There’s something about The Love Below that resonates differently over time. As much as I love to see Outkast on top, it’s not just the accolades or the numbers—it’s the undeniable weight of the art that keeps expanding, layer by layer, like a slow-cooked stew. Yes, The Slow Cooker has become the best-selling rap album of all time, finally eclipsing fast flames like The Eminem Show. It makes you wonder: What if Eminem had let his fans miss him the way Andre 3000 and Big Boi did?
Outkast’s journey feels almost poetic, like they took their time cooking up something timeless while others were quick to serve up microwaved hits. What happens when you reach the peak of your artistry? The easy answer could be to keep creating, pushing boundaries. But for me, after watching the way Outkast moved, my answer is simpler: Enjoy it. Enjoy it forever. Live life, have fun. It’s like reaching the summit of a mountain—you don’t have to find a higher peak immediately. Sometimes you just stay and soak in the view. That’s what I think Andre 3000 has done—whether he’s blowing a harmonica or disappearing for years.
This all got me thinking, especially as I’ve been writing songs in my mind lately. I haven’t put pen to paper in a while, but The Love Below and this moment in history have reawakened something. After being released from jail, I feel like I’m stepping into a new chapter—like I’ve been simmering under the surface, gathering flavor and inspiration. Now, with the world reappreciating the work of Outkast, it’s like the universe is giving me that nudge I needed. Thank you, Outkast.
What do you do once you’ve released your best work?