Weezer and Outkast...Sorry, Can't pick one

Unlike many of my classmates, I am a huge fan of both Weezer and OutKast even though they couldn't be more different.  Weezer, an alternative, rock, power-pop band headed by lead vocalist, Rivers Cuomo, and OutKast, a hip-hop/rap duo consisting of Andre 3000 and Big Boi known for epitomizing the Atlanta "Dirty South" style of rap that is still present today.  Even though they were very different in some respects, they were both extremely influential to bands throughout the coming decades, both lyrically and stylistically.

Weezer: 

Weezer's first album (and my favorite album) is entitled Weezer, yet is referred to as "The Blue Album," due to its...well, blue cover.  There are many hits off of the album like "My Name Is Jonas," (my personal favorite), "Buddy Holly," "Undone -- The Sweater Song," and "Say It Ain't So."  All of which have really amazing guitar solos or features that, to me, really make the songs.  Also, the lyrical genius of the band is really quite amazing as well.

OutKast:

These two guys should definitely be considered as pioneer's of rap, especially in the late 90's and early 2000's with their albums Stankonia and Speakerboxx/The Love Below.  My all time favorite OutKast song comes off of Stankonia entitled "B.O.B (Bombs Over Baghdad)."  Other great songs from that album include "So Fresh, So Clean," and "Ms. Jackson."  Speakerboxx/The Love Below was considered one album but in essence they were two solo albums; Speakerboxx being Big Boi's, and The Love Below, being Andre's.  Songs like "The Way You Move," "Hey Ya!," and "Roses," all came off of this album.  This album also shows their progression through hip-hop, starting to come out with more pop inspired songs.

(One of my favorite OutKast videos)

Both of these groups not only defined the 90's and early 2000's but are also really fun to listen to, making them some of my favorites.

-Brooks Gonzales