#84 Aquemini by Outkast
The 100 Greatest Albums of All Time
- 2025 Album Rank
- 84
- Total Points
- 773
- Year Released
- 1998
- Billboard 200 Chart Peak
- 2
- Weeks at #1
- N/A
- RIAA Sales Certification
- 3,000,000 (Multi Platinum)
- Buy Album
- Apple Music Amazon
Aquemini Album Details
Aquemini is Outkast's third studio album, released on September 29, 1998, and widely hailed as one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. The title combines the zodiac signs of André 3000 (Gemini) and Big Boi (Aquarius), reflecting their contrasting personalities and creative chemistry. Building on the Southern funk and soul of their earlier work, Aquemini expands into psychedelic, orchestral, and live instrumentation, blending genres like blues, reggae, gospel, and jazz into its futuristic yet grounded sound.
The album balances Big Boi's streetwise realism with André 3000's eccentric, cosmic vision, resulting in a deeply layered and innovative record. Tracks like Rosa Parks, SpottieOttieDopaliscious, and Da Art of Storytellin' (Part 1) demonstrate the duo's ability to craft narratives, social commentary, and musical experimentation without losing accessibility. Praised for its creativity, lyricism, and production, Aquemini cemented Outkast as pioneers who pushed hip-hop beyond its boundaries.
Interesting Facts About Aquemini
- The album's title is a direct blend of the members' zodiac signs, symbolizing their differences yet mutual respect and balance as artists.
- Live instrumentation was used extensively, with musicians contributing horns, strings, and percussion to create a warm, organic sound.
- Rosa Parks sparked a lawsuit from the civil rights icon over the use of her name; the case was settled years later after a lengthy legal battle.
- SpottieOttieDopaliscious features spoken word verses over a reggae-inflected groove and prominent horn lines, creating one of the album's most distinctive tracks.
- The skits between songs help form a loose narrative that reflects both the humor and social awareness of Outkast's storytelling.
- Organist Reverend Doctor Kenneth Whalum Sr., who appears on SpottieOttieDopaliscious, is the father of noted jazz musician Kenneth Whalum III.
- Big Gipp of Goodie Mob delivers a guest verse on Y'All Scared, strengthening the album's ties to Atlanta's Dungeon Family collective.
- The sprawling Chonkyfire closes the album with a mix of political commentary, dense funk instrumentation, and a tribute to hip-hop culture.
- The production duo Organized Noize, who had worked with Outkast since their debut, contributed alongside André 3000 and Big Boi's own growing production skills.
- In numerous decade-end lists, Aquemini is celebrated not only as Outkast's creative peak but also as one of the most inventive albums in hip-hop history.
Aquemini Tracklist
- Hold On, Be Strong
- Return of the 'G'
- Rosa Parks
- Skew It on the Bar-B
- Synthesizer
- Slump
- West Savannah
- Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)
- Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 2)
- Mamacita
- SpottieOttieDopaliscious
- Y'all Scared
- Nathaniel
- Liberation
- Chonkyfire
