In hindsight, 1996 was a golden year. At the time, it felt like anything but. Thirty years later, here are the best rap albums of 1996.
Dimas SanfiorenzoOutkast
Outkast is an American hip-hop duo from Atlanta, composed of André 3000 and Big Boi. Emerging in the mid-1990s under LaFace Records, they are celebrated for fusing Southern rap with funk, soul, and psychedelic elements. Their 2003 double album *Speakerboxxx/The Love Below* won multiple Grammy Awards and features hits like "Hey Ya!" and "The Way You Move," which helped redefine mainstream hip-hop with its genre-blending approach. Their relevance traces back to the way they challenged Southern rap stereotypes by incorporating eclectic production and storytelling that expanded hip-hop’s sonic boundaries. Fans return to Outkast’s catalog for its inventive beats and lyrical complexity, which have cemented their role in shaping Atlanta’s hip-hop identity and influencing artists who push beyond conventional genre limits.
Featured
From its origins in Philadelphia to its latest collaboration with Supreme, this is how the brand has maintained its status in throwback sports gear.
Mike DeStefano
In 1996, OutKast released ATLiens, an album in which they rejected complacency and released a classic.
Chairman Mao
OutKast's is being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We took a look back at Andre 3000's style evolution since the group's debut in the '90s.
James HarrisLatest Stories
Killer Mike Confirms Second André 3000 Collab Is 'Absolutely' Still Coming
The Atlanta rapper said he still plans on dropping the 12-minute track — provided Three Stacks signs off on it.
Will Lavin14 days ago
André 3000 Says He 'Should Be Coming Out Soon' With New Music
However, the OutKast legend hasn't stipulated what genre his new music will fall under.
Jaelani Turner-Williams49 days ago
André 3000 Drops Wordless Short Film '7 Piano Sketches' on MUBI
The OutKast star co-directed the surreal silent-film-inspired project with filmmaker Graham Mason, set to his 2025 EP of the same name.
Jaelani Turner-Williams63 days ago
Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Outkast, and More Named Among Greatest Living American Songwriters
The list also includes Young Thug, Missy Elliott, The Dream, and more.
Joe Price116 days ago
CeeLo Green Says He Almost Became Third Member of OutKast
According to the Goodie Mob rapper, it was "a suggestion" at one time.
Trey Alston164 days ago
Advertisement
T.I. Says His Greatest 'Ass-Whooping' on Record Came From André 3000
Tip believes the OutKast legend might just be his toughest collaborator to date.
Jaelani Turner-Williams168 days ago
Sleepy Brown 'Wanted to Fight' Diddy Over Biggie's Alleged OutKast Diss
The Organized Noize producer and singer claims the late New York legend took shots at André 3000 and Big Boi in his "Big Poppa" music video.
Jaelani Turner-Williams210 days ago
OutKast Super7 Figures: How to Buy
Super7's collectible figure series celebrates OutKast's iconic eras, from ATLiens to Hey Ya!, available now on Complex.
Complex Staff246 days ago
Stream Childish Gambino’s Live Cover of OutKast's 2003 Track "Prototype"
The multi-hyphenate performed the song during his set at the 2025 Camp Flog Gnaw festival.
Joshua Espinoza260 days ago
A Babyface Documentary Is Coming — And Kenya Barris Is Producing It
The documentary will feature raw personal interviews with the prolific songwriter, as well as his several collaborators.
Alex Gonzalez282 days ago
Advertisement
Donald Glover Inducts Outkast Into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
The rapper-singer presented the iconic rap duo during their 2025 Rock Hall induction.
Jaelani Turner-Williams286 days ago
OutKast GAS Trading Cards Celebrating Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction: How to Buy
The official three-card set honoring 'ATLiens,' 'Stankonia,' and 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below' is available now on Complex.
Complex Staff288 days ago
OutKast's Albums, Ranked From Worst to Best
OutKast, who are being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, tested the limits of what hip-hop could sound like. Here’s every one of their albums, ranked.
John Kennedy289 days ago
9 OutKast Songs That Predicted the Sound of Hip-Hop in the 2010s
With OutKast’s induction into the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, now is a good time to examine how the duo influenced rap music in the 2010s.
Craig Jenkins290 days ago