Top Four Ways Your Business can be an OutKast and Stand Out

Top Four Ways Your Business can be an OutKast and Stand Out

By Khary Frazier

1. "South Got Something to Say" OutKast won Top New Artist of the year at the 1994 Source Hip-hop Awards. Amongst the turmoil and misunderstandings between Notorious BIG and Tupac Shakur (which eventually led to their untimely deaths) winning the awards the New York audience didn’t accept the Atlanta rap duo fondly. The artists accepted the award and Andre Benjamin left the stage saying 'the South got something to say. This statement held as a mantra for the group and Atlanta moving forward.

Setting a creed to conduct business by and with is a strength. Successful business people overtime have been driven by advice and knowledge. Using a creed that is purposeful to move ahead is resourceful.

2. LaFace, setting the standard in a business relationship. OutKast was released their debut albums with LaFace records. This label was a known home for Soul and R&B acts. OutKast was the first and original hip-hop act on LaFace. This was advantageous for their creativity.

I believe having a willingness to set a standard in a business relationship is important. Clients and businesses are looking to hire and work with people confident in their work. Landing a relationship where you set the standard of what is to expect is a wonderful opportunity. OutKast created the standard at which all future hip-hop acts were judged and given.

3. Be an OutKast, OutKast as a hip-hop group expanded the boundaries of which people thought hip-hop music would be made. Notably the song "Hey Ya" which uses european style pop music and singing to give a hip-hop record. This song is the biggest record OutKast ever made in reference to record sales and popularity. Their willingness to challenge the norm provided and opportunity that no other hip-hop act could take advantage of.

In business differentiation is vital. The competitiveness in all business markets leads to innovation and chances to be tried. Remaining loyal to a customer base does not rely upon remaining committed to methods, operations, products, or services. Every business should explore what creativity can be reached when entering a market.

4. Organized Noise with Us, OutKast was a hip-hop group started, run, and managed by Organized Noise Productions. Organized Noise Productions was a collection of hip-hop producers from Atlanta that sought out and saw the talent in OutKast member Andre Benjamin and Antawn Patton. In the early 1990's watching the young men perform open mic rap shows they eventually recruited the group to be on their production team. After recruitment a series of shows, practices, and studio sessions all managed under strict supervision created OutKast. Mile runs reciting lyrics, recording sessions daily, and talent show after talent show committed the Atlanta group to the success they embraced.

In business the parties making a deal can include so many people. The encouragement of family, friends, and associates are vital. OutKast had two performers on stage but many pushing and part of the group behind the stage. Success is a movement that encompasses many and the critique and involvement of others helps move it ahead.