OutKast – “Knowing” [Audio, Lyrics]

Throwback to OutKast’s 18-year-old “Knowing” track produced by Mr. DJ. Stream, buy, read the lyrics, mp3 download.

Outkast Knowing

In 2003, OutKast delivered Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, a double album essentially consisted of two solo projects from Big Boi and Andre 3000. The ambitious endeavor later went on to win Album Of The Year at the Grammy Awards, cementing OutKast as the only rap act to ever take him the prestigious honor.

For some, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below is the duo’s magnum opus, an odyssey of different styles that highlights the talents of both members. Admittedly, selecting a single song to highlight on this anniversary is no easy feat; how does one decide whether to draw from Speakerboxxx or The Love Below?

Though either one would lead to a gem, there’s something that feels immediate about Big Boi’s Knowing, a potent dose of nostalgic Atlanta lyricism. And to be fair, it does feature some vocals from Andre, making this one of the album’s lone collaborations between the longtime lyrical partners.

Check it out for yourself, especially if you’re pining for the simple pleasures of 2003 hip-hop; some might even argue that it was one of the best years in rap history. No matter where you stand, Speakerboxxxx/The Love Below is an integral piece of the puzzle, so be sure to revisit the album (or at least select songs) when you have a second.

OutKast – Knowing (prod. Mr. DJ)

Lyrics

[Hook: André 3000]
Brothers on the block knowing
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)
Sisters at the crib knowing
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)
Preachers at the church knowing, but still get by
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)
Teachers at the school knowing
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)
Babies on the bottle knowing
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)
Junkies on the corner knowing, but still get high
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)

[Verse 1: Big Boi]
Well, here’s a formal introduction
Something to make you ponder
The situation’s ugly like In Living Color’s Wanda
(Word up!)
Now, everybody play dumb, but there’s some that succumb
Or fall victim, I will overcome
Any hurdle or obstacle that’s in my path
Fast cash should be the last resort, so make it last
For the risk you took, trick, you shook your ass
For some hundred dollar heels and a designer bag
Now that’s ass backwards
All you got in the refrigerator is bratwurst
Your stomach is balled in a knot, you got that phat purse
Pocketbook, stop and look, pockets look void
Destroyed by the need to indulge and enjoy the finer things in life
Your dignity the only sacrifice
Slim as your chances of being somebody’s wife
They seeing ya butt booty naked every night
Ain’t nothing right or wrong!

[Hook: André 3000]
Brothers on the block knowing
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)
Sisters at the crib knowing
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)
Preachers at the church knowing, but still get by
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)
Teachers at the school knowing
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)
Babies on the bottle knowing
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)
Junkies on the corner knowing, but still get high
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)

[Verse 2: Big Boi]
Even though things started falling apart
Wanda went and bought a Honda, now she’s out of a job
She would slob on a knob for a little less than a yard
A massage, you could drill her like a sarge
She would charge and rob, pick through your pockets
She got the trick’s watch and the silver locket
That he bought for his wife but Wanda left her license
On the nightstand fuckin’ with this white man
She met in a little red Corvette, paid for sex
Made a deal that she would never forget, you can bet
Every action has a positive and equal reaction
Therefore everything that goes around comes around in that fashion
Fast and furiously, there was a knock on the sliding glass door Bitch, it’s me!
You thought you was slick the way you hit me for that lick
But you slipped, now I’m getting in your shit!

[Hook: André 3000]
Brothers on the block knowing
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)
Sisters at the crib knowing
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)
Preachers at the church knowing, but still get by
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)
Teachers at the school knowing
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)
Babies on the bottle knowing
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)
Junkies on the corner knowing, but still get high
(From this point on it only gets rougher!)

(From this point on it only gets rougher!) (Repeat 4X)