Despite selling more than 3 million copies of last year’s Stankonia, Outkast have discovered that there are some fans who have not experienced their their earlier work. The revelation came this year during the duo’s tour in support of the album.

So, to give latecomers a history lesson while simultaneously capitalizing on Stankonia’s momentum, Outkast will release a greatest-hits collection in December in a package that will include five new tracks. The album was conceived during the group’s most recent tour, which kicked off in March.

Group members Big Boi and Andre 3000 would remind audiences unfamiliar with their previous three platinum-plus albums that they were not a new group. A spokesperson for the duo said they were so pleased with the reaction they received while performing hits such as "Elevators (Me and You)," "Player’s Ball" and "Skew It on the Bar-B," they thought the timing perfect to drop a greatest-hits LP.

Arista president Antonio "L.A." Reid, who agreed, didn’t think the group would have enough time to record the new material, and thought next year a more realistic drop date. However, Outkast surprised him, however, and hit the studio hard after the tour to complete the as-yet-untitled project.

Dre and Big Boi have also been recording with their Dungeon Family members, who include the Goodie Mob and producers Organized Noize. That clique’s album, originally scheduled for summer release, will come out this winter as well.