Andre 3000, also known as André Benjamin, aka Three Stacks, is best known as one-half of the legendary hip-hop duo OutKast, along with his partner Big Boi. Since forming in 1992, OutKast has become one of the most influential and successful hip-hop acts of all time.

Dre was born on May 27, 1975, in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in a musical family showing an early interest in music, learning to play the piano and saxophone, and began writing his own songs as a teenager. After forming OutKast in high school, the two began performing at local clubs and talent shows, eventually attracting the attention of local rapper and producer Organized Noize.

OutKast released their debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, in 1994. The album was praised for its unique blend of southern hip-hop, funk, and soul, and introduced Andre 3000 as one of the most talented and innovative rappers of his generation. Over the next decade, OutKast released classic albums, including ATLiens (1996), Aquemini (1998), Stankonia (2000), and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003), each of which pushed the boundaries of hip-hop and expanded the duo’s musical palette.

Andre 3000 is known for his distinctive style, both in his music and his fashion. He is often credited with helping to popularize the use of oversized clothing and bold, colorful fashion choices in hip-hop, and is considered a trendsetter and style icon. He is also known for his introspective, thought-provoking lyrics, which often address social and political issues and challenge conventional wisdom

From his verse on Frank Ocean’s “Pink Matter” to his appearance on James Blake’s “Solo (Reprise),” Andre’s guest appearances are always a standout moment and an opportunity to flex the depth of his lyrics.

In “Sixteen,” Andre raps about his experiences as a teenager and his journey to adulthood. One notable line from the song is “I’m tryna pull my grades up, to get them saddle lace ups.” This genius line could inspire an entire white paper on its on, he uses the bootstrap metaphor, flips it and juxtaposes it next to the futility many kids in the inner city south feel about education, all while seeking success. Another memorable line from the song is “She’s yelling, “Selling’s a sin, well, so is telling young men/ That selling is a sin if you don’t offer new ways to win.” This line showcases Andre’s ability to use irony to highlight the hypocrisy of certain societal norms.

The verse on “Where’s the Catch?” opens with Three Stacks delving into his thought process and self-reflection. The line, “All my pets are mystic, keeps me in a cage (cage),” highlights Andre’s use of metaphor and vivid imagery to convey a deeper meaning. The mystic pets symbolize the mental and emotional struggles that keep him trapped, while the cage represents his internal struggle to overcome them. “Harmony, harmony, how many? / How many days of amazing will it be before it phases / And I say I told you so?” sees Dre ponder the fleeting nature of happiness and the inevitability of it eventually fading. This line speaks to his candor as an artist and his willingness to delve into personal themes in his music.

In “Pink Matter,” Andre’s verse  “You were such a habit to call / I ain’t myself at all” and the line “Had to tell myself, ‘Naw / She better with some fella with a regular job” highlight André’s insecurities about himself and his unconventional lifestyle compared

Andre’s rapping skills and unique flow are often imitated but never duplicated.

If you’re a fan of Andre 3000 and his music, you’re in for a treat with this playlist. From “Rosa Parks” to “B.O.B.,” these tracks will take you on a journey through the world of Three Stacks and showcase his unique style and unparalleled talent. So sit back, hit play, and immerse yourself in the world of Andre 3000.

“Hey Ya!” – Outkast

“Roses” – Outkast

“Prototype” – Outkast

“B.O.B.” – Outkast

“Rosa Parks” – Outkast

“Pink Matter” – Frank Ocean ft. Andre 3000

“Sixteen” – Rick Ross ft. Andre 3000

“International Player’s Anthem (I Choose You)” – Outkast ft. UGK

“Humble Mumble” – Outkast ft. Erykah Badu

“The Whole World” – Outkast ft. Killer Mike

“Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long” – Erykah Badu ft. Andre 3000

“Take Off Your Cool” – Outkast ft. Norah Jones

“The Art of Storytellin’ (Pt. 4)” – Outkast

“Green Light” – John Legend ft. Andre 3000

“Huey” – David Banner ft. Andre 3000

“30 Something” – Jay-Z ft. Andre 3000

“In Your Dreams” – The-Dream ft. Andre 3000

“Where’s The Catch” – James Blake ft. Andre 3000

“So Fresh, So Clean” – Outkast

“Walk It Out (Remix)” – DJ Unk ft. Andre 3000

“From the Vaults” – a new feature on NeoSoulCypher.com dedicated to showcasing classic talent and music that still hits today from the ranks of Neo Soul and Classic Hip-Hop.

Missy Elliott is one of the greatest music talents and legends of all time.  She has amassed some of the most iconic songs, videos and production credits in the history of all music, not just Hip Hop.  While Queen Latifah has been a triple threat by rapping, singing and acting at the highest levels, her contemporary Missy Elliott, has her triple threat status planted firmly in music (rapping, producing and video visionary). I would argue, that combined with her originality and authenticity, she has left an impact that rivals that of the highest regarded music icons.  Who really has done it better than Missy?

The fact that Missy’s hits still hit today, from “Get Ur Freak On”, “Work It,” “Lose Control,” “One Minute Man,” “Gossip Folks” to “Hot Boyz”, is a testament to the strength of her production, vision and originality. Missy started out in a group known as Sista in the mid 1990’s and became a member of the Swing Mob collective along with childhood friend Timbaland. Missy and Timbo collaborated as producers on a number of truly impactful R&B acts, including Aaliyah, SWV, Total and 702. In 1997, Missy hit us with Supa Dupa Fly, her debut album, which debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, the highest charting debut for a female rapper at the time. “Sock It 2 Me” was the first single off the album. With Da Real World in 1999, Miss E… So Addictive in 2001, Under Construction in 2002 and This is Not a Test in 2003, Missy became a worldwide force making us all take note of her incredible dopeness.

Missy’s music videos rival her actual music in originality, artistry and impact.  My personal favorite is “Lose Control,” where Missy with Ciara, Fat Man Scoop and others hit us with a dazzling array of images fueled by the energy of the first rate dancing and the Missy produced beats.  Working with video directors like Hype Williams and Dave Myers, Missy’s videos take us on wild ride, amping us up, thrilling us yet redefining the genre at every step.  Missy was able to set the terms for her persona on the strength of her look, aesthetic and brilliant video concepts. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Missy reminded us of her incredible impact on music and videos, with the style and story behind the Throw It Back video – an ode to her past songs and videos with 2019 flair and “trapness.”

As the Throw It Back video reminds us, there will never be another Missy – “the innovator of all innovators, the game changing sensation.”  

Check out my Top 5 from Missy:

1. “Lose Control”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na7lIb09898
2. “Work It” : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjIvu7e6Wq8
3. “Get Ur Freak On”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPoKiGQzbSQ
4. “The Rain”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHcyJPTTn9w
5. “Funky Fresh Dressed”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOiNSxgURac

#missy

#missyandtimbo

#missyelliott

“From the Vaults” – a new feature on NeoSoulCypher.com dedicated to showcasing classic talent and music that still hits today from the ranks of Neo Soul and Classic Hip-Hop.

Monie Love is one of my favorites – she has been a key part of a number of iconic Hip-Hop songs.  Her high energy, staccato lyrical delivery always brought a bright spot to her tracks as well as those where she was featured.  Her and Queen Latifah formed a dynamic team in a series of songs in the early 1990’s, including the iconic song “Ladies First”, which proclaimed to the world that female MC’s could spit and rock a party as well if not better than any male MC. Monie was indeed an integral part of the Native Tongue Family and her presence on another iconic track was one of her highpoints.  On “Buddy,” the Native Tongues ripped it and Monie’s line about the Buddy amazing her was one of the highlights.  Monie grew up in London and became one of the early British influences in Hip-Hop.  Her most famous solo track is “Monie in the Middle”, where she spits in her staccato fashion about her right to choose who she wants to date and be with.  The name of the song has been used in countless other raps – a testament to its iconic status.  “It’s a Shame” was another hit for Monie and she collaborated on a remake of “Ring My Bell” with Adeva – a fellow Paterson, NJ native of your boy Neo Soul 1.  I am so happy we have been able to pay tribute to one of the greatest posses in Hip-Hop history.  The Native Tongues brought fun, nerdy and skillful wordplay to the world of Hip-Hop, helping to diversify to types of personas, themes and songs that could be impactful in the word of Hip-Hop.

Top Songs:

1. Monie in the Middle – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwOzqLYM6S8

2. Ladies First – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qimg_q7LbQ

3. Buddy – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhTa1q0mqdg

4. It’s a Shame – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4g8QwVnUM_I

5. Ring My Bell –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0WB63k3YCI

“From the Vaults” – a new feature on NeoSoulCypher.com dedicated to showcasing classing talent and music that still hits today from the ranks of Neo Soul and Classic Hip-Hop.

The Queen Reigns! Queen Latifah (aka Dana Owens) 

Queen Latifah was just honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards on Sunday, June 27, 2021. It is the culmination of a truly amazing career.  While our Part 5 to the Native Tongue Family focus is a little delayed, it’s actually right on time, so that we can give the Queen her roses along with the rest of the world. The Queen started her career with the single “Wrath of My Madness,” in which Latifah introduced us to her skills, displaying advanced rhyming schemes and a magnetic and confident flow – the Queen took her first seat on the throne.  Combined with Monie Love, Latifah connected with the rest of the Native Tongue Family on a number of collabs, including the classic “Buddy (Native Tongues Decision)” by De La Soul featuring Jungle Brothers, A Tribe Called Quest, Monie Love, and Queen Latifah and “Doin’ Our Own Dang” by Jungle Brothers feat. De La Soul, Queen Latifah, Q-Tip and Monie Love, from Done by the Forces of Nature.  Queen Latifah’s hip-hop albums were All Hail the Queen (1989), Nature of a Sista’ (1991), Black Reign (1993) and Order in the Court (1998).  She hit us with her multi-dimensions in music in 2004 when she released the dazzling soul/jazz standards gothic dating site, and gave us another hip-hop album in 2007 with Persona.  Her hits were true bangas that we can all still recite today, including: “U.N.I.T.Y” from Black Reign, a track responding to the disrespect and denigration of women in Rap that became prevalent in the early 90’s; “Ladies First” from All Hail the Queen, that displayed the lyrical skill and verbal combativeness of Queen Latifah and Monie Love, letting all know that women in Rap could kick skillful flows as good if not better than the best male Rappers; and “Latifah’s Had it Up to Here from Nature of a Sista,” in which she had to let em all know she deserved respect and homage for her superior talent as she began to ascend and not the rumors about her sexuality.

From my home state and area of Northern N.J, specifically the East Orange, NJ area, the Queen is not only known for her affiliation with the Native Tongue Family, she was also a prime mover in the Flava Unit collective, which was a crew of MC’s and DJ’s from the area. The group morphed into an artist management company, representing heavy hitters ranging from Naughty By Nature, to Monica, to SWV, to LL Cool J and Zhane.  I would be remiss not to mention another major part of Queen Latifah’s career that many may say has eclipsed her musical career (not me though).  Her film and T.V. career has rivaled that of some of the most prominent, ranging from the Living Single sitcom which inspired Friends, to movies with such heavy weights as Steve Martin, Diane Keaton and Gabrielle Union, to a nationally syndicated talk show, to a hit action series The Equalizer.  She is not just a triple threat with her rapping, singing and acting, she is a quadruple threat as a first rate business executive.  So let’s recognize the Queen’s Reign and let her know that the ladies really are first.  Here’s an excerpt from the 2021 BET Awards Lifetime Tribute segment dedicated to the Queen!

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#Queen Latifah

#LadiesFirst

#QueenLatifahLifetimeAchievement

#BETAwards

#NativeTongues

#FlavorUnit