Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

Big Boi and André 3000 delivered a massive double album on September 23, 2003 that redefined what a hip-hop record could be. The project splits into two distinct halves under one package: Big Boi's Speakerboxxx focuses on Southern funk and gritty social commentary while André 3000's The Love Below explores pop, jazz, and psychedelic rock themes. Originally planned as separate solo releases, LaFace Records merged the discs to maintain the duo's brand identity. This decision created a 40-track journey spanning over two hours and 15 minutes that blended live instrumentation with electronic experimentation.

Critical reception was immediate and overwhelming with Pitchfork awarding a perfect score upon release. The commercial impact was equally staggering as the record debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 509,000 copies sold in its first week. It eventually surpassed Eminem's The Marshall Mathers LP to become the best-selling rap album of all time by October 2023. The Recording Industry Association of America certified it Diamond status for shipments exceeding 10 million units in the United States alone.

Five Grammy Awards followed including the prestigious Album of the Year win at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards in 2004. Singles like "Hey Ya!" and "The Way You Move" dominated airwaves globally making OutKast the first duo to replace themselves at the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Despite rumors of a breakup circulating during the promotional tour the pair denied any split before entering an indefinite hiatus that has lasted two decades. [edit]