André 3000: A Journey Through the Life of a Hip-Hop Icon
One of my favorite Rap/ Hip Hop artists; and inspiration to @Kendricklamar, @tylerthecreator and myself included. Will be coming to my beloved Brooklyn Academy of Music. Sometimes when writing you get to talk about one of your idols in the industry and my alter ego (if I were a man-LOL shout out in a slight way to Prince RIP to another great I’m glad I did see live)!
So here is my mini discog; aka André 3000, born André Lauren Benjamin on May 27, 1975, in Atlanta, Georgia, is a multifaceted artist known for his eclectic style and influential contributions to hip-hop as one half of the legendary duo OutKast. His career spans music, acting, fashion, and more, each endeavor marked by innovation and creativity.
André grew up in Atlanta, where he met Antwan "Big Boi" Patton while attending high school. The two formed OutKast in 1992, quickly gaining attention with their unique sound that blended Southern rap with funk, soul, and psychedelic influences. Their debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (1994), was a critical and commercial success, putting Southern hip-hop on the map. OutKast continued to evolve with each album. ATLiens (1996) and Aquemini (1998) showcased their growth as artists, with André 3000 experimenting with different musical styles and philosophical themes. Their 2000 album, Stankonia, brought them mainstream success with hits like "Ms. Jackson" and "B.O.B." The duo's most ambitious project came in 2003 with Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, a double album featuring solo work from both artists. André 3000's half, The Love Below, was a genre-defying mix of hip-hop, funk, jazz, and pop, earning him critical acclaim and spawning the hit single "Hey Ya!"
Beyond music, André 3000 has made significant strides in acting. He starred in films such as Four Brothers (2005), Idlewild (2006), which also served as an OutKast musical film, and portrayed Jimi Hendrix in the biopic Jimi: All Is by My Side (2013). His performances have been praised for their depth and versatility, proving his talent extends beyond the recording studio - André 3000's influence isn't confined to music and film. He's also a fashion icon known for his bold, eclectic style that challenges traditional notions of masculinity in hip-hop. His now defuncted fashion line, Benjamin Bixby, launched in 2008, reflected his love for vintage Americana and was well-received for its unique aesthetic.
Although OutKast has been on hiatus, André 3000 remains a revered figure in the music industry. He's contributed to various projects, including collaborations with artists like @FrankOcean and @TravisScott.Like; I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a 'Rap' Album but This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time; is now a reflection of how I love the way he moves the creative bar wherever the wind takes him.
André 3000's legacy is one of constant reinvention and boundary-pushing creativity. Whether through music, acting, or fashion, he has consistently challenged the status quo, earning his place as one of the most influential and innovative artists of his generation. His work with OutKast has left an indelible mark on hip-hop, and his solo endeavors continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
Make sure you check out Andre 3000 on Sat, Oct 25 or 26, 2024
7:30 PM
Brooklyn Academy of Music - Howard Gilman Opera House
