But the point was that The Roots' level of career accolades and fame isn't nearly on OutKast's level. That isn't to knock down The Roots a peg. I'm sure 15 and BT are fulfilled by the career they have. Few groups that sound to make their name solely by skill and art have sustained a career in music, much less hip-hop. For as skillful and awesome OutKast's music was, their street vs sensitive story made them more accessible than The Roots. Not that The Roots were trying to outright 'sell' their personas in that way.