Atlanta influences everything and is destined to be a consequence of its own hospitality because as the 90s generation grappled and embraced the city, Atlanta also became the place in the world that has influenced the music industry the most in the last thirty years. That influence was led by OutKast in the mid-90s, elevating the city’s voice to impressive new heights.
August 3, 1995 will be remembered as the day that everything changed. The Paramount Theater in New York City hosted The Source Awards ‘95, awarding the best in hip-hop. The tension in the air was palpable as the infamous East Coast-West Coast rivalry was at its peak, when two rappers from the South burst onto the scene as the Best New Artist.
“Alright, hold up...,” said one of the presenters as he held the envelope that would reveal the name of the recipient. “And the winner is… OutKast,” concluded the incredulous presenter as he waited for the group to come up to the stage. Immediately, the New York and L.A. rappers started booing the Atlanta duo as they made their way to the stage, which added fuel to one of the most iconic mantras ever said by any Atlantan anywhere.
“I’m tired of closed-minded folks. We got a demo tape, and nobody want to hear it,” said Andre 3000 as he stepped into the microphone to accept the award. “But it’s like this, the South’s got something to say.”