When my family packed up and headed south in the early 90s; life wouldn’t be the same. The fragile young girl who—not too long ago— had just exchanged island life for the big New York City lights was having to adapt to yet another cultural shift. This time, Miami, FL would be destination it. Although many would argue that Miami isn’t technically the “south” apart from its geographic existence—the cultural dynamics of South Florida is certainly a subset of southern culture. I had a hard time adjusting to Miami life—I mean how could it compare to the grit, grind and glamour of the big apple right? Fast forward to 1994 when I first heard the track Get Up, Get Out by two talented rappers out of Atlanta, GA who 20 years later would reserve a spot in history as music legends. Music has and always will be instrumental in my life. It is the universal language. It is an undeniable healer, cultural uniter and powerful messenger. It was the Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik album by OutKast that ignited my inner southern girl. Twenty years later, I’m still motivated to Get Up, Get Out and Get Something.

It was reported that each night–20,000 ATLiens (the official term to describe OutKast fans) embarked upon Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park to experience what would be the final performance for the legendary duo. OutKast #ATLAST would be the Coachella-like music festival to officially commemorate the 20th anniversary of what I’d like to call the greatest Hip-Hop group in history.

As with greatness, comes disappointments. The three part concert series started out on Friday, September 26 with an impressive line-up. But many of the die-hard fans who purchased tickets to what they thought would be the only and final show on Saturday, September 27th, were met with mere disappointment when word got out that the final show on Sunday, September 28th would include a  stellar line-up to include Erykah Badu, 8Ball & MJG, B.o.B and others. I could certainly understand how some would feel slighted–I mean– seeing Outkast and Erykah Badu perform Liberation from the highly critically acclaimed Aquemini album would have been killer. But for me, the surprise of having Gipp of Goodie Mob hit the stage to perform his leading verse in Black Ice—was equally as epic. Seeing Outkast in concert in their hometown was an experience that I am extremely grateful to have witnessed. I’ve checked this item off of my bucket list. Peace, Love & Blessings!