As of early 2012, the OutKast duo has sold over 26 million records domestically, has been awarded 6 Grammy awards, and are regarded as one of the best rap groups of all time, and certainly one of the most important. Their initial single, "Player's Ball", brought a southern, soulful swing to the world of hip-hop. The unique sound and style fused the lyricism of progressive underground hip-hop with an organic production style that was very different from the more polished, sample-based sound from the northeastern corridor of the United States. Outkast's sound resonated with the countless music fans outside of the New York metropolitan area, and was integral to the development of the sound of southern hip-hop. The popularity of Outkast's music was critical in showing the commercial viability of "non-traditional" hip-hop, and ultimately led to the opening of the genre to a wider sonic and thematic palette.