Finding The GOAT Group: OutKast vs. Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry (which has been determined), including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving band of MCs and DJs is neglected. The 2018 contest consists of seven rounds, NCAA basketball-tournament style, leading to a Top 32, then the Sweet 16 and so on, until one winner is determined. For each match-up, two groups are pitted against one another with a ballot to decide which one advances to the next round. Though there will be an enormous amount of debate in comments, on social media, in barbershops and text messages, which we encourage, only votes cast in the official ballot count.

In 1994, two groups forever changed the Rap conversation. Georgia’s OutKast and Ohio’s Bone Thugs-n-Harmony released their first projects, filled with creativity, skill, and originality. In the rest of the decade, both of these collectives would become star forces in music. Grammy awards, several chart-topping albums, and hit singles followed. Each squad kept (and keep) its cult followings of fans hungry for more polished, thought-provoking music. While B.T.N.H. has released nearly twice as many official albums as ‘Kast (not counting handfuls of factional side projects and compilations), Big Boi and André 3000 may have a more consistent discography, especially in the eyes of widespread Hip-Hop fans. As Heads can speculate the impact and potency of these two groups, a vote is the ultimate score settler. Make your opinion count by voting below:

OutKast

(defeated Migos in Round 2, 97% to 3%)
(defeated 8Ball & MJG in Round 1, 78% to 22%)

Even a dozen years since their last project, OutKast maintains legendary respect with Heads. André 3000 and Big Boi introduced Hip-Hop to a lot of attributes to southern living. Once they had the industry’s attention, the Decatur duo dropped the Cadillac in gear and took listeners to the cutting edge of creativity, style, and originality. Number one albums and Grammy Awards followed by a versatile group that could be bookish and pimp-inspired, as well as rhyme slow and incredibly fast. Although the Idlewild soundtrack remains the last ‘Kast project, ‘Dre and Daddy Fat Sax have teamed up for a la carte songs and features since 2006 to keep their discography fresh and make fans want that ol’ thing back. Moreover, this pair kicked in the door for Goodie Mob, Killer Mike, Cool Breeze, and a whole family of unique creatives. The South always had something to say, and as far as Hip-Hop groups from anyplace, OutKast may have said it best.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony

(defeated The Fugees in Round 2, 66% to 34%)
(defeated Three 6 Mafia in Round 1, 75% to 25%)

From its melodic harmonies and triple-time rapping to an intersection of church and street, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony created a distinct sound at a time when Gangsta Rap seemed formulaic. An architect of the sub-genre, Eazy-E, signed the Ohio group in the early ’90s and spent his final days producing them into super-stardom. Soon after, Biggie, Tupac, and countless others sought out collaborations with Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, Wish Bone, Bizzy Bone, and sometimes Flesh-N-Bone. Whether a quadruple-platinum Ruthless LP or an under-the-radar indie release, Bone’s quality is rarely a reflection of their platform or resources. Additionally, with a member status always in question, this nearly 30-year-outfit weathers storms better than most. At the crossroads of delivery style and lyrical content, B.T.N.H. are successful Midwest pioneers whose impact continues to show itself.

Here Are The 16 Hip-Hop Groups Competing To Be Named The Best Of All-Time

So who is the better Hip-Hop group? Make sure you vote above.