Fans can get an exclusive glimpse behind-the-scenes of the official music video for “Rosa Parks,” the Grammy nominated and critically acclaimed track from Outkast’s third album, Aquemini, in the latest episode of Vevo Footnotes. The episode is part of Vevo’s original content and specialized programming to celebrate the historic 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop.
In the episode, Big Boi describes the music on Aquemini as a blend of Outkast’s “complex music” on their debut album “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik” with the “ferocious lyrics” found on their sophomore album ATLiens. The episode highlights that the parade scene in the music video was filmed in front of the iconic Atlanta nightclub, The Royal Peacock. And points out that the marching band in the video is from the historic Morris Brown College, and that the college’s gospel choir is featured on their track “Bombs Over Baghdad.” Additionally, the episode mentions that the standout harmonica solo is performed by Andre 3000’s stepfather, Reverend Robert Hodo.
Below is a complete outline of “Rosa Parks” I Vevo Footnotes:
00:13 – “Rosa Parks” was the lead single off Outkast’s third album ‘Aquemini;’ its title combines the zodiac signs of Big Boi (an Aquarius) and Andre (a Gemini).
00:41 – This music video was directed by Gregory Dark, who would go on to direct music videos for Britney Spears, Mandy Moore and Linkin Park.
01:06 – The Dungeon Family is an Atlanta-based musical collective including Outkast, Goodie Mob, Sleepy Brown, and Organized Noize.
01:32 – Big Boi described ‘Aquemini’ as “the ferocious lyrics of ‘ATLiens’ mixed with complex music of ‘Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.’”
02:12 – The parade scene was filmed in front of The Royal Peacock, an iconic Atlanta nightclub that thrived in the 1930’s and hosted musicians such as Louis Armstong and Cab Colloway.
02:42 – The marching band is from Morris Brown College. Its gospel choir is featured on “Bombs Over Baghdad.”
03:04 – The harmonica player is Andre’s stepfather Rev. Robert Hodo.
03:34 – “Aquemini” debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 200, the same opening position as “ATLiens” and “Stankonia.”
04:04 – “Rosa Parks” was nominated for Best Rap Performance by a duo or group at the 1999 Grammys.
