OutKast was an American hip hop duo formed in 1992 in East Point, Georgia, consisting of Atlanta-based rappers André "3000" Benjamin (formerly known as Dré) and Antwan "Big Boi" Patton.[1] Widely recognized for their intricate lyricism, memorable melodies, and positive messages,[3] Outkast is often regarded as one of the greatest and most influential hip-hop acts of all time. The duo achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success from the mid-1990s to the early 2000s, helping to popularize Southern hip hop[1] while experimenting with diverse genres such as funk, psychedelia, jazz, and techno.