OutKast fans are unarguable the most starved fans in hip hop. While the group, consisting of members André 3000 and Big Boi is guaranteed to go down as one of the greatest rap duos of all time, they haven’t released an album since 2006’s Idlewild and fans have been eagerly awaiting their comeback.
With the 20th anniversary of their monster album “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” approaching, fans have speculated that the duo might use the milestone to reintegrate themselves into the music landscape. However, organized Noize producer Sleepy Brown says fans shouldn’t expect anything special on that day because Outkast as a group is done. He made the declaration during an interview with TMZ Hip Hop. He confirmed Big Boi is ready for a return, but says 3000 is on a different trajectory.
“Nah, they not coming back,” he said in response to a question about the group possibly reuniting to commemorate the anniversary. “[André] is on a whole ‘nother journey and he’s doing something [laughs]… don’t hold your breath for no Outkast reunion, don’t do it to yourself, it’s not gonna happen.”
In a 2017 interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constituion, Big Boi was asked about the possibility of another Outkast album, to which he responded:
“I’ve always said, whenever ‘Dre is ready, I’m always ready. Right now he’s focusing on different things, and we respect that as a brotherhood. We text each other every other day. That’s my brother. We’ve done everything there is to do in music. We won the highest prize, we sold the most records. We started when we were 17 years old — let the man breathe a little bit.”
Andre 3000, who has been more focused on fashion as of late, was recently spotted in the streets of Tokyo, Japan with a flute in hand.
“Speakerboxxx/The Love” Below is the fifth studio album by Outkast. Released September 23, 2003, as a double album via Arista Records, the LP was supported with the hit singles “Hey Ya!” and “The Way You Move”, which both reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and is one of two rap albums to ever win Album of the Year at the Grammys.
In the interview with TMZ, Sleepy Brown who is signed to Big Boi’s Purple Ribbon Records revealed his greatest OutKast album is the group’s 1998 album “Aquemini.”
“For me that album really was the moment OutKast really flourished as producers too, so for me that album is me watching them grow that’s why it’s my favorite,” he said.
The eclectic LP spawned the classic records “Rosa Parks,” “SpottieOttieDopaliscious” and was certified platinum two months after its release.
Watch Sleepy Brown’s interview with TMZ below.
