Outkast to perform

Friday, Nov. 8, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Outkast, consisting of Andre and Big Boi, are touring in support of their sophomore album "ATLiens." Their debut album, "Southernplaylistcadillacmuzik," was released just after their high school graduations, and was a critically acclaimed platinum success.

Both albums tell stories of life in the city. The urban narration of the songs on "ATLiens" lends insight into the experiences of Andre and Big Boi, from "Jazzybelle," a tale of the plight of black women, to "Mainstream," a tale of the harsh realities of the music business.

The first single from "ATLiens," "Elevators," has already hit No. 1 on the Billboard Rap Chart.

Outkast's hip-hop style melds smooth backing vocals, guitars and keyboards with distinctive, rap-record scratches, a blending that yields a contemporary, funky sound.

"On this album, there's a lot more maturity," says Andre, who, along with Big Boi, finished high school in 1994. "We're not doing music just to be doing it. It's not about bragging on a beat because everybody can rhyme. It's all about what you say."

Check out Outkast's message at The Joint on Nov. 9. Tickets for the show are $20-$30 at the Hard Rock hotel-casino's box office. Box office hours are noon-8 p.m., extended to 9 p.m. on concert days. For information, call 639-5066.