Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park was ablaze last night (Sept. 28) for the last OutKast show in their three-day #ATLast concert series. Each show has been packed since day one on Friday, when Janelle Monáe and Future were set to open, after Solange cancelled. Saturday’s show featured opening sets from the city’s newcomers like Raury to Childish Gambino (the rapper/actor originally hails from a suburban outskirt of the A called Stone Mountain).
But Sunday, to the delight of the native Atlantans in attendance, the stage was reserved for the bricklayers of A-Town hip-hop. From Kilo Ali to Pastor Troy, the crowd rocked with old favorites. Even beyond the Peach State, concertgoers showed love to artists like Big K.R.I.T. and Eightball & MJG.
B.o.B turned up the energy all the way through his final song, “Still in This.” At that point, ‘Kast fans had been standing in the park for about four hours, anticipating what was to come. Thousands poured in by the hour until about 8 p.m. when it was time for the main event.
Finally, the black sheet that concealed the OutKast set dropped and lasers fired off in multiple directions as the rap duo quickly moved into the bass-thumping “B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad).” There were a few older women in the crowd who didn’t hesitate to arch their backs and twerk until they glowed with perspiration. “Da Art of Storytellin’ (Pt. 1)” was another crowd fave.
In the VIP pit shared with some members of press, stars like Taylor Gang’s Tuki Carter, Trinidad James and Forte Bowie danced to old OutKast tracks. K.R.I.T. bobbed his head for the duration of the show. B.o.B shook the shoulders of his manager TJ Chapman from behind as “Kryptonite” boomed in the background. And Yung Joc stopped by to stunt as he and his lady friend passed through the dense throng of attendees.
Later, ‘Kast was sure to bring a few friends out for some variety. Organized Noize co-founder/crooner Sleepy Brown glided onstage in a satin smokers’ jacket for “SpottieOttieDopaliscious” and the view of the crowd from overhead cameras was a sea of illuminated cell phones raised high in the air, swaying to the horn-heavy ode to a night in the hood. Big Gipp of Goodie Mob came through to vivaciously knock out Dungeon Family classic, “Black Ice.”
Still, the biggest surprise of the evening came when Erykah Badu floated onstage for “Humble Mumble.” Donning an oversized pair of overalls, metallic cape and a deconstructed crown, the soulstress hit center stage to a screams coming at her and a booming, tribal beat from behind.
“Sing that shit! Sing that shit!” Big Boi said, encouraging more high-pitched riffs. As Ms. Badu sauntered offstage, 3000 offered, “Hey, how you doing love?” Then, to the crowd, said: “Y’all, that’s my baby momma.” Badu responded playfully, “Y’all, that’s my baby daddy.”
Songs like “Elevators” and “Southernplayalisticcaddillacmuzik” struck a chord within the vast crowd as 3000 prodded the concertgoers with kids to consider the fact that they were childless—most likely—when ‘Kast debuted. It’s been a long time coming for the two longtime friends to make it to this stage on this clear night—years after André Benjamin recoiled into his shell and the two claimed they’d probably never tour again.
Last night, the signature, shiny jumpsuit that 3000 has been donning throughout OutKast’s performances read, “I forgive you, now it’s your turn.” After catching Sunday’s #ATLast show, it’s clear that the fans have let bygones be bygones, welcoming OutKast home. —Nadine Graham