Hard2Earn’s Torae Carr & Bonsu Thompson Celebrate 25th Anniversary of Outkast’s Aquemini w/ Michael “Blue” Williams

The HARD2EARN Podcast, led by hosts Torae (SiriusXM etc) and film writer/producer Bonsu Thompson (Sundance etc), produced a live podcast conversation in Atlanta. GA at the legendary Stankonia Studios to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Outkast’s third studio album, Aquemini. 

Bonsu began the live episode with gratitude. Said Thompson, “Let’s give it up for two Brooklyn boys celebrating the 25th anniversary of one of the greatest, not just Southern albums, but one of the greatest albums period, in the same vicinity that they created it in.” 

Bonsu referred to Aquemini as a “courageous” album that has stood the test of time since inception, mainly because Outkast “doubled down on its weirdness” at a time when New York rap stars like DMX, Jay-Z, Big Pun, and Noreaga were dominating the rap game. 

Torae and Bonsu revisited and rated each of the album’s 16 tracks from 1 to 10 in front of an Atlanta audience. Major praise was given to songs like “Return of the G” for its outstanding production by Organized Noize, and the title track, which best highlighted the indescribably winning chemistry between Big Boi and Andre 3000. 

Torae and Bonsu invited OutKast’s former manager Michael “Blue” Williams as a special guest to reflect on his time with the duo. Williams noted that he remembered Dre and Big being motivated by artistic evolution and a chip on their shoulder. Williams also mentioned how he fought tirelessly to protect OutKast’s growth individually and collectively.

The full episode can be found on Revolts’s podcast network. Follow @hard2earnshow @torae @bonsuthompson .