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Behind First Avenue’s Stars: OutKast

by Selena Carlson

January 13, 2015

First Avenue's then-publicist wrote to OutKast's label suggesting various strategies to promote the show. She recommended submitting video to Robyne Robinson at KMSP ("she prefers Beta but can work with 3/4" and VHS") and doing a meet-and-greet at the Electric Fetus ("they are fantastic and very well equipped to handle these kind of events").

First Ave general manager Nate Kranz remembers that among the guests in the owner's box was none other than Randy Moss, then in his first of seven seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. It was the only time that Kranz remembers Moss coming to First Ave. Three years later, Moss would become the subject of one of OutKast's best-known lyrical references: in "The Whole World," guest rapper Killer Mike bragged, "I catch a beat runnin' like Randy Moss."

Reviewing the show in the Star Tribune, Britt Robson said the live versions of songs from Aquemini didn't do justice to the recorded versions, in part because Andre had technical troubles with his mic. "OutKast also paid homage to the hoariest tradition of live rap shows, frequently exhorting the crowd to wave their hands in the air and staging one of those tired contests to see which segment of the audience could scream the loudest."

Marketing Plan
OutKast rider 1
OutKast rider 2

Selena Carlson is currently tackling a double major in journalism and music business at Augsburg College. In addition to writing, she is an avid enthusiast of all things banjo; biking; and breakfast for dinner.

Clean Water Land & Legacy Amendment
This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.