For whatever reasons, Big Boi – while being the more visible half of OutKast – always appears to be the most under appreciated. Handling it all in stride and with the highest class possible, Big celebrates the release of his second solo album (third if Speakerboxxx is included), Vicious Lies And Dangerous Rumors, which hit stores and iTunes today. Before that, General Patton sat down with the good folks at HipHopDX to discuss all things Outkast, new music and more.
On respect for lyricism
I’m a fan of lyricism, and them two are guys that I respect, that can spit. And they didn’t let me down.
When I did the A$AP Rocky record, [“Lines”], T.I. and DJ Drama came by the studio that same night. T.I. was supposed to be on “Lines” as well, but after I got with Sarah [of Phantogram] and we finished it up I told Tip I had another record for him and it was “In The A.” And he came back a couple of weeks later and we camped out and he came in and smashed it.
And then Luda, he was actually filming Fast and Furious part 30 or whatever part they on over in Europe. [Laughs] On his day off he went in and did his verse and sent it back. So yeah, it worked out good.
On his relationship with Andre 3000
But that’s my partner. You know, when we meet behind closed doors – And you get the articles and [it’s] “he said this” and “he said that;” muthafuckas taking shit outta context; they don’t really know us. That’s my brother. He comes to my house; our kids play together. They play video games and we sit and listen to music and just catch up. But, that’s out of the public eye. But when you been with a guy since the tenth grade, we don’t have to see each other every day. And we don’t have to make records all of the time; we got a catalog that’s unprecedented. And, when he ready to do a full ‘Kast record together, then that’ll happen. But until then, ain’t no problems or nothing and the music [I make] is still gonna sound out of this world.
On his marriage
Nah, not really. The song in itself (“She Hates Me”) was just a jammin’-ass song, and when putting it together it was just in honesty. That’s another thing Dre told me; he was like, “Man, you have to be so open with people; that’s what’s gonna draw people to you.”
I ain’t got shit to hide. I’m human like everybody else. And shit, my marriage and everything is great. I’ve been with my woman for twenty years [total]. We’re going on our 11th anniversary come Valentine’s Day. We’ve got three beautiful kids. I’ve got a daughter that’s about to go off to college. And, life is really, really good like Nas said. I’m loving this shit.
To read the rest of the interview, click here. Before doing that, be sure to support one of rap’s living legends by purchasing the new album.
