deal in 1994, they probably had no idea that in seven years, they would be releasing a greatest hits album. Big Boi & Dre Present OutKast includes tracks from their past four albums and three new tracks. Some of their biggest hits, like "B.O.B.," "Rosa Parks," and "Player's Ball (original)" can all be found on this record. It all started in 1994 in Georgia.

Andre 3000 was born Andre Benjamin on May 27,1975, in Georgia. Big Boi was born Antwan Patton on February 1, 1975, in Georgia. They first met while attending Atlanta's Tri-City High School. After starting out as lyrical rivals, they decided to form OutKast. Before graduating from high school, the rap duo had been signed to LaFace Records. After signing, they released the single that would change their lives forever.

When OutKast released "Player's Ball," it quickly made its way to #1 on the Billboard Rap Singles Chart, and stayed there for six weeks. After the success of the first single, they put out their debut CD, Southernplayalisticadil- lacmuzik. Organized Noize, who had created hits for TLC, EnVogue, and Goodie Mob, produced it. It debuted at #3 on the R&B Billboard Chart. It received a 4.5 mic rating out of 5 from Source Magazine. Later that year, they also won a Source Award for Best New Group or Duo. With the release of this album, came many hit singles. "Ain't No Thang," "Git Up, Git Out," "Crumblin' Erb," and the title track were all chart toppers. All of these, including "Player's Ball," are included in their latest compilation.

Their sophomore album, ATLiens, debuted on the Billboard 200 at #2 in 1996. Organized Noize produced most of the tracks again. Dre and Big Boi's production debut was very impressive, considering the single, "Elevators," stayed at #1 for weeks. The title track was also a big hit. "Elevators" is the only track off of ATLiens that appears on Big Boi & Dre Present OutKast though.

In 1998, OutKast released Aquemini. When you mix Big Boi's sign, Aquarius, and Dre's sign, Gemini, Aquemini is what you get. This album was a big breakthrough for OutKast. Dre and Big Boi produced nine out of fourteen tracks. The CD also featured some very high profile guests, such as Erykah Badu, George Clinton, Goodie Mob, and Raekwon of the Wu Tang Clan. The main reason that it was such a big breakthrough was because it included one of their biggest hits, "Rosa Parks." According to OutKast's website, Big Boi describes this song as a "southern blue grass, hoe down jam session." It even has a harmonica breakdown. The unforgettable hook, "Ah ha hush that fuss, everybody move to the back of the bus, do you wanna bump and slump wit us, we the type of people make the club get crunk," stayed in your head for days. "Spottieottiedopaliscious" and the title track were also big hits. All three of these songs are on their greatest hits.

Stankonia came out in late 2000. Almost all of the CD was produced by OutKast. The first single, "B.O.B.," went to #1 on the hip-hop charts immediately. The drum n' bass beat and addictive hook is what made the song so popular. The following singles, "Ms. Jackson" and "So Fresh, So Clean," became just as popular. Just like "B.O.B." they had a chorus that was stuck in your head for days. All three of these tracks appear on Big boi & Dre Present OutKast.

Their latest CD, dropped on December 4, 2001. It debuted at #8 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Chart. It includes their most memorable songs from the past seven years. It also has three new songs, "The Whole World," "Funkin' Around," and "Movin' Cool." Just as all of the previously released tracks on the album, the new tracks have infectious beats and interesting lyrics, which is what I love about OutKast's music. The way they mix their influences of Jimi Hendrix, George Clinton, and traditional hip-hop is what makes their music different from all of the other songs out there. That's why I like their CD so much.

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