BIG BOI OF OUTKAST

As one half of OutKast, Big Boi (aka Antwan André Patton, Sir Lucious Left Foot, Daddy Fat Sax, General Patton, etc.) has reveled in a career spanning two decades in one of the most successful hip-hop groups of all time. Six Grammy awards, five studio albums and one greatest-hits package later, Big Boi and André 3000 are both doing their own thing. After a three-year delay, Big Boi's highly anticipated solo debut, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty, finally arrived in stores last summer and hit number three on the Billboard charts out of the gate.


His followup, to be titled Daddy Fat Sax, is named after a generous dude at a New Jersey White Castle who used to hook the duo up with extra sliders in every ten-sack they bought. His unexpected passing prompted Big Boi to pay homage. I spoke with the man behind the monikers about his latest album and the status of OutKast.

ME: As a member of OutKast, you've experienced more success than most MCs out there. What do you think accounts for your longevity?

Big Boi: It comes to me every day. The beats, the rhymes and ideas — they're always there. And I'm thankful for that. Also, believing in what you put out there and standing behind it and just making good music, no matter what other people think.

There is so much debate about rap versus hip-hop, old school versus new school and mainstream versus underground. What is your definition of true hip-hop?

I don't think it's that cut and dried of a definition. I mean, I don't think my style is all hip-hop. I mix in funk and rock and all different styles to create a unique sound.

When Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was released, in 2003, was that kind of a definitive statement about the enormous differences between you and André 3000?

It shows our different styles and how diverse OutKast can be. You can't really mold us into just one genre or style, but we know how to complement each other.

Will OutKast ever reconvene on another album? Tour?

Well, Dre will be coming out with his solo album, and then we have some OutKast in the works, but it's a super-top-secret project we're working on, so you will have to wait to find out.

Why were there so many delays with Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty?

My old label wasn't down with me making a solo album, so they wouldn't put it out. This album has been done for the past three years, but they wouldn't release it, so we went over to Def Jam to put it out.

Of the four elements of hip-hop, which one do you feel has been the most exploited over the years: graffiti, breakdancing, emceeing or deejaying?

Deejaying. Everyone seems to be doing it these days. There are so many good cats out there that are talented at it, though, but just too many.