Big Boi Celebrates Kate Bush's Induction into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The Outkast rapper has long admired the English art pop pioneer's innovative sound and boundary-pushing approach.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 7:34pm

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Big Boi, the iconic hip-hop artist from Outkast, has had a decades-long admiration for the music of English singer-songwriter Kate Bush. This unlikely connection between a rap icon and an art pop visionary is a testament to the power of musical openness and the blurring of genre lines. Big Boi's introduction to Bush's work came through his uncle's eclectic record collection when he was around 14 years old, sparking a lifelong appreciation for her innovative production and angelic vocals. In 2023, Big Boi had the honor of inducting Kate Bush into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, celebrating her boundary-pushing artistry and arguing that her spirit aligned perfectly with the core tenets of hip-hop.

Why it matters

Big Boi's unwavering support for Kate Bush highlights a growing trend of artists embracing diverse musical influences and blurring the lines between genres. This openness is crucial for the evolution of music and the emergence of new artistic voices. By championing an artist from a seemingly disparate genre, Big Boi demonstrates the power of musical appreciation to transcend traditional boundaries.

The details

Big Boi's introduction to Kate Bush's music came through his uncle Russell, who exposed him to a diverse range of artists including Sting, The Doors, and Guns N' Roses. At around age 14, he received Bush's albums The Kick Inside and The Hounds of Love, which profoundly impacted his musical sensibilities. Beyond just the melodies, Big Boi specifically cited the innovative production on Bush's albums as a key element of his attraction, noting how it 'set a tone' and complemented her 'angelic' vocals. This appreciation for groundbreaking soundscapes would later become a hallmark of Outkast's own pioneering work.

  • Big Boi received Kate Bush's albums The Kick Inside and The Hounds of Love around age 14.
  • In 2023, Big Boi inducted Kate Bush into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

The players

Big Boi

A hip-hop icon and member of the groundbreaking duo Outkast, who has long admired the music of Kate Bush.

Kate Bush

An English singer-songwriter and pioneering artist in the art pop genre, who was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.

Uncle Russell

Big Boi's uncle, who introduced him to a diverse range of artists including Kate Bush when he was a teenager.

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What they’re saying

“I loved the production first and foremost given that it kind of set a tone. Then, the way she was singing the songs— her voice was just angelic. I hadn't heard nobody do it like that.”

— Big Boi, Rapper (Pitchfork)

“If that's not hip-hop, I don't know what is.”

— Big Boi, Rapper (Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony)

What’s next

Kate Bush's recent resurgence in popularity following her song's inclusion in Stranger Things has introduced her music to a new generation of listeners, further validating Big Boi's long-held appreciation for her work.

The takeaway

Big Boi's lifelong admiration for Kate Bush's innovative and boundary-pushing artistry serves as a powerful example of how musical appreciation can transcend genre lines. This openness to diverse influences is crucial for the continued evolution and cross-pollination of musical styles.