11 Remixes Every Outkast Fan Should Hear

By Kim Hu

Outkast, what would have happened to rap music without you? When Big Boi and Andre 3000 first rose from the bloody ashes of the coastal wars of the 1990s, they were initially considered outsiders, too experimental and musical to break into mainstream rap.

But with a mind-boggling string of successes (ATLiens [1996], Aquemini [1998], and Stankonia [2000]), the Atlanta duo cemented their place in music history and spawned a generation of artists unafraid to challenge convention and get a little weird.

Twenty years later, we're still reaping the benefits of Outkast's unique style, even if they aren't putting out too much music together these dayes. DJs, however, don't need Andre and Big Boi to be in the studio for a new track. Here are ten of the best Outkast remixes.

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2. "Ms. Jackson (Potatohead People Remix)"

There is a LOT going on in this remix, but sometimes the most surprising reworks are the best. Not only do the producers put the original "Ms. Jackson" verse over a barrage of synths, they also include a Kendrick verse that fits in—namely the first verse from "Sing About Me, I'm Dying of Thirst."

3. "Da Art of Storytellin (OG Brendan Johnson Bootleg)"

We first heard this remix by Brendan Johnson in a Ryan Hemsworth mix, and it's a lush, restrained beauty. Andre 3000's verse from "Da Art of Storytellin (Part 1)" is laid over a gentle beat that sounds as if it could be used to lull babies to sleep. The effect is to heighten the power of Andre's words for a mesmerizing remix.

4. "Roses (PLS & TY Remix)"

Starting off strong by giving the original's iconic piano keys an electric twist, this PLS & TY remix funkifies the famous Outkast hit "Roses" with a groovy bass line and futuristic synths. The crisp drums leading up to the brass-heavy, euphoric chorus reminds us just how great the original is.

Take a trip down memory lane with PLS & TY and sing along with Andre: "Caroliiine, she's the reason for the word..."

5. "B.O.B (WoodysProduce Remix)"

"Bombs Over Baghdad" is one of Outkast's most difficult songs to remix with Andre and Big Boi busting out breakneck flows.

L.A. native WoodysProduce is up to the task, however, paying homage by adding his own flavor to the original vocals. He manages to do the near-impossible and make it flow beautifully: his smooth snare kicks are a perfect background to the gospel-like chants of "bombs over baghdad."

6. "Prototype (AceMyth Remix)"

"Prototype" is one of Andre's sexiest singles, first released in 2003 as part of THE LOVE BELOW. Michigan producer AceMyth took the sultry groove and flipped it into a velvety late-night jam, with the help of some sub-bass and swelling synths.

The super chill intro with Andre 3000's sensual voice sets the mood right away for the rest of the song. Things float in zero gravity from there, and it's a heavenly trip.

7. "Roses (Kero One Remix)"

L.A. producer Kero One celebrated Outkast's 20-year anniversary reunion by releasing a perfect summer party remix of "Roses."

Adding simple, melodic elements, Kero One keeps the original song's groove and fun alive. The producer finishes things off with some tropical bongo sounds to complete the track, a cherry on top that leaves you feeling like you just ate a full meal: contented, smiling, and with a little bit of drool pooling at the corners of your mouth.

8. "SpottieOttieDopaliscious (Lemi Vice & Action Jackson Remix)"

"SpottieOttieDopaliscious" is the ultimate embodiment of Outkast's sophisticated Southern drawl. Lemi Vice and Action Jackson gave this song massive trap vibes by keeping the famous horn sounds and adding hectic kicks, peaking during one breakdown in particular (you'll hear it).

Aside from that manic drop, this remix keeps the smooth, pimp-infused vibes intact. Lay back and cruise to the soulful vocals of Sleepy Brown and Andre 3000.

9. "Moves like Ms. Jackson (ZHU Remix)"

Mystery producer ZHU took the dance world by storm with a string of hard-hitting, slinky beats. It all started, however, when he incorporated covers of four Outkast classics ("So Fresh, So Clean," "The Way You Move," "Ms. Jackson," and "The Whole World") into one song.

The flawless transitions are the key, and the resulting success from this track had every music blog wondering who this producer was. "Moves Like Ms. Jackson" was a widely praised hit and had everyone feeling nostalgic for ATL's best rap duo.

10. "Prototype (starRo Bossa edit)"

Japanese producer starRo really took listeners on an otherworldly journey with his "Prototype" remix. Sprinkling in a variety of effects, chopped vocal samples, and snare kicks, starRo throws down an extremely hypnotizing and ethereal production.

Close your eyes and allow starRo to take you on a soulful and majestic ride.

11. "Ms. Jackson (San Holo Remix)"

Netherlands musician San Holo flipped "Ms. Jackson" with complex, layered electronics behind the vocals. It's a refreshing, polished take on the classic hit, so it's no surprise that this remix is one of his most popular tracks, with almost 2 million plays on Soundcloud.

Listen as San Holo flips "Ms. Jackson" into a funky masterpiece with claps, dog-whistle synths, and sparkling accents.

12. "Wheelz of Steel (The Polish Ambassador Remix)"

Before Todd Terje, there was The Polish Ambassador. The Oakland native has been plunking down fat, juicy synth lines and D&B breaks for a long while—it was four years ago that he unleashed this wild trip-hop remix of "Wheels of Steel," but it still bangs today.

Employing a big bass backbone and some airy guitar samples, TPA flips the ATLiens classic into a laid-back, bouncy slow-burner.

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