OutKast fans hoping for a reunion album from André 3000 and Big Boi may need to give up on that dream. Because in a new interview, André explained quite succinctly that new music from the legendary duo is now less likely than ever.
“I would say maybe 10, 15 years ago, in my mind, I thought the OutKast album would come out,” André 3000 said. Rolling Stone. “I don’t know the future, but I can say that we are farther away from it than ever before.”
The artist believes that the chemistry between him and Big Boi is not what it is now.
“It’s a chemistry problem,” he added. “We have to want to do it. It’s hard for me to write a rap, you know? And sometimes I have this belief of ‘Let it be’.”
Founded in 1992, OutKast became famous for their unique blend of hip-hop and funk, releasing six albums and winning six Grammy Awards throughout their career. They took a hiatus in 2007 to pursue solo projects but reunited in 2014 for Coachella. Their last performance together was later that year in New Orleans.
Reflecting on those early days, André describes the magic they shared as fleeting but meaningful. “It was a great time in our lives and there was a certain level of chemistry between us that was undeniable,” he said. “Audiences sometimes believe that something has to last forever, and I don’t think so. Any form of art probably shouldn’t last forever.”
CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 02: Andre 3000 of Outkast performs at the Samsung Galaxy stage during Day Two of Lollapalooza 2014 at Grant Park on August 2, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. Image According to Wargo/Getty for Billboard for TIDAL
He added that their music is tied to a specific time in their lives and is not something that can be simply copied. “It’s not like we’re Coca-Cola,” he quipped, “it’s a formula where you can always push a button and it will happen.”
Fans hoping for even a farewell tour may be disappointed. “I doubt it [would happen]”, André said. “To be honest, I’m not someone who likes to look back. I’m grateful for everything that happened, but it was time. To me, that is what it is. It was a great time and I wish you all were there.”
In 2023, André 3000 released his first solo album, New blue suna collection of jazz-inspired flute compositions, marking a significant departure from his rap roots. Big Boi continues to make music and even showed his support by attending André’s Atlanta concert earlier this year. However, André remains realistic about fans’ expectations.
“For the rest of my life, people will say, ‘One more OutKast album,’” André admits. “But if we hadn’t done an OutKast album in 20 years, do you guys really think that would happen now?”
Tags Andre 3000, Outkast, Big Boi