OutKast

Andre 3000 To Play Jimi Hendrix In Biopic?

07 May 2012 17:08:21 EDT

Outkast rapper will play legendary ax man, according to an online report.
By Kara Warner

The much-discussed yet long-delayed Jimi Hendrix biopic looks to be finally moving forward with a credible star attached: none other than Outkast's Andre Benjamin.

According to a report from the Irish Film and Television Network published on Monday (May 7), the Outkast rapper has been tapped to play the legendary ax man in an upcoming biopic titled "All Is by My Side." Set during Hendrix's time in England between 1966 and 1967, the film follows the icon as he began work on his debut, Are You Experienced, an album widely regarded by critics to feature some of the greatest guitar music ever created.

The feature film will be written and directed by John Ridley, whose previous work includes the screenplays for "Red Tails" and "U-Turn," as well as story credit on David O. Russell's "Three Kings."

Although he's more well-known for his contributions to music as part of the Grammy-winning hip-hop duo, Benjamin (a.k.a. Andre 3000) has had roles in several movies, including "Semi-Pro," "Idlewild" and "Four Brothers," and appeared on the FX TV series "The Shield."

"Considering his just-passable acting in 'Idlewild,' the jury's still out on whether Andre can carry a movie on his own," offered MTV News senior writer Gil Kaufman. "But given his virtual retirement from music since that movie's release — 'Semi-Pro' was a small step in the right direction — and word that he's been taking acting lessons, the Hendrix movie could do for him what 'Dreamgirls' did for Jennifer Hudson.

"Andre has the musical chops, the artistic sensibility and a devotion to his craft that makes me think he wouldn't take on this iconic role without knowing that he had something deep to offer," Kaufman continued. "Plus, as he's proven over and over with his many note-perfect, bulls-eye features on songs since he stopped recording his own albums, when he shoots, he shoots to kill."

MTV News reached out to Benjamin's representatives about the report but had not received comment at press time.

"All Is by My Side," not to be confused with Legendary Pictures' onetime plans to make a Hendrix biopic, is reportedly in pre-production with principal photography set to begin in three weeks in Dublin and Wicklow.

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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Andre 3000 Denies Outkast Breakup

06 Mar 2012 12:53:44 EST

'I'm going to be in Outkast forever in some kind of way,' Andre tells Fader.
By Rob Markman

Andre 3000 is economical with his words. It's not often that the ATLien raps or even grants an interview, and when he does, die-hards hang onto every syllable, even if they sometimes misconstrue his sentiment. In a new interview with Fader magazine, 3 Stacks sets the record straight and denies the persistent rumors of an Outkast breakup.

"So I think when I hear things on the Internet that Outkast is over, I think, that's a shame. Because I don't have the power to stop Outkast, you know? I didn't start Outkast by myself. I don't have the power to stop Outkast," Andre said in the interview, which can be found on Fader's website.

Andre and bandmate Big Boi dropped their debut LP, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, back in 1994, and they have since become an iconic act in hip-hop and music as a whole. In 2000 they dropped their fourth album, Stankonia, which they followed three years later with the double disc Speakerboxxx/ The Love Below. Though packaged as an Outkast album, each disc served as solo expression for the two MCs: Big Boi commandeered the Speakerboxxx portion and 3000 helmed The Love Below disc. In 2006, they released the "Idlewild" soundtrack together, but despite the constant rumors, there has been no group project since. There may never be another 'Kast album, 3 Stacks says.

"We're not on the roster or on a schedule with a label to put out an Outkast album. I can't say if or when we will, but I'm going to be in Outkast forever in some kind of way," he said.

There is an Andre solo LP on the horizon, but of course there is no date. "I'm at a place now where my deadline is my own self. I'm looking at it like, OK, I don't want to be like 40 years old and to haven't done this album," Dre said. "And I don't have a sense of time. When people say, Man, we haven't heard from you in like five years, or seen you, to me, it feels like a year. I don't have a good sense of time, but I do know I'm not a spring chicken anymore."

What's your favorite Outkast album? Tell us in the comments!

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Big Boi Arrested In Miami On Drug Charges

08 Aug 2011 01:56:09 EDT

The Outkast rapper was caught and charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance.
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Killer Mike Talks Reconciling With Big Boi

27 Apr 2011 16:21:59 EDT

Mike describes relationship with Outkast MC as 'a brotherhood.'
By Rob Markman

Thinking back to his past beef with Outkast's Big Boi, Killer Mike (also known as Mike Bigga) admitted to MTV News that the tiff was sad for him, but now that the two have buried the hatchet, fans can expect more collaborations and a new group.

"It's a brotherhood more than a friendship," Mike said.

The feud, stemming back to 2006, began after Killer, who was signed to Big Boi's Purple Ribbon label, became disenfranchised with the business side of things. The road to repairing the friendship began in 2008, and according to Mike, transpired over three phases. Now that things are completely patched up, Mike and Big Boi announced in February that they will be forming a new group, rounding out a trio with Atlanta rapper and Maybach Music signee Pill.

Phase one of their reconciliation took place when Big Boi's son Cross encouraged his dad to patch things up with his former friend. "My children love him, his children love me, so it's kinda hard to stay an a--hole when my children are telling me, 'Don't be an a--hole, dad,' and his kids was telling him that," Mike explained.

He credits the second phase of the patch-up to Atlanta-based hip-hop journalist Maurice Garland. "He got [Big Boi and I] together, and we started listening to each other's album, and I was like, 'Sh--, I gotta step it up,' " Mike recalled. "That's when I went back in to record PL3DGE."

It was Twitter that would ultimately get the two friends back in a comfortable place, where they could eventually work together. "He just hit me out on Twitter like six, seven months ago — just outta nowhere like, 'Call me,' " Mike said.

Questioning the authenticity of the tweet, Killer reached out to the Outkast MC's cousin, who later confirmed that it was in fact Big Boi who sent the online olive branch. A couple of days later, Killer Mike and Big Boi were at Club Obsessions in Atlanta performing their 2005 hit "Kryptonite." Big Boi has since appeared on Mike's "Ready Set Go (Remix)" in March.

"We've been in the studio knocking sh-- out, talking every few days," Killer Mike said.

Still, little is known about the group, and while Mike does confirm that they have a name, he is reluctant to announce it just yet, saving that honor for his longtime friend. "Big has a name, but he's holding on to it," Mike said. "I've assigned him group leader."

Are you excited to hear Killer Mike and Big Boi's new project with Pill? Tell us below!

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Lloyd Taps Lil Wayne, Andre 3000 For New Tune

28 Feb 2011 12:49:40 EST

The track, titled 'Miss That Pu---,' will appear on the Chicago R&B singer's upcoming album, King of Hearts.
By Jayson Rodriguez

Five years ago, Lloyd scored a hit with "You," a swooning, midtempo track from his sophomore effort, Street Love, that featured Lil Wayne.

For the remix of that tune, the then-Murder Inc. Records artist (Ja Rule, Ashanti) recruited Nas and Outkast's Andre 3000, the latter of whom delivered a poetic verse reminding fans of his MC pedigree.

Now, it looks like Lloyd has locked down both Wayne and Andre again for a track called "Miss That Pu---" that will be featured on his forthcoming album, King of Hearts.

"I liked the way it used to be," the R&B singer told Vibe magazine about the theme of the racy tongue-in-cheek number, for which his guest rappers have yet to deliver their verses.

King of Hearts, which is due out April 19, will be Lloyd's first album since he signed a deal with Interscope Records.

Lloyd, who is working closely with producer Polow Da Don (Fergie, Usher, Keri Hilson) on the project, has gone on record saying that they are making music that's comparable to some of the greatest producer/singer combinations of all time.

"In my opinion, and this is a bold statement, but it's like Michael [Jackson] and Quincy [Jones], it's like Justin [Timberlake] and Timbaland, Usher and Jermaine [Dupri]," Lloyd told MTV News last year. "It's that consistency that you can only find from really finding the right chemistry with the right person. As an artist, I can speak for everyone when I say chemistry is a big, big part of success."

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Big Boi Remembers Failing His Driver's Test, On 'When I Was 17'

17 Sep 2010 12:21:49 EDT

'I was so worried about trying to parallel park,' the Outkast MC recalls in Saturday's episode.
By MTV News staff

Anyone familiar with Big Boi's musical output over the past two decades — whether it be as one half of Outkast or as the Son of Chico Dusty — is probably aware that the man has quite the affinity for cars. More specifically, Cadillacs.

So it may come as a surprise to learn that, growing up, he had a bit of a problem passing his driver's license exam. It wasn't that his technique wasn't tight, it was that he got snagged on a technicality ... something he — rather embarrassingly — reveals on the next episode of MTV's "When I Was 17," airing Saturday at 11 a.m. ET.

"When I was 17 years old, I went to go [take] my driver's license test," he laughed. "I was so worried about trying to parallel park. I was always trying to slide this way, slide that way. I'm so nervous about that, I get in the car, I'm driving and the man's like, 'Well, you did great and everything, you can parallel park, but you didn't put on your seatbelt, so you failed.' I was like, 'Damn.' "

Don't worry, we're sure Big passed eventually (or, at least, we hope he did). You can hear more of Big Boi's misadventures as a 17-year-old on the next episode of "When I Was 17" on MTV. "True Blood" star Rutina Wesley and Joey Lawrence (dude, he used to be on "Blossom"!) also show up to regale you with tales from their youth.

"When I Was 17" — this week featuring Big Boi, Rutina Wesley and Joey Lawrence — premieres Saturday at 11 a.m. on MTV

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OutKast

Big Boi Mixes Outkast, Solo Cuts At NYC Show

07 Sep 2010 15:48:10 EDT

Rapper teases duo's upcoming album during Labor Day concert at Brooklyn Bowl.
By Jayson Rodriguez

NEW YORK — Big Boi has been carrying the Outkast banner with pride even though the Atlanta duo's last two projects — 2003's bundled solos offering, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below and 2006's soundtrack collection, Idlewild — haven't exactly been the best representations of the group as a unit.

On Monday in New York City, Big Boi once again did his best to make up for his partner in rhyme's absence when he hit Brooklyn Bowl for a Labor Day set.

"[Andre 3000] is in the studio right now," he told the crowd, explaining that after he finishes with his own solo project, the pair will reunite for a new Outkast album.

But as Big Boi performed the group's hits, mixing in tracks from his Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty, the usual elephant in the room was that Andre 3000 seemed as distant as the videos projecting Three Stacks' image on the venue's big screens.

Still, Big Boi powered through his Outkast set list, running through his verses from "Miss Jackson," "Player's Ball" and "Elevators" all sans an audio peep from Dre. Big Boi was efficient in his performance, moving nimbly from song to song; no complaints from the audience about the one-man show.

"It's so many f---ing songs," Big Boi told his DJ, Swift. "I don't care what you play." "Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik" boomed through the house speakers, but Big Boi quickly moved onto material from his proper solo debut.

"I know it's been a minute," Big said, in reference to the time between Idlewild and Sir Lucious Left Foot, which was released earlier this year after being stuck in limbo for a few years. "So just to give you some insight, we working," he continued. "Everything is all Gucci. My thing is, I didn't need to put out an album just because. It has to be about the music."

With that, Big kicked off "Shutterbuggg," and the party officially began. "I keep it player while some choose to play it safe," Big Boi rapped over the cascading beat. "Boy, check the résumé, it's risky business in the A."

Big Boi's upcoming tour dates:

» 9/17 - Chicago, IL @ Congress Theater
» 9/18 - Providence, RI @ Brown University
» 9/22 - Arcata, CA @ Arcata Community Center
» 9/24 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Palms Casino
» 9/25 - Fontana, CA @ Epicenter
» 10/01 - Bloomington, IN @ Indiana University
» 10/08 - Columbia, SC @ University of South Carolina
» 10/15 - San Diego, CA @ UC of San Diego
» 10/23 - Seattle, WA @ Showbox Sodo
» 10/28 - Charleston, SC @ Charleston Visitors Center
» 10/29 - Asheville, NC @ Asheville Civic Center (Moogfest)
» 10/30 - Houston, TX @ Tom Bass Park Amphitheater
» 11/12 - Chattanooga, TN @ University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
» 11/18 - Sydney, Australia @ Fox Studios

Do you think Big Boi and Andre 3000 will make good on their promise to reunite for an Outkast album? Tell us in the comments!

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MTV News Extended Play: Big Boi

07 Jul 2010 19:43:18 EDT

Big Boi talks about Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty, making music and more.
By

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Big Boi Loses Head Over Buxom Beauty In New 'Shutterbugg' Video

27 May 2010 16:52:29 EDT

The Outkast MC appears headless, rhyming and backed by band of puppets in funky clip.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with additional reporting by James "FLX" Smith

Big Boi is as cool as they come, but that doesn't stop the slick-witted Outkast MC from losing his head over a buxom beauty in his new clip for "Shutterbugg," which hit the Internet Thursday (check out a preview here).

In the Chris Robinson-directed video, a headless Big Boi is seen from behind, seated and dancing on a stool, while his leading lady clutches his disembodied, but still-rapping noggin.

"Not to flex/ But to protect my neck/ Like the Wu-Tang," Big Boi raps over the funk-drenched bounce. "Self-preservation is the rule when you do aim."

"The video concept basically accents different lines with the song," Big Boi told MTV News earlier this month from the video's Atlanta set. "It goes with the rhymes. Chris Robinson was definitely onboard [with the concept]. What he took from the song was a lyrical, visual adventure. There's a lot of special stuff going on. He's freaking the visuals like I'm freaking the rhymes."

In several scenes in the video, Big Boi can be seen rhyming on a mountain of sneakers, while an enormous pyramid of red disposable cups forms the backdrop. A group of musicians — made up entirely of puppets — serves as the Atlanta rapper's backing band.

Earlier this month, Big Boi talked about "Shutterbugg," the lead single from his forthcoming solo effort, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty, his first project with Def Jam, due in July.

After dropping a few teaser selections, including the Gucci Mane-assisted "Shine Blockas" and "Royal Flush," featuring Raekwon and Andre 3000, Big Boi is ready to move forward with his long-delayed LP via the Scott Storch-produced "Shutterbugg."

"It's basically a cut that's all about capturing the moment, whether it be your kid's first steps or you got a Polaroid and you with your lady somewhere," Big Boi said of his single. "It's about capturing the moment and getting them good times. When you look at certain photos, it takes you back to the moment, and that's what it's about. It's a funky, get-down, slap-your-sister-in-the-mouth jam."

What do you think about Big Boi's new video? Let us know in the comments!

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OutKast

Big Boi's 'Shutterbugg' Video Is All About 'Capturing Moments'

06 May 2010 11:04:00 EDT

'When you look at certain photos, it takes you back,' Outkast rapper says of his latest single.
By Jayson Rodriguez, with reporting by James "FLX" Smith

Those Outkast fellas sure do have a thing for photography. Andre 3000's breakout solo hit "Hey Ya" featured the memorable suggestion "shake it like a Polaroid picture." Now, Andre's partner-in-rhyme, Big Boi, is busting out with his latest single, "Shutterbugg," a reference to — what else? — snapping pics.

"It's basically a cut that's all about capturing the moment, whether it be your kid's first steps or you got a Polaroid and you with your lady somewhere," Big Boi explained to MTV News from the Atlanta set of the song's video. "It's about capturing the moment and getting them good times. When you look at certain photos, it takes you back to the moment, and that's what it's about. It's a funky, get-down, slap-your-sister-in-the-mouth jam."

The track, produced by Scott Storch, is the first single from Big Boi's revamped Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty.

"Now party people in the club, it's time to cut a rug/ And throw your drinks in the sky just for the shutterbugs," he raps on the hook.

Big's long-delayed project has been in the works for three years now and has seen its release date pushed back several times. Originally slated to be released on Jive Records, Big Boi is now set to drop Sir Lucious Left Foot through Def Jam Records on July 6. Last month, Big Boi revealed that Andre 3000 would appear on three tracks on his album.

"The sound of the album is basically what you been getting from Outkast," Big told MTV News of the collection. "Raw lyricism and the funkiest grooves you can lay your ears on."

Are you looking forward to Big Boi's "Shutterbug" video? Tell us in the comments!

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