What makes Hey Ya! by OutKast notable?

'Hey Ya!' became a cultural phenomenon, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for nine weeks. It also won a Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance, solidifying its place as a defining track of the early 2000s and influencing countless artists across genres. When 'Hey Ya!' was released in 2003, OutKast was already at a critical point in their career following the success of their previous album, 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below'. This double album showcased their artistic range and led to mainstream recognition, making them one of the most innovative duos in hip-hop.

How many songs are on Hey Ya!?

Hey Ya! has 2 tracks, running approximately 5 minutes.

Hey Ya!

OutKast · 2003

5 min · 2 tracks · hip-hop

A vibrant fusion of hip-hop, funk, and rock wrapped in infectious hooks and introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hey Ya! (radio edit) — This track's catchy chorus and innovative blend of genres helped redefine hip-hop's mainstream sound while addressing themes of love and disillusionment.
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Good Day, Good Sir — As a short yet impactful interlude, this track showcases OutKast's playful lyrical style, contrasting with the heavier themes explored in 'Hey Ya!'.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

A vibrant blend of genres with infectious hooks and a unique structure makes it a standout track.

What we noticed

The song features a driving beat with layered instrumentation, including guitar riffs and horns that create a lively atmosphere.
The chorus is characterized by a call-and-response structure, engaging listeners to participate.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 8/10

Defined its genre or moment. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — 'Hey Ya!' solidified OutKast's reputation and reached a wide audience, becoming a cultural phenomenon.
Themes: modern love disillusionment· Southern hip-hop innovation· colorful party atmosphere
Career context: When 'Hey Ya!' was released in 2003, OutKast was already at a critical point in their career following the success of their previous album, 'Speakerboxxx/The Love Below'. This double album showcased their artistic range and led to mainstream recognition, making them one of the most innovative duos in hip-hop.
Stylistic neighbors: A Tribe Called Quest· CeeLo Green· The Roots

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Hey Ya! (radio edit)

The moment shifts from upbeat celebration to contemplative reflection on relationships within the same verse.

This juxtaposition emphasizes the complexity of love, blending joyous sounds with deeper emotional undertones.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Hey Ya! (radio edit) 3:59
2 Good Day, Good Sir 1:27

What to play next

Listen next

Speakerboxxx / The Love Below - Album Sampler

2003

Go back to

Speakerboxxx/The Love Below

2003

Full OutKast discography Where to start with OutKast Artists like OutKast

East Coast hip-hop Southern hip-hop hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata