Reason First: Andre 3000 & Big Boi Get Emotional At Outkast's Rock & Roll HOF Induction

In all the years that Outkast has not released rap music together, their presence has never ceased to be profound. At the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, the duo exhibited their flair, style, coolness, and funky truth. Though André 3000 never stepped foot on the performance stage, he did deliver a stirring and acceptance speech that almost had him in tears.

The both of them together as a pair in rhyme always excited audiences and titillated listeners. Not only that, their expressive styles of dress and twisted vocals continue to resonate.

For them to be cool together through fights and disagreements behind the scenes, and to make classic and even monumental music, they lived up to their own hype.

As a matter of fact, in André’s address, he mentioned fellow inductee for the night Jack White. He mentioned how “great things can come from little rooms.” This line is what choked up the veteran rhyme spitter and flutist.

The same person who declared the “South had something to say” with emphasis felt somewhat sentimental. Big Boi had come prepared with a list of people to thank. André Benjamin just freestyled his thank yous.

It didn’t seem like it. Like his smooth delivery and precision rhyming skills, he talked with fluidity and truth. Big Boi seemed poised and focused on ensuring that there would be something to reflect on like his seamless lyrics.

The video package that displayed their rise from obscure Atlanta cypher members to the heights of earning the first and currently only Best Album at the Grammys® by a hip hop group.

Artists that celebrated Outkast included Doja Cat who gave a lukewarm performance. Tyler the Creator brought great energy. Sleepy Brown paid homage to his adjacent crew he grew up with back in the day.

But Janelle Monáe brought the fire as usual. In anticipation for the moment to honor their inspiration, all of the artists as a team triumphed for their beloved Outkast.

It takes twenty-five years since an artist’s first official album to be considered for the R&R HOF. This is long overdue as the group first arrived on the scene with their debut effort Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik in 1994.

The presenter, Donald “Childish Gambino” Glover infused in his introduction of the group to be enshrined personal anecdotes about his brother writing a TV show based on a dream. This appeared in André’s speech about the respect for competition but inspiration will always be the most excellent form of expression.

From “Bombs Over Baghdad” to “Roses” Outkast has solidified their placement in the pantheon of formidable acts. As they stand together as just a handful of hip hop acts in the Hall of Fame, they bring together the idea that you can start small and become superstars.

With just a bit of panache and verve and some words strong together in front of a slick beat, it’s possible to achieve the heights of awesomeness. The various influences from James Brown to George Clinton to Prince to Run-DMC, Outkast has always imbued in their music the power of originality.

It is again the inspiration that propels musicianship, literature, chemistry, and physics. From the arts to the sciences, what made André choke up is what permits professionals to be amateurs in the 19th century term. In those days, the word amateur connoted passion and a dedication to one’s craft. While Outkast is one of the most dynamic bands ever, they do it for the money and for the love.

That’s the reality future acts ought to pay attention to if they wish to attain the riches and accolades, yes, but they had to possess the admiration for the mic before one trophy or induction ceremony.