10 Mainstream Acts That The 'Real Music Fans' Need To Check Out

6. Outkast

2003 saw Andre 3000 shake his Polaroid picture with such ferocity that he whipped Outkast into the consciousness of the music-loving mainstream. The hip-hop duo then stayed for a bit, released something else (that wasn't as good) three years later and then went on hiatus. 2014 will see their long-awaited return, and €“ despite 'Hey Ya's socially transcendent success €“ the group's Southern hip-hop charm will be at the forefront this time around. As their first album 'Southernplayalisticaddilacmuzik' dates all the way back to 1994, Big Boi and Andre already had four releases of quality, intelligent material under their belt years before 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below' collided with the charts. Using a combination of articulate lyricism and laid-back instrumentals, they are unquestionably one of the most musically stimulating hip-hop acts since the invention of the turntable. Just give anything from 'ATLiens' or 'Aquemini' a spin and you'll see what all the hype's about. Anything that materialized before 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below' is worth the effort of 'real music fans'. The duo weren't even necessarily part of the mainstream at that point, but seeing as they'll be headlining festivals in the near future, it'd benefit anyone who's attending Coachella, Bestival, or another one of the 40ish dates that they've planned to celebrate their 20th anniversary. These people - who'll probably be subjected to an hour and a half long set - should check out their entire back catalogue. It's fair to say that there are a few red-eyed, reefer-infused masterpieces in there.