THE OUTKAST STORY by Darryl Campbell
We open on the Chris Rock show. ANDRE and ANTWAN, better
known as Outkast, kick it in the Green Room. Naked black
girls and chicken wings abound. Weed, too. Of course, on
Antwan's side. They debate on what Dre should wear. He has on
shoulder pads with oversized wild pants. He wants to wear a
diaper. Antwan bets he won't do it. Dre says he will.
Eventually, Dre accepts the big challenge to go on naked with
a diaper and Nikes. Antwan, "Don't forget the wig, bitch".
Andre puts on his blond wig and gets ready. The producer
knocks on the door. Tells them they're on in 6 minutes. Big
puffs a "la" one more time and tosses it away. Dre proudly
marches behind him not rushing at all.
Chris Rock is telling his final joke. Then he welcomes the
greatest hip-hop duo of the South. Dre and Antwan run to the
stage. Big band behind them performing "Skew It On The Bar-
B".
ROLL CREDITS
It's 1987. We meet Dre. He's 12 years old. Looks in the
mirror. Grabs his polo shirt, but not just any polo. It's
blue with a red "Ralph Lauren Polo logo" cut out sewed on the
left side. He puts on his pants. Brown dockers. Grabs his
backpack and heads to the door. His mom, MS. SHARON HODO,
walks to the door. Kisses him on his cheek. Dre wipes it off.
She laughs. He heads to the bus. This is Buckhead on a nice
day.
In the hallway of the middle school, Dre walks alone with the
mostly white students. Heads to a classroom and heads
directly to the back of it. He takes out a notebook. The
White teacher begins her lesson immediately. Dre doesn't
care, though. He doodles in his notebook. No rhymes. Just
perfect drawings of men and women in retro 70s style clothes.
Antwan walks with his books in hand. He's also 12. No
backpack. School's out and the sun is high. He wipes sweat
from his brow. "Damn nigga. Shit." Next, we see him knock on
a door at a small, quaint house. Harder. Harder. His UNCLE
RUSSELL opens the door. "Who's knockin' on my fuckin' door
like the damn authorities?" "It's me. Chill out." His uncle
lets him in. Musses his hair. They sit on the plastic covered
couch. Antwan now has a glass of red Kool-Aid. His uncle asks
him if he's heard the newest David Bowie, Brick, Blonde.
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Antwan hasn't heard of that shit yet so he plays it for him.
Just like the smart 12 year old kid he is he asks questions.
His uncle answers them. Screws new wheels into his personal
skateboard, also.
Dre unlocks the door to his house. His mom isn't home. He
walks to the kitchen and grabs cookies off the counter. Eats
them and reads the note attached to the counter. It says his
mom will be home later after she finishes grading papers.
"Cool". He goes to the TV in his room and watches BET. Flips
through his closet as he sings "Two Occasions" by The Deele.
Puts out his next days outfit across his bed. He's so
excited. The phone rings. It's a cute girl's voice. He talks
to her as he watches music videos. Dre talks about how he
doesn't like school. The girl is just the same.
At night, Ms. Hodo comes home and finds her son in bed. She
wakes him up. Asks him how his day was. Has he finished his
homework? He lies with his back turned to her. She arises and
tells him to say his prayers. He laughs behind her back.
Meanwhile, across the way in Savannah, Antwan is ready for
school again. He prepares his own huge bowl of cereal and
sits at the table. Grabs his Walkman out his jacket and jams
some dope hip-hop. One of his five sisters, LOLLY, comes down
and asks what he's listening to. "Some new shit". She wants
to hear. He lets her. She dances and he yanks his headphones
from her playfully. "Get your own, mammma jamma." The other
siblings come down for breakfast and fix bowls of cereal.
Antwan leaves his bowl unfinished and heads out. He'll get it
when he gets back he tells them. They wave 'bye' to him and
he's gone.
In class, Antwan is asked an algebra question. "Does it deal
with money?" The teacher says no. "Then fuck it." The black
teacher warns him if there's another "outburst" like that
again she'll take him to the principal herself. He gets up,
answers the question perfectly on the board, erases it off,
and sits down. A friend 'claps' his hand as he's headed to
his seat in the back of the class. At lunch, Antwan sits with
the same friend and another kid. They talk about girls, the
hangout spots after school, but most importantly music.
Antwan has plenty to say. He tells them how his uncle plays
hip-hop for him on the weekends. Lies to them because he's
afraid to tell them he likes a wide range of music. They like
his convo.
After school, Antwan walks home again. The same route. On the
street there's a guy bangin' the new NWA record dressed like
RUN DMC holding his jukebox and a dope deal is going on. He
grabs a bottle of soda from his jacket and leans on the wall
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across the street out of sight. He observes the dirty junky,
the white couple coming to the dealer in a BMW and leaving
abruptly, all the money the dope dealer has. He's damn near
fascinated, but leaves and heads home.
Dre's home and it's nighttime. He properly washes dishes. One
side for dirty shit, the other with soap. He puts them in the
dishwasher. Just then, the phone rings. It's another girl on
the line. She asks how his day was, but he doesn't ask about
her. They talk about his friends, the day, and how he looks
in his fresh clothes. He thanks her. She asks him if he wants
to meet later that night. He says it's a school night. She
doesn't care. Neither does he. They arrange a rendezvous at
the park.
Dre sneaks out the house wearing a Kangol with suspenders.
Just cool. The girl is already there. They don't talk for
long before they make out and more.
Super: "HIGH SCHOOL"
We see Tri-Cities High School in the morning. It's 8am.
School starts in 45. Students fill in. Dre rides up in his
ten speed and Nike jersey with a white shirt underneath.
Antwan rides up to the student parking lot with his crew.
Nautica polo and Ralph Lauren jeans and "Polo boots" on all
of them. No school books for either. Just composition books
in the hands of Dre and Antwan. They're both sixteen years
old.
Antwan and his boys file into the school. They ask him if
he's rhyming at lunch today. He says yeah. Girls pass them.
He hugs the really pretty ones.
Dre meets his girlfriend, one of them, at the school gate. He
walks her in holding hands. He sees Antwan and his boys
hugging the girls. He avoids them expeditiously. Not his
girl... He thinks they're a bunch of "rowdy boys". Dre walks
his girl to class. They kiss and he walks off.
Fast-forward to Antwan in class. He sits in the middle paying
attention in geometry. The teacher asks him a statistics
question and he's one of the first to raise his hand.
Andre is in Art class. He draws a picture of a forest with a
beautiful woman naked (no real nudity) laying in the brush.
The Art teacher comes over and chastises his work. Says he
should paint what the assignment is: an assortment of flowers
in the middle of the room. Dre disagrees. He says it is art
to "him". It's just different. The teacher tells him to get
with the assignment or fail. He palms his head. Balls up his
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drawing. Smiles his charming smile and starts on the correct
drawing.
It's lunch time in a much larger cafeteria. Outside there's
seats, park tables, and soda machines. It's the same day and
a cool, fashionable kid with a high-top fade makes a beat
with pencils on the table. The students gather 'round. GIPP,
CEE, and KHUJO start rapping first. They're amazing. Then
joins another students.
They're okay, but not as good as GIPP, CEE, and KHUJO. ANTWAN
steps up and he has a style "all his own". He raps the
longest.
Away in the cafeteria line, DRE hears the beat. He grabs an
apple, puts a dollar in the bowl it was in, and runs to the
cypher outside. He sees Antwan still going on. He waits till
he finishes his rhyme and then he starts. It's almost like
magic. Something about Dre's rhymes are completely different
than the other students'. He stops short. Then Antwan goes.
Dre laughs at him and walks away. Gives him the finger and
returns to the cafeteria inside eating his apple. Antwan asks
who the lanky kid was meaning Dre. They tell him. "'Bet not
interrupt me again or I'mma buss his ass. Softy!" The cypher
goes on with Gipp, Cee, and Khujo until the bell rings to
return to class. Everybody "dabs" and "claps" hands as they
break away.
It's another day and Antwan sits in his video art class. The
teacher hands out an assignment stapled with paper. The
students look at it. "Dope" says one kid. It's a music
project they have to do, free of choice. Antwan is game. A
cute girl comes over and asks if he's gonna do it before he
comes a big star. Antwan laughs. He says he'll do it because
hip-hop is what he likes now. He's smart. He sees rap lasting
a long time. Not to be famous right now, he just likes to do
it.
Dre is in gym class. He sits with a group of his friends in
the bleachers. All in high school uniform. They talk about
the pretty girls playing volleyball. They all talk about
losing their virginity, but Dre doesn't give a damn. He's
calm, but he's not a virgin in the least. One friend asks him
about the music he likes. He says DAS EFX and Tribe. Most
definitely.
School lets out, and Antwan and Dre come from opposite sides
of the hallway. Dre walks with one of his girls and Antwan
walks to his car with his note pad. Antwan notices Dre and is
immediately ready to fight. "Yo" "Who you Yo'ing". "You
bitch. Interrupting me at the cypher today. Wanna plex about
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it?"
Andre is no punk! He 'tells' his girl to hold his notebook.
Their meeting is kind of cute, but more serious than
anything. A teacher, male, comes in and breaks them up. He
threatens to suspend them both if they don't "act right or
get suspended". Of course, it gathers a crowd. Antwan and Dre
disperse once they hear "act right or get suspended".
Days pass and Antwan works at Foot Locker and Dre practices
his rhymes in front of the mirror. Antwan raps at the cypher
at lunch with his friends and Dre watches from a distance. No
one notices.
But he watches everyone, diligently. Silently. He approaches
again when Antwan raps in the cypher. He weasles and cuts
Antwan off. Dre raps his ass off again. Antwan is pissed.
This "softy" is in his face again!! Antwan comes back about
his breath, but Dre is relentless on something totally
different with a new "flava". They finish going back and
forth for about 5 minutes. No winner in the battle, but Dre
walks off confident. Antwan looks at Dre dangerously, but has
an admiring look as well. He's kid of impressed. The bell
rings. All the kids go back to class.
Days later, Antwan gets off at Foot Locker in the mall. He
grabs his check from the manager and bankhead bounces to the
food court. He orders a meal and sits down. He admires the
cuties enjoying his food until he sees Dre walking the mall
with a Walkman on. Antwan watches him as he goes store to
store. After a while, he finishes his meal, only after
finishing his meal he approaches him. "Wassup, nigga?" Dre
turns around. "Wass good?" "Ain't you that nigga that be
thinkin' he cold rhyming against me and shit?" Dre laughs.
"You kinda cold." Dre thanks him. Antwan asks what he's
shopping for. "Dem new J's." "Okay, okay, okay." "Maybe I
could be of service to you." They now "rap" about shoes and
fashion while walking the mall and looking at girls. After a
while, they exchange info and walk away. They've come to
admire rap, they find out.
Antwan comes home and meets his mom in the driveway. She asks
about his day and tells him to go inside and get his brother
to put the groceries in the house. Antwan hugs his mom and
does so. As they, Antwan and JAMES, put the groceries in the
house Antwan tells his little brother about Andre. James asks
if they're going to start a group. Antwan says maybe. Atlanta
is a good place to start in the industry. Plus, he's about to
graduate and he's starting to like hip-hop a lot more. Then,
there's a girl group named TLC blowing up from Atlanta he's
heard about. Antwan explains it's a good time as any to be
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rapping and getting money.
As time goes on, Dre and Antwan spend more time together in
school. Out of school, too. They spend time at Andre's house
where he stays with his dad now and listen to rap all day.
Dre's dad doesn't get the fascination with rap, but Antwan is
a good kid so he lets him visit.
Soon, they start a group together and enter into a talent
show. With no group name, they enter into a show at a local
bar and have their first taste of the entertainment business.
They get there late, but the talent show started late. Then
they register on the bill. They put down a random name: 2
Shades. Once they meet the host, Dre and Antwan introduce
themselves. Ok, cool. They met the host. But when they get on
stage the asshole emcee calls them 2 Sugars Black. They're
laughed at on the spot. However, it doesn't matter because
they're actually good their first time. And when they don't
win, they're not mad at all. They're welcomed to free alcohol
at the bar. I said "a little taste of show biz"...
Days later, they go to a strip club. Fake IDs? Yes! They sit,
view the women and think of group names. Dre takes out his
pad and writes some names down. Hundreds. They eventually
decide on "2 Shades Deep". Dre is "Black Wolf". Big is "Black
Dog". Dre takes a girl to the private room. Antwan roots him
on. On the bus ride home they decide that they want to be
serious in the industry. They further decide to network with
any and everyone that could help them be stars. Parents
opinions don't matter. School no longer matters to Dre.
Antwan is more apprehensive about that subject. However, they
further make a pact to be in the rap game.
SUPER: "1 YEAR LATER"
RICO drives up to work at the beauty supply store in his
neighborhood. He listens to his beats in the tape deck
deciding which one he's gonna give to one of his artists. He
talks to himself with a little studder. He gets a page on his
beeper. It's RAY, his producer homie. "Nigga always got
somethin' to say when I'm work. I'll call him later."
He arrives at the store and parks in front. The owner reminds
him to park in the back. He apologizes. He does so. He goes
in the store.
Later RAY comes in to visit Rico. They "dab up". Rico asks if
he's found some artists to work with. Ray says no, but he has
been recording on new music. Rico escorts him to the back
where there's a tape deck. They listen. Rico loves it. It's
some of the freshest music the audience has ever heard.
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Rico asks if he's played it for Sleepy. He says he did. He
likes it, too. "Well with all the music and no decent artists
except throwaways, who can we give this to?" Ray has no idea,
however, he says he will look for some at shows and in the
area.
Dre and Antwan work on their act at Dre's house. Performing
by themselves in alleys. Performing in Antwan's mom's car
with the tape deck. In addition to working on performance
they try to add a message on African-American empowerment a
little. They even realize they have the same name in common,
ANDRE.
One weekend, one of Twan's sister's needs conditioner and
doesn't want to go to the store for it. Her hair is to' up!
Antwan jokes with her at first about it. His mom asks him to
go, but Antwan doesn't know where to find that shit. His
sisters tell him there's a store in East Point. "All the way
over there?!!!" shouts Antwan.
"All the way over there!!!!! GO!!!" Antwan calls up Dre to
roll with him to the store and Dre agrees.
Rico and Ray clean up the outside of the store. Gipp is on
the side with a black and mild chilling with them. They talk
about music and play the beats they've made on low. Gipp says
he needs to get on the beats they make. He try to flow
with... No, not yet.
A bus arrives with Dre and Antwan and they file into the
beauty supply. Gipp notices them immediately. He tells Rico
and Ray, "Those them boys that flow with me at the school
yard. Yeah! I thought them niggas wasn't friends. Bring them
out here." "You mean they rap?" "Fuck yeah. That softy the
best one."
Antwan grabs the conditioner and they both go pay for it.
Rico approaches them like the professional he is. "What's up,
guys? Y'all ever heard of me before." "Naw, not really.
Lookin' kind of silly." Rico laughs. "I'm a producer hear in
A.T.L. and my man Big Gipp was tellin' me y'all crazy with
raps." "Oh, yeah. I know Gipp. From Tri-Cities. He out there
right now?" "Yeah." "Let's go holla at him, Dre."
They follow Rico out the store and meetup with Gipp. They
shake his hand. Rico says "Yeah, so I produce for a couple
local acts in the area. I have some of the best beats out."
Dre says "So let's hear that shit." Gipp says "So y'all just
gone play me?" Ray says "Naw, it's not like that. I told
y'all we got somethin' different for you." "Cool."
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Andre and Antwan rap over the beat Ray plays for them. It's
like almost magic. Rico can't help smiling. Ray loves it. It
happens to be the instrumental for "Crumblin' Erb". Gipp
likes it, too. Ray asks them if they have their pen and pad
on them. They say no. Ray tells them a great rapper always
has a pen and paper ready. He goes in the store to retrieve
it. Rico, Gipp, and Antwan and Dre talk about life a little
bit, i.e. the struggle of black men. Rico comes back and
gives the pen and pad to Dre and Antwan. He gives them five
minutes to write. While they write, the rest of the men talk
about the struggle a little more.
Andre is ready before Antwan, but it doesn't matter. Once
they're done, they're ready. They rap on the beat about the
struggle of day to life and being black. Rico and Ray love
it. Now, they know they got something with these guys. True
magic. Rico wants to take them to the studio. "Where dat's
at?" Rico says "My mama's house." "This nigga lame. How are
are you boy? Stayin' wit ya mama..." Rico promises it ain't
like that, "It's a basement. Don't front. We really call it
THE DUNGEON."
Ahhh... BREAK!!!
Rico walks 2 SHADES DEEP down to the studio. Yes, The
Dungeon. It's dirty, but the studio set up is nice as hell.
"Goddamn!" they both say. Rico shows them equipment they're
already familiar with. Down there already is Mr. DJ and
Sleepy Brown is by himself in a corner with a MPC and
headphones. Rico introduces them to Mr. DJ. "Who dat is?"
says Dre about Sleepy. Rico shouts at Sleepy to speak to
company. Sleepy comes out his shell eventually. Takes a
couple of yells. "Wass happnin', baby?" His charm is
magnetic.
One fine day, 2 SHADES DEEP is in the The Dungeon. They're
working with now who we know as Organized Noize Productions,
RICO, RAY, & SLEEPY. A beat is on that we are unfamiliar
with. SLEEPY tells them to write something fierce. Something
compelling. 2 SHADES sits on the couch and writes. While they
write, they talk to Antwan about what he wants to be in the
rap game. He tells them the best. They ask Dre, but he
ignores; keeps writing. They laugh at it. As they should...
Wise decision as we will very well see...
Antwan says he has to go to school some days because his mom
will get him. He has the good conscience to at least bring a
math book with him... He's torn with the choice of being a
star and not getting sent back to Savannah. He really
respects him mom, but he wants to rap so bad. Dre writes.
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So ONP makes the decision that they skip school. Antwan is
eventually game because he decides he wants to rap and see
high school girls. Dre goes through a personal mission.
One day, he exits and goes to a lake. Sits with his notepad
and thinks. He has a silver crucifix around his neck. A smart
kid. He massages and THINKS. He comes back to The Dungeon
while Antwan is recording and speaks to Rico. Pulls him over
to the side. He says he had revelations. Rico laughs; Dre is
serious as a cancer lump. He wants to quit school. Rico
agrees he should, but promises to remain a voice in his life
since this is a hard and very serious decision; a big gamble.
Even wants to slip him some money so he stays safe.
So now it's time for them to gain attention. Rico schedules
shows while Sleepy and Ray work tirelessly on beats. Rico
plays pool in a strip club one night with Mr. DJ and BIG
REESE, a fellow rapper. They know 2 SHADES DEEP have the most
potential because they listen to the music at the club and
compare it to the songs they have. They bring a group of
naked strippers over and ask their opinions about 2 SHADES.
With what they describe and even playing them a "snippet" of
one song that they have something. However, they hate the
name 2 Shades Deep. "Deep into what? They bootyholes." "Deep
into what? They gayness." So now Rico and his crew know the
name won't work at all. Luckily, it's the middle of the day
and they can meet Andre and Antwan before they go home. So
that's what they do.
Rico holds a meeting. Brings back Gipp, Cee, Khujo, their
friend T-Mo with Sleepy, Ray and KAWAN PRATHER. Andre and
Antwan arrive on time. So now, shit is gettin down. 2 Shades
Deep won't work. They decide on names to no avail. Sleepy
goes upstairs and throws down the dictionary. Andre picks it
up. They discuss:
*It Must Be A Name That Sets Apart As Brothers; Black
Brothers
*It Must Describe Them As A People; Giving Their Audience
Something To Identify
*The Black Man Is A Target; Not Accepted In Society
So Antwan and Andre, two smart African-American brothers,
decide upon the name Outcast and replace the c with a k for
better marketability. It's perfect... But the mood is too
serious. The members have to change their name, too. Andre
goes by his government and "Fuck it, mayne. I'm BIG BOI all
day ayanday, now, nicca!"
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Ahhh... BREAK!!!
Their first show as Outkast. They ride up there listening to
Pac. The spot is a swank club with girls, playas, and the big
timers. Cee, now Cee-Lo, is with them as well. They enter
from the back with a code and recommendation from Rico and
look around. Dope as hell! Nice bar, big titty girls, and a
world class stage. Antwan even makes a space to do a homework
assignment. Chicken on the table personally for them. Antwan
grabs a wing. They talk to the rich owner about their style.
Then, they take to the stage and perform. The whole club
rocks to their new song. The year is 1993 and it's a funky
song for the time, not on the albums. They finish their set
and head backstage. They congratulate each other. They kill
it. Cee-Lo fits in perfectly.
Word gets back to ONP in The Dungeon, rather Rico's mom's
kitchen now as they have breakfast. Cee-Lo fits in just
right. So they prepare shows with 3 members in mind with tag
a long perks. The ONP team goes back and forth with reputable
people they know in A.T.L. They do have a group with GIPP,
KHUJO, and T-MO set aside, but Outkast, they decide is more
marketable. Dre is a ladykiller and Big Boi holds it down
with the gangsterisms and flow. They know in their hearts
that the industry has NEVER seen a group like this before.
However, they're smart about their production even though
they are a bit nervous. They know it's good to be a little
nervous when they have a group as special as Outkast.
Rico calls up Outkast to see them at The Dungeon for a
meeting. Outkast is right on time. ONP tells them that they
want them to meet with LaFace Records. It's the best they can
do for them... But Antwan and Dre are excited. The same label
with Usher and the dynamite group of the time TLC! Both Dre
and Twan wouldn't mind a smash session with Toni Braxton.
She's there, too. But it's only an R&B label. Like Rico said,
it's a longshot; it's the best they can do. All of the guys
know L.A. Reid and of course Babyface run the whole shit. ONP
lets them know L.A. Reid will be the man to see for their
audition. Outkast is immediately down.
So Antwan goes home and tells his parents and siblings the
good. Antwan's mom is pissed. She beats him upside his head.
His father is a little apprehensive, but he needs more
information. His siblings are disappointed that their brother
is leaving the nest to be a rapper of all things. And that's
what makes Antwan's mom so mad. "A rapper?!! A motherdamn
rapper?!!!" She wanted him to go to college. Through dinner
he decides he will finish school, but as a man he can make
his own decision. Mom disagrees, but Antwan's father is on
his side.
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Soon, Outkast is on the way to LaFace to meet L.A. Cee-Lo is
under the weather. They have their best 'fits on. Hair made
up. Baseball caps. At the record label they see the plaques
and posters on the wall. Again, they wouldn't mind a session
with Toni Braxton naked. Antwan gets a beeper call from Rico.
He tells them, "Just do their best!"
They're called on by the receptionist when L.A. Reid is
ready. They go in his office and meet him. He's a short guy.
Glasses. But he's tired. His white shirt is undone at the top
button and he's arguing with somebody about business on his
speakerphone. Andre is stunned. Big doesn't care. "Show
watcha got, boys..." Reid tells them. They perform the same
song from their club. Reid listens. Keeps a game face,
however taps his toe behind the desk. When they're finished
he claps. "Good. I'm impressed. We'll call you. My
receptionist will give you each a Sprite."
Outkast shakes his hand again. Andre is a little starstruck,
but thanks him for the opportunity. Big Boi plays it cool.
Once out the door, the A&R, artist and repertoire girl man
comes out. He asks, "So what did you think?" "They don't have
star quality. Straight up and down. They look like good kids.
Not stars, though. Who's next, Rick?" "Nobody, you've watched
everybody. I'll let you know, though." "Good. Leave me
alone."
The news gets back to ONP through the A&R. They tell the guys
L.A. said no. "Well fuck. I ain't got school no more. What
I'mma do?"
Big says "Damn, well what we supposed to do? Intern?" ONP
tells Outkast that this is just one setback for a major
comeback. They shouldn't feel down because this how the biz
goes. "Damn" Outkast says. On weekends ONP arranges that they
meet for all day camps. They will sleep and eat rhymes in the
basement; know where it is. They'll practice rhyming while
running laps. They'll listen to Rakim, KRS, and NWA. They'll
read up on black history to give their rhymes substance than
the rest of the rappers that talk about sex, drugs, fashion,
killing each other, and rap more about life's issues as a
black men surviving in America. Sleepy comes up with a term
they need to know for interviews: "droppin' science."
Everybody they talk to thinks it's catchy. Behind the scenes,
Rico talks to L.A. on the phone. "Outkast is dope, dope,
dope, dopeness" he tells him. "Oh, really" "Fuck yes! We not
giving you The Fat Boys. Not even RUN DMC. You're gonna love
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'em. What's up with the next showcase? You know I know." L.A.
thinks it over. "I'll give them a chance. Just make sure
they're different." "Oh, hell yeah" says Rico.
Rico arrives at Dre's house where Outkast is playing on
Nintendo. "Good news. We got you another showcase with
LaFace." "Really, no buggin?" says Big. "Yes" "Well damn, I'm
tired of reading Lowrider mag looking at these busty Mexicans
all day. I'm ready" says Dre. "Cool, we leave in three days."
Big says he's glad they didn't give up to Dre. Dre agrees.
He's been reading more, too. "Just rememba. We gotta be
ourselves. I'm not wearing no baseball cap no more." "That's
me all day" says Big. "Cool". They make a pact to be
themselves the next showcase. They rehearse rhymes to their
showcase song before going to bed.
In a white Cadillac limo, Outkast, Rico, and Sleepy share
champagne with each other. They listen to NWA. Joyful moment.
At the gig Outkast is walked to their dressing room with big
bottled waters of the day, sodas, and of course chicken.
While rehearsing in the mirror and snacking on chicken,
USHER, walks in. He thinks it's his dressing room, but it's
not. He introduces himself and Outkast knows who he is. He
wishes the group congratulations on a second comeback. They
thank him and Usher leaves.
Now, it's time for 'cast after a bevy of mediocre performers.
The cute female emcee welcomes them to the stage. There's a
medium filled audience now. L.A. Reid is off to the side. He
studies them with caution. He consults with his A&R. "These
are the hip-hop guys you saw months ago" "Yeah, but are they
ready to be stars?" asks Reid. "We'll see." Outkast steps on
stage with a program DJ now and they rap. They rap their
asses off. All that can be said.
"So do you like them?" "Ehhh, let me see how the showcase
goes. I really like them; just don't know about these
brothers yet" says Reid. "I hear you."
When the showcase is over, Outkast goes to sign their first
autographs to the audience that wants them. They go back to
the dressing room with Sleepy. "So what's gonna be said about
our raps?" asks Dre. "We don't know. L.A. wants to wait a
while." "Goddamnm, that nigga L.A. tough as nails, bro. I
don't think I wanna go through another rejection." "Yeah, me
neither" agrees Sleepy.
Rico comes back to the dressing room to tell them the news.
L.A. Reid said 'no'. But Rico is the voice of ONP. He was
working on a call with ?Atlantic?, a white record label.
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Rico arranges for a call with L.A. the next day. Rico tells
them if he doesn't want Outkast like he said, they're going
with Atlantic. This makes L.A. Reid pause. L.A. knows that
Outkast are teenagers; young black teenagers. The show biz
game is dirty. Everybody know this. L.A. asks if Rico is
bluffing. He's not! So good ethics come to play. Reid decides
to take them from the Atlantic contract because they are
young black men headed for trouble with the Atlantic
negotiation and he wants to do right by them.
Rico calls Dre up at his house. He tells him his hard work
and gamble paid off. He can leave school because he's signed
by a major. "Good work, Dre." "Ah, that's what's happnin'
pimpin. I'm buying two golden Cadillacs". Rico laughs.
Later, Big and Dre are at the mall, Lenox Square. Both enter
the mall with closed duffel bags full of cash. Big goes to
Foot Locker. Points out 'that one', 'this one', 'that right
there'. The manager asks where he's been. He tells them he's
a rapper. "Here to spend some cash, nicca." "Your advance."
"Yeah, nicca. What else, nicca?"
"This one, that one, that there for sho'" Big continues.
"Shouldn'tve ever fired me, bitch." The manager gives him a
concerning look. "Yeah, bi-yatch." Big can't control himself.
Andre goes for the same style as Big in Foley's. He's only a
little more reserved in attitude. "How will this be paid
for?" "Cash, my nigga" says Dre. "Jus' cash."
They exit the mall running with bags and bags of clothes and
shoes and still heavy duffel bags to the Lincoln Town Car
waiting on them. They get in the car. "Dap" each other up and
Big tells the driver to "drive on', bitch".
Later, Outkast arrives at The Dungeon in fresh new gear. ONP
is downstairs and bro' hugs are abound. No time for too much
congratulating. Work is to be done... Sleepy tells Outkast a
rep in marketing is upstairs using the restroom. Sleepy says
she's the baddest woman working with them he's EVER seen.
They can't wait to meet her. She knocks on the door. Rico
plays gentlemen and opens it up for her. SHANTI arrives in
full business suit and 5-Star Binders. Andre looks to Big.
Gives him a "not bad" look. She mixed; Black and Middle
Eastern. She mingles with the guys, but keeps it
professional. They listen to her plans. They're huge. First,
the market is tested. An album won't be first. A Christmas
single is planned. Second, the first album must be ready NEXT
YEAR. Damn! Third, a message from L.A. Reid on the mobile
phone recommends that they spend their first big check on
recording equipment. Outkast hates all that shit! The
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business in tough.
Dre shows Shanti out the door when she's ready to leave. He
asks her where she's from. She does the same. They don't
exchange information since they'll be working together, but
Dre's eye is on her heavily...
They get to work on the Christmas song. Outkast explains to
ONP that the song can't be on some White Christmas bullshit.
They don't come from money like that. Outkast ultimately
decides to write a "hood Christmas" song after days of
deliberation. ONP plays it back. Plays it back again. And
again. It's a hit. They deliver the song to LaFace the next
week.
L.A. calls them back and is very much satisfied and crazy
about the song. Outkast listens on speakerphone that it will
make the LaFace Christmas album with TLC. And that's not
all... He wants an album A.S.A.P.
Here will be a montage of making
Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik:
*They record at a studio bigger and better than The Dungeon.
*We see the joining of Goodie Mo.b helping to write on the
album.
*"The" Puff Daddy arranges the camera as he shoots in the
woods.
*All gather around to finish the album and they really love
it.
L.A. calls them up and asks to speak to Dre. Reid loves his
rhymes. He acts how he's so young and articulate sounding.
Dre laughs it off. "That's just me, Mr. Reid." "Call me L.A."
"Okay, L.A." "I'm gonna make you guys stars!"
Antwan sits at home with his dad. He eats a bowl of cereal.
He flips from channel to channel. And channel... Until he
sees Dre... And then himself. Outkast is on Mtv. Antwan calls
his dad from the restroom. He comes out "Boy, you 'bout made
me pissed my pants screaming. What is it?" Antwan turns the
volume up. Shows them the video. His dad does piss his pants.
Antwan laughs. Gives his dad a high-five out of love...
Antwan gets a call at home. It's Dre. "Yeah, nigga. We on to
the big time now." "Nuthin' but fat booty hoes now."
We come up on Outkast on a tour bus. It's their first tour.
BLUE, their new manager, and Mr. DJ is with them. "Alright,
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so here are the rules of the bus; no boobooing on the bus, no
stank sex on the bus and take that hoe to a Motel 6, keep the
bus clean, and most of all have good fun and work." says Mr.
DJ. They laugh at him. They're all in agreement to that shit.
The tour is going along copacetic until they go to a show in
West Palm Beach. They arrive on time as always for
soundcheck. They've been paid already getting shit straight.
Soon, they happen to learn that the sound isn't right. They
rehearse again and again. Nope, the sound just isn't there.
Outkast retires to the dressing room. Blue talks to the
management. Blue comes back to the dressing room to tell the
group the sound is bad. They gotta cancel. Damn! The
entourage is about to leave until Big sees Blue outside the
door FIGHTING LIKE HIS LIFE DEPENDED ON IT. "Oh, shit!" says
Big. He grabs Dre for him to see it. Shit is getting real
now! Outkast has no fucking bodyguards and the stadium's
security is making their way to fight. Now, Dre and Mr. DJ
pick up some hammers from around to defend themselves. Now,
everybody is fighting. Outkast's people and the stadium
security. Dre gets scared and throws the money back one of
the biggest guys. "Here, take the goddamn money!" Dre shouts.
"Oh, that was so disrepectful." says the insulted security.
He chases Dre as he calls for Big Boi to escape with him. Big
obliges. It's hilarious to see them run for their lives. Ha!
SUPER: "SOURCE AWARDS, '95"
Now that the album's successful, Antwan and Dre step out in a
limo for the day. Antwan, of course, first. They don the same
outfit from the notorious and infamous hip-hop show. They
pose for pictures. Shanti is there to lead them through press
and fans. They take their seats and it's a show like no
other. Yes, this is the same show where the East/West coast
beef kind of emerged. We see Puff's prayer. Then the show of
"Flava In Ya Ear". We see Snoop and Suge's little
shenanigans. Then, of course there's the award for Best New
Rap Group. This is a rowdy ass show people. Hide your kids...
Kid with Salt & Peppa + Spinderella step up.
And out of all, I mean all the heavy competition Outkast
wins!
They're booed immediately.
Outkast goes to the stage. "This y'all city..." Then Dre "But
it's like this though, I'm tired of them closed minded folks,
it's like we gotta demo tape but don't nobody want to hear
it. But it's like this.. the South got something to say,
that's all I got to say."
"BOOOOOOO!" is all we hear. Bonkers!
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Ahhh... BREAK!!!
Days after the show, Dre and Shanti meet for lunch at a
swanky restaurant on a rainy day in Atlanta. They talk about
life, the award show, and moving on. He asks if she's single.
"I don't never see you with nobody." "I gotta man, but we not
serious." They continue talking and they drive to Dre's house
in his leased Caddy. He says life still hasn't changed too
much. "I'm still living with my dad. You?" "I gotta place
with my man, but we not serious yet." Dre asks her if she
wants to go in for a drink. She obliges... Dre walks her to
the door with the note pad over their heads. They continue to
talk and out the blue Shanti kisses Dre...
Dre's like "Okay..." He kisses her back. Dre unlocks the door
and takes Shanti by the hand into his house...
We open on a hospital. Dre walks in with a banjo and asks
where the cathedral is. The nurse points him to it. Dre walks
in the cathedral and takes off his Kangol. He kneels down at
the mini pulpit. Then he raises his head... Plays notes on
his banjo. "I don't know what to say right now, God. Goddamn,
I really don't know what to say but...however, I do know
you're real. You've blessed me so much. This deal. The life.
The girls. I can't tell it all. I dropped out of school. Took
charge and it really paid off. Now, I'm a simple man. I still
don't want a lot, but if you continue THIS on'... I have no
choice but to get deeper with you.
So that's my prayer. Continue this and I continue YOU. I
gotta be at the dungeon now. Thanks. A-men." He walks out
with his instrument. Closes the door.
Out for the weekend, Antwan and Dre attend a day Goodie Mob
show. No jewelry, no flashiness. They go backstage where weed
is plenty. They meet up with their friends, Gipp, Cee-Lo,
Khujo, and T-Mo. They want Outkast to perform, but they just
want to show their brethren support. Their all cool with it,
until a clown rapper opener approaches Dre. At first he's
cool, but out of nowhere he wants to battle him and gains
attention of all the entourage to watch him. God's people are
always tested it seems. Dre immediately shuts him down for a
battle. The punk rapper is mad, of course. He's also jealous.
Big Boi watches to see if Dre needs help, but Dre is a man
all his own. The punk rapper walks away as somebody throws an
orange at his head. Goodie Mob go up to perform and the day
continues.
Big goes into a mom and pop record store in Atlanta with
SHERLITA, his new woman. She's very pretty. Goes straight to
the rap section see what's up with the new releases. Sherlita
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kisses his cheek. She goes to R&B. Big consults the cassettes
and CDs. No, not Digable Planets. Yeah, he finds the new
Goodie Mob album, SOUL FOOD. He picks up three CD copies. He
approaches the counter to buy. The associate rings him up.
"What you need three copies fo'? You rich?" Big laughs. The
associate looks up and recognizes him immediately. "Oh, shit.
My mistake. What's up Big Boi?!!" "I'm just chillin'. If you
must know I got one for the house, one for my Jeep, and one
for my girl. Plus, I'm on it, you know, so..." "That's a
bet." "Thank you." "Who's that wit you?" "You ask a lotta
questions, Gahdamn. That's my lady." "Okay. Cool. Cool. Cool.
Can we get you at you to sign a poster from the back?" Big
obliges.
Big and his girl leave the record store. "That motherfucker
was up all in your face. He must've wanted an autograph?"
asks Sherlita. "Gotta please the fans, baby." They drive away
in his new Jeep.
We come upon a mansion dayparty. It's full as a tick. I mean
packed. Sleepy is on the ones and twos. The rest of ONP is by
lounge chairs with women in bikinis. This party is tame since
Dre is here. He has no woman. He nods his head to the beat
sipping on orange juice. Big arrives with Sherlita on his
arm. They hug ONP and Big daps up Dre. He sits by him with
his girl. Deion "Primetime" Sanders is the host of this
marvelous gathering. He's already been told the women must
keep their close on or be thrown out. Deion even makes a joke
on the microphone to Dre. Dre gives him a thumbs up with a
sincere face. No smiling. Deion also jokes that he had to
burn Russell Simmon's invitation because he didn't want no
trouble with them or the women. Sleepy spits out his beverage
laughing hard at that one.
Big encourages Dre to smile. They should enjoy the fruits of
their labor. Dre tries to, but he's far off. Big Boi
questions him. "So you know we gotta start the new album. You
sick? You feeling a'ight?" "Yeah, I'm good. I'm okay. Why?"
"I don't know. Ain't no Hennesey in your cup first off."
"Naw, I'm not on that now. When is this party over?" "Four
AM. You grown." "Uh-huh. Yeah." This isn't the same Dre Big
has come to know. No blunt in his ear. No drank in his cup.
Big asks to see Dre alone. Of course, Dre is still "Dre". He
loves Outkast. He walks with him to a secluded area behind
the pool. "Bro, you got me worried. Ain't no drank in you.
I'mma get you drunk right now. Hold on'!" says Big about to
hit the kitchen. Dre pulls him back. "Naw. First off, it's
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not you. It's not even the money." "Then what's up?" "Man,
I'm going through changes. I wanna be free. I wanna be more
earthy. You know...on some groovy shit."
"So?" "I don't wanna smoke no more. I damn near don't wanna
have sex." "Are you tellin' me..." "No, not that." "I love
pussy, but I want to go in a new direction with myself. 'Kast
gone always be 'Kast. Trust me."
"Kast with no weed, no pussy" says Big. "Naw, you losin' it."
"We still boys. You gotta be with me on this one" argues Dre.
"You trippin', homie. I'mma leave you by your lonesome." says
Big.
"See that's what I mean. I knew you wouldn't get it." says
Dre.
Big goes back to the party. He has an angry look. Rico asks
him what's his mad face about. "Go ask Dre. He on some puss-
ass shit."
"Where is he?" "Behind the pool." Rico goes in search of
Andre.
Andre is alone. He sits on the edge of the pool. "Big tells
me there's a problem." says Rico. "He's the problem. All I
said was I'm headed in a different direction. Me. Not the
group and he got pissed." "So what exactly does that mean?"
"I'm tired of rappin' about the usual. The weed... You know."
"So what you wanna do? Gospel rap." he laughs. "That's what
rap is. Weed, hard shit."
"Not to me." Rico looks at him long and hard. "Well it's not
like we can get out the contract. You in with LaFace...And it
is different. We always need different. You still think you
gone be dope?" Dre nods and smiles.
We get a montage of Dre's transformation; thug to rap
"prophet":
*Dre marches into the store and buys all the colors of a
turban.
*He meditates with incense around in his house with a turban
on.
*Big Boi is on his bus partying. Dre is on his bus sleeping
soundly with dreds now.
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*Dre reads a pamphlet about the "Excellent Effects of
Celibacy".
*Celibate Dre sees a prostitute with a fat ass driving in
A.T.L. He looks at it, but drives faster so he won't be
tempted and damn near wrecks his Cadillac.
Andre and Big are in L.A. Reid's office. Reid slaps the vinyl
LP on the desk. They're double platinum he tells them. "How
the hell did you do it better?" he jokes. "I told you Twan. I
told you we'd never change. I told you." says Dre. "Yeah, you
right. I'm just happy you stayed yourself." says Big. He's
proud he didn't let the money get to him, either. Reid takes
them out for a walk in the city.
They grab dirty water dogs from a cart while walking and
talking. Just an apple juice for Dre... "This is New York, my
guys. The city where if you can make it here, you can make it
any damn where." L.A. Asks them about life. Antwan is raising
a daughter now with his woman. Still likes to party, however,
he already has a college fund set aside for her. He's also
thinking about going into business with his brother. Doesn't
know what they'll do, but L.A. Reid tells him he remembers
how he finished school to please his parents. Smart move.
Andre isn't celibate anymore and dating Erykah Badu, a new
Neo-Soul singer of the time. "Incense smokin' ass niggas."
Antwan jokes.
They meet Shanti at Hot 97 for an interview. Shanti and Dre
have a friendly exchange. No romanticism. Outkast's interview
starts with a congratulations on their new double platinum
album. They thank the host graciously. First they're asked
why the black empowerment lyrics. Dre says "Why not? If we
don't give what we got for our people who will." He says they
mainly stay up to date with the people by Ray Murray of ONP.
Outkast gives him a quick s/o. The host asks who they're
favorite artists are. For Andre it's Anita Baker. A good
choice. For Big Boi it's Kate Bush. "Who is Kate Bush?" asks
the obvious rap host. "She different. Kind of like us. My
Uncle Russell got me into her as a youngsta. Don't hate on
me. She got hot songs, bro." Big Boi laughs. "So when's the
next album coming out? Everybody wants to know." asks the
host. "We like to drop every two years so, you know, I don't
know." laughs Dre. "Every two years. Grab your calculator
people." Big confirms. The hosts heads to a commercial on
that note and...
Ahhh... BREAK!!!
Andre and ERYKAH take a walk in Central Park. They're on a
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date and walk to an ice cream stand. Andre playfully pokes at
Erykah's booty with his finger. He pays.
Andre can't stop finger poking her butt. She playfully runs
away from him and he chases her. They lay in the grass and
talk. Music. The new world order. Life being black in the
biz. Erykah stays in Brooklyn working with J. Dilla, The
Roots, and the like. Dre's heard of those guys. Doesn't think
their better than him. Dre tells her he can tell she's going
to "set shit off" with her singing and he loves her presence.
It's a breath of fresh air to him and the industry. Dre holds
her until she says it's time to head to the studio.
Big and Dre work in the studio with an engineer writing
songs. Dre turns to Big. "Big, don't you think we should
handle our own production sometime? I'm not saying at all ONP
sucks, but we should branch out. Be the group we were meant
to be..." says Dre.
"Watchu mean? Drop ONP for a while. They kill the soundtrack
songs the fans love, too. Is this one of your crazy ideas?"
"NO. Alright, think of it this way. We in our twenties and we
smash everything we work on. The rap game is short lived. We
not gone be in this forever. If we start producing our own
music; not saying all, just some, we can probably own our
masters. And that's what the ultimate goal is Twan. The
payday." "Yeah, it's always been about the payday." They go
back and forth now in the studio playing the piano and Andre
is way more active. From their conversation they also come up
with something else.
"And, since we handling our own business; being everything
and more of us... We gotta start this new album on a
Universal level." says Dre. "I was thinking the same." They
come up with the title, AQUEMINI, a combination of their
zodiacs Aquarius and Gemini.
Ahhh... BREAK!!!
Outkast, Badu's entourage, Goodie Mob, and the rest of the
Dungeon Family are at a big white house. Music is loud and
they're celebrating the release of "Aquemini". Barbeque and
steaks on the grill. A little Frankie Beverly and Maze to set
the tone. Dre feeds his infant son, Seven, as Erykah plays
cards nearby. Big plays horse shoe with his daughter across
the way. Dre gets a call on his big mobile phone. It's L.A. A
little small talk and then he tells him the good news. Their
new album just received the highest honor in The Source
Magazine. 5 mics. Dre is ecstatic. "You serious?" "As a heart
attack. Congratulations guys!" Dre stands up with Seven in
his arms. He stops the party. Belts out that Aquemini just
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received 5 mics! Everybody shouts in celebration.
Big bro' hugs Andre. They celebrate with shots at the end of
the night; happy as hell they've made it so far.
Blue sits Outkast down by themselves and let's them know they
have tons of interviews ahead and appearances. Outkast is
down for it; so excited and pleased for this new plateau. The
first magazine comes into their media room. 75% of the
questions are directed at Dre. The next interview mag comes
in. Even more questions for Dre. And it goes on and on. Big
shows no jealousy. He's actually amused by it. Dre pleasantly
answers all the questions: How'd your rhymes get so much
better? Who are you dating? How's Seven? How's the
relationship with Erykah? How often do you work out? Are you
going solo? Why the wild outfits? And if he dresses like the
music he feels, STILL why the wild outfits? All they seem to
ask Big Boi are when he's going to get the next Jordans.
Later, Big Boi and the Dungeon Family go out clubbin' one
night. A night of many. Everybody is familiar with one
another. Big Boi steps in a hot A.T.L. club and the DJ calls
out his name. The patrons cheer. Big and the Dungeon Family
are escorted to a VIP section where chilled champagne awaits.
It's not long before loose women enter the area. Khujo Goodie
lets them in. Everybody in VIP dances to the hot tunes.
Beautiful women pass by Antwan and he's only a man. He looks.
He mingles. Gipp reminds him that he has responsibilities at
home, but what can he do? He dances with the hottest one.
Some patrons stare at him. They know things, too...
Big goes home and Sherlita is waiting on him. She asks where
he's been. Twan is honest. They go to sleep; speak nothing of
it.
L.A. Reid's in his office. He listens to ATLiens over and
over again. Then Aquemini once. He calls a meeting. Soon,
there's a room filled with 15 or so people from Arista, the
parent label of LaFace. L.A. Reid enters the room with
papers. He begins to place emphasis on Outkast's next
project. Should it be a live DVD, a movie, or a cartoon? No,
L.A. wants Outkast to be on another level. His calculations
show that while Outkast sells more and more each album, they
still aren't the stars they should be. No major merch deals.
No endorsements. He believes in them so much and he knows
they deserve much better. He takes opinions from the staff.
They conclude that their next album will have more of a "pop
music" feel. L.A. doesn't want Outkast at The Source Awards
and the like. He wants the Moby's, the AMAs, the Grammys! The
only thing to do next is talk to his group about the choice
since they have creative control. He puts it on his schedule.
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Antwan now has a large mansion. He has a two kids running
around playing. Sherlita watches them in the living room.
Antwan cooks a big lunch for all of them. Antwan asks if
she's going to show any houses today. She says later on at
noon. He let's her know he has lunch on the way for them. She
loves it. She'll take it with her and her clients. "They'll
love a meal from a rap star." He tells the kids to sit down
for the meal. He eats with them. They have a conversation
until Sleepy calls him on his big cell phone. "Come to the
studio big dog. Got some new heat." "I'll be there in a
minute. I'm feeding my kids right this moment, nicca." "Cool.
Come when you done." "Already."
Big arrives at the major studio in Atlanta. He pulls up in a
decked out Range Rover. Jewelry all over. It's Stankonia
Studios, a studio once owned by R&B legend Bobby Brown. Now
they have it. He greets the employees that he sees. At this
time he's put A.T.L. on the map. Meets Sleepy in the studio
and they dap each other up. Sleepy immediately plays him some
tracks. They talk business and features he's up for. By this
time he's worked with Missy Elliot, the Youngbloods, Slick
Rick, Mystikal, and he's a major rapper in own right. More
confident and not much of a "boi". He's a man. A good one. He
talks with Sleepy about new goals. New competition in the rap
game. Big investments. The big business. Killer Mike is
mentioned.
Dre is getting tailor fit for a new outfit in an unknown
fancy Bohemian place like only he can. Seven is with him.
Anita Baker is on the speaker. He dances a little to it. His
hair is really long now. He lets the tailor know he's ready,
grabs his three outfits, and is out the door. Next, he takes
Seven to the park to play. Though, not in a custom outfit he
clothes are different, but the people at the park don't mind
him. He watches his seed in peace. A great father with
vision.
Rico is out of his mom's house. His place is really nice, but
it doesn't compare to Big Boi's place. Ray is there with him.
They smoke weed on his back porch. Do a little reflection of
the good times. Ray decides to put Big Boi and Dre on 3-way
with him. On the call Andre wants to be called Andre 3000
now. They laugh at him, but Andre is so sincere with the new
moniker. Big says that's his brother. "Leave my nicca alone.
We 'bout to shake shit up." Rico lets them know L.A. wants a
meeting very soon. No date yet. He's been told to expect
something major. Outkast is down. So far L.A. and LaFace has
taken their career beyond what hey could've imagined. Before
the age of 30 they've sold upwards of ten million records, a
major feat for a hip-hop group. They have their own sound and
Goodie Mob, they're good friends and partners have done well
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for themselves, too. Though they have caught listeners off
guard with their wild views on racism and controversial
lyrics they have cemented a good name for themselves as
Outkast's lyrical homeboys and a staple in Dirty South hip-
hop. Nobody knows what L.A. really has planned. They just
know it has to be special.
On call Andre and Antwan tslk in separate locations. They
wait for L.A. Reid and the new A&R to call in. Shanti is no
longer with LaFace. They both speculate on what direction
L.A. wants to pull them in. L.A. finally calls and Antwan
puts them on speaker. Just like at the meeting, L.A. says he
wants them to go in a more "pop" direction for their next
album. "On some Britney Spears shit? She cute, but hell naw."
says Dre. No, L.A. explains. He fully explains that he wants
to make them superstars; accessible to everyone. Black.
White. Yellow. And especially Green.
They're immediately down. L.A. won't lead them astray. He has
golden ears like Clive. He knows what he's doing. He sets
Outkast up with a budget and lets them get to work. Fine.
Now it's time for Outkast to do the "durty" work. They go
through several project names and ultimately decide on one. A
good one. STANKONIA; named after their own studio. This time
Outkast decides to do a little more on the production side.
By this time, Dre has practiced his guitar skills up from the
banjo we saw him in the church with previously. He's damn
good. He's shy about it.
One day Andre works on the SP1200 with a new sound. Big
drums. Cinematic. Huge vibes. Big is chilling with a producer
in another room and hears Dre's beat from afar. He HAS to
know what it is. He grabs his Crown and Coke and heads to
Room A. Goes to see. "Damn." says Big. "I thought that was
you." "Hey man, check this out. Something I been workin' on."
Says Dre. Big is damn near fucking bewildered. "Man, what the
fuck are you doing back here?" "Man, you think it's jammin'?"
"Do I think it's jammin'?"
"I was thinkin' an interlude and then yo girl Ki Toy in the
video could..." Big hastily disagrees. "MAN, LET'S BUSS ON
IT! What you callin' this?" "Bombs over Baghdad."
This is a montage of B.O.B. filed into making the album,
STANKONIA:
*Andre records his verse and so does Big Boi.
*Andre is in the beauty shop getting his hair done. Grabs the
women's and pimp magazines.
23.
Created using Celtx
*L.A. Reid and Outkast decide on photography for posters and
the booklet. They decide on a "Pimp" feel.
*Andre flips through books of the red, white, and blue
American flag. He thinks to himself. Gets a black pen from
his pocket. WORKS.
Now, we're at the B.O.B. video shoot. Tons, tons, and tons of
extras everywhere. Beautiful cars. Pimped out guys. Exotic
women in makeup. Large green screens. Big set-ups.
We come upon Big and Dre in their trailer. Now, they look
like made men. Big and Dre work on raps while getting make-
up. "Hey man, check this out. What you think about this?"
"It's a fuckin' smash. What you mean what I think about that
shit?" They tag-team back and forth like old times. Mtv is on
set doing interviews. They've heard all about the new shit.
It's a semi-nerdy group of white people, however, they fit in
well. "How does it feel to take over the world before 30?"
they're asked. "Well, you do seem to be on top of the world.
How does it feel?" "Solo albums or Grammy plans?" Outkast
answers the questions with ease.
Ahhh... BREAK!!!
Big and Dre sit at Big's house in his office. Andre 3000 is
nervous as hell. But this is normal for him. Before most of
their releases Dre is nervous of what people think. Not
worried. Nervous. Big is used to him. They're like brothers.
Sleepy gives them a call. Big puts him on speakerphone.
Sleepy says he finally has the Soundscan numbers. Outkast
listens up. It's the number 2 album, right under Jay-Z's "The
Dynasty: Roc La Familia". Damn, but they're not discouraged
by it because Sleepy also tells them it's critically
acclaimed by mainstream magazine Rolling Stone, a hell of an
accomplishment for them.
They go a strip club to ring it in. Just two grown men
relaxing, booties rocking everywhere, they're noticed, but
they eventually retire to a VIP room because their aura is
gaining attention. "B.O.B." is a smash hit right now. They
even play it at the club on their way out.
It's Grammy night and Outkast is as ready as they'll ever be.
On the red carpet there's talk of Best Rapper talk for Andre
3000. Most all best rapper talk! Talk of him compared to Jimi
Hendrix. Big doesn't mind. He's asked questions about his
business ventures. All the notable celebrities of the 2000s
are there. Outkast greets a few.
Now, it's time for the Best Rap Performance by A Duo or
24.
Created using Celtx
Group. They beat out the best and win the award. Not only
that, They also win Best Rap Album. They slowly walk up to
the podium.
They "dap" each other up. Do a bro' hug, accept their
statues, and we FREEZE on them.
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