OutKast

Lyrics

[Verse 1: Big Boi]
Somebody hit me the other day for a rendezvous
Was it the bitch that fucked the Goodie and the Dungeon Crew?
Let's say her name was Suzy Skrew 'cause she screwed a lot
Makin' a nigga hit that chonk at legitimate spots
Not no parks, backseats, or things of that nature
Had to hate ya, playa
I'm dickin' the ho down — never said I paid her
Straight laid her, slayed the bitch like Darth Vader, made her
From College Park and Fayette all the way down to Decatur
Like Jada, her wig was sharp and sporty — that was shawty
Safe as a snake on eggs in a Bimmer 840
It's foggy, I went to the crib to call her but she lost me
My baby mama beeped me, seven o'clock, it's gonna cost me
But I still wanna cut her, though — maybe she had to work?
I caught her in the mall, wearin' a real tight skirt
She was fine as fuck — I wanted to sex the ho up
She said, "Let's hit the parking lot so I can sick your duck"
I said, "Cool, I really wanted to cut you but this'll do
I gotta pick up my daughter, plus my baby mama beeped me, too"
She said she understood and everythin' was kosher
I gave her a Lil' Wil CD and a fuckin' poster
It's like that, now

[Chorus: Sleepy Brown & Big Boi]
It's like that, now
You better go on and get the hump up out your back now
It's about fo' or five cats off in my 'Lac now
We just shoot game in the form of story raps now (Yeah)
It's like that now, t's like that now
[Verse 2: André 3000]
Now Suzy Skrew had a partner named Sasha... Thumper
I remember her number like the summer
When her and Suzy, yeah, they threw a slumber
Party, but you can not call it that 'cause it was slummer
Well, it was more like spend the night
Three in the mornin', yawnin', dancin' under street lights
We chillin' like a villain, and a nigga feelin' right
In the middle of the ghetto on the curb, but in spite of all the bullshit
We on our back, starin' at the stars above (Aww, man)
Talkin' bout what we gonna be when we grow up (Mm)
I said, "What you wanna be?" She said, "Alive"
It made me think for a minute, then looked in her eyes
I coulda died, time went on, I got grown
Rhyme got strong, mind got blown
I came back home to find lil' Sasha was gone
Her mama said she with a nigga that be treatin' her wrong (Man)
I kept on singin' my song and hopin' at a show
That I would one day see her standin' in the front row
But two weeks later, she got found in the back of a school
With a needle in her arm, baby two months due
Sasha Thumper

[Chorus: Sleepy Brown & Big Boi]
It's like that now
You better go on and get the hump up out your back now
It's about fo' or five cats off in my 'Lac now
We just shoot game in the form of story raps now
It's like that now, it's like that now
It's like that now
You better go on and get the hump up out your back now
It's about fo' or five cats off in my 'Lac now
We just shoot game in the form of story raps now
It's like that now, it's like that now
[Outro]
Grandmama: Keisha, Keisha! Cut that loud mess off, you hear all that thunderin' and lightnin', and get off that telephone!
Keisha: Ugh, alright
Child 1: Grandmama, what’s all that noise?
Child 2: I’m scared
Grandmama: Baby, don’t be scared. It's gonna be alright. It’s just the Lord doin' His work, okay?

If you're a fan of storytelling in hip-hop, then OutKast's "Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)" is a track that you definitely need to check out. Released as a part of their critically acclaimed album "Aquemini," this song showcases the incredible storytelling abilities of Big Boi and André 3000. With two distinct experiences being relayed, the duo takes us on a journey through their lives, touching on themes of promiscuity, tragedy, and the harsh realities of the world.

About Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)

In "Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)," Big Boi and André deliver their verses with vivid imagery and compelling narratives. Big Boi's verse revolves around his encounter with a promiscuous woman, showcasing his ability to paint a picture with his words. André, on the other hand, shares a tragic tale about a girl from his past, providing a glimpse into the depth of his storytelling skills.

It's worth noting that André's verses often draw inspiration from real-life experiences. In an interview, he shared that every story he tells is either triggered by something he has been through or something someone he knows has experienced. For example, he incorporated a poignant moment from his relationship with Erykah Badu into the song. When he and Badu were still together, one of Badu's friends had a young daughter who, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, simply answered, "alive." André found this response to be profound and wove it into his storytelling, adding a layer of depth and emotion to the track.

The song also gained recognition through a remix released as a single, featuring a verse from the legendary Slick Rick. Adding his own unique storytelling prowess, Slick Rick tells his own story of a crazy relationship, further enhancing the diversity and richness of the track.

Although "Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)" didn't achieve massive commercial success, it has become a cult classic among hip-hop enthusiasts. Its addictive beat and thought-provoking lyrics have ensured its longevity, captivating listeners with its intricate narratives. The single peaked at #67 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, solidifying its place in the musical landscape.

Interestingly, the addictive beat of "Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)" was reintroduced to a new audience in 2013 when J. Cole used it for his track "LAnd Of The Snakes." This collaboration between the new generation and OutKast's iconic sounds pays homage to the impact the group had on shaping the future of hip-hop.

Listening to "Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)" is like immersing yourself in a captivating tale. OutKast's ability to weave intricate narratives combined with their unique delivery and production make this song a true gem in their discography. So grab your headphones, close your eyes, and let the art of storytelling envelop your senses as OutKast takes you on a lyrical journey.

• Release Date: May 25, 1999
• Artist: OutKast