As the more outlandish and introspective half of the experimental rap duo Outkast, Andre Benjamin—or Andre 3000—has established himself as a bona fide innovator in a musical genre that has seen better creative days. Along with high school buddy Antwan Patton (a.k.a. Big Boi), Outkast has become a giant in the rap world, separating themselves from their hip-hop contemporaries by incorporating more than just thuggish lyrics and pumping beats—they’ve added elements of funk, jazz and rock-n-roll into a genre desperate for change. As for Andre 3000, the exploration into other modes of expression
With Antwan Patton (aka Big Boi) signed to the LaFace record label; first rap group signed to the primarily R&B-focused label
1994
Recorded and released their first single, "Player's Ball"
1994
Released debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik; certified platinum
1996
Released their second album ATLiens
1998
Released third album Aquemini; was sued in 1999 over their single "Rosa Parks" by the civil rights pioneer over the use of her name, citing "unlawful appropriation of her name"
