Outkast Biography

The rap duo known as Outkast consists of Big Boi (Antwan Patton, born 1 February 1975) and Dre (Andre Benjamin, b. 27 May 1975, also known as 3000). The two met while students at Tri-Cities High near Atlanta, Georgia. Their first album, 1994’s Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, included the hit single “Player’s Ball.” Outkast became known for its heavy funk emphasis and far-out wardrobe; E! Online once described them as “psychedelic glam-rappers.” The band cemented its fame with two Grammy Awards in 2002: best rap album for Stankonia and best rap duo for the tune “Ms. Jackson,” from the same album. Their 2003 double album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was a critical and popular success and featured the crossover hit “Hey Ya!” Other Outkast albums include ATLiens (1996) and Aquemini (1998) and Idlewild (2006).