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?

Are you a fan of storytelling through music? If so, you'll want to listen to OutKast's "Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)." This classic hip-hop track features two distinct stories from Big Boi and André, both of which are engaging and thought-provoking. In this article, we'll delve into the details of the song, exploring its history, influences, and impact on the music world.

About Da Art of Storytellin’ (Pt. 1)

"Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)" is a hip-hop song by the American duo OutKast, composed of rappers Big Boi and André 3000. The song was released in 1998 as the third single from their third album, Aquemini. The track features two stories, each told by one of the rappers, and showcases their unique storytelling abilities. The song was well-received by critics, with many praising its creative use of storytelling and its captivating lyrics.

According to André, the stories in the song are based on real experiences. His verse is inspired by a girl from his past who had a profound impact on him. In the verse, he talks about the girl's tragic death and how it affected him emotionally. Big Boi's verse, on the other hand, is about a woman he met who was very promiscuous. Both stories are engaging, thought-provoking, and showcase the duo's storytelling abilities.

The song received critical acclaim upon its release and is still regarded as one of OutKast's best tracks. It has been praised for its creativity, storytelling, and memorable lyrics. The track also received radio play and reached #67 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

The Making of Da Art of Storytellin’ (Pt. 1)

According to André, the inspiration for his verse in "Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)" came from a real-life experience that he had with his former partner, Erykah Badu. One of Badu's friends had a young daughter who was incredibly intelligent, and when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, she replied, "alive." André was moved by this and wove it into his verse in the song.

The track also features a sample from the song "Eli's Coming" by Three Dog Night. The sample, which is used in the song's hook, adds to the catchy, addictive beat that drives the track from start to finish.

Another interesting aspect of the song is that it was later remixed and released as a single with a verse from Slick Rick. The remix added another layer of storytelling to the track, with Slick Rick telling his own story of a tumultuous relationship.

The Legacy of Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)

"Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)" has gone on to have a lasting impact on the music industry and is regarded as a classic hip-hop track. The song has been covered and remixed by other artists, including J. Cole, who used the beat for his own song, "LAnd of the Snakes."

More than two decades after its release, "Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)" still resonates with listeners, showcasing the power of storytelling in music. The track's memorable lyrics, infectious beat, and thought-provoking stories have cemented its place in hip-hop history and ensured that it will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.

Conclusion

In summary, "Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)" is a classic hip-hop track that tells two captivating stories through the unique voices of OutKast's Big Boi and André. The song's creative use of storytelling, memorable lyrics, and infectious beat have ensured that it continues to be enjoyed by fans of all ages. Whether you're a die-hard hip-hop fan or simply appreciate good music, "Da Art of Storytellin' (Pt. 1)" is a must-listen track that exemplifies the art of storytelling in music.

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