OutKast Nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for the First Time
Hip Hop duo OutKast has officially been nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, marking a major milestone in their legendary career. The Atlanta-bred pioneers—comprised of André 3000 and Big Boi—are the only rap artists among the 14 nominees for the 2025 class, standing alongside music icons like Mariah Carey, Soundgarden, The White Stripes, and British legends Oasis, Joy Division, and New Order.
OutKast Reacts to Their Nomination
Despite their monumental achievement, OutKast kept their response characteristically cool and brief. Taking to Instagram, they simply wrote:
“‘Preciate it – – Big & 3.”
Their nomination is a long time coming, as they have been eligible since 2018. Rock Hall rules state that artists qualify for induction 25 years after their first commercial release—OutKast’s debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik dropped in 1994, forever changing the landscape of Hip Hop.
Voting & Induction Ceremony Details
The final list of inductees will be announced in April, with a televised ceremony scheduled to air later in the year. Fans can make their voices heard by voting on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s official website. Voting remains open until April 21, and fans can vote for up to seven artists per day.
John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, emphasized the impact of this year’s nominees in a press release:
“These remarkable Nominees have each created their own musical style and attitude impacting generations of music lovers and contributing to the ever-evolving sounds and continued growth of rock ’n’ roll.”
Hip Hop’s Place in the Rock Hall
Hip Hop has historically been underrepresented in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, often sparking debates about the genre’s inclusion. However, strides have been made in recent years, with legends like JAY-Z, Eminem, 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., and Missy Elliott securing their spots in the Hall.
Last year, A Tribe Called Quest was inducted, with comedian Dave Chappelle delivering a heartfelt speech to honor the influential group. Q-Tip, visibly emotional, paid tribute to their late member, Phife Dawg, while thanking those who helped shape their journey.
OutKast’s Legacy in Music
OutKast’s nomination solidifies their status as one of the most groundbreaking and influential duos in music history. With classic albums like ATLiens, Aquemini, and the diamond-certified Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, André 3000 and Big Boi pushed the boundaries of Hip Hop, blending Southern funk, jazz, and futuristic sounds in ways never seen before.
As one of the most celebrated acts of their generation, their nomination for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is not only well-deserved but long overdue. Now, fans will have to wait until April to see if the legendary duo will finally get their place in the Hall.
