Why André 3000 Thinks Another OutKast Album Is Unlikely
For fans holding out hope for a new OutKast album, André 3000 has some tough love: it’s unlikely to happen. In a candid interview with Rolling Stone, the rapper and musician, whose real name is André Benjamin, shared his thoughts on the iconic duo’s future and why he’s focused on a different chapter of his artistic journey.
“I’ll say maybe 10, 15 years ago, in my mind, I thought an OutKast album would happen,” André admitted.
“I don’t know the future, but I can say that we’re further away from it than we’ve ever been,” he said further, adding, “I think it’s a chemistry thing. We have to be wanting to do it. It’s hard for me to make a rap, period, you know? And sometimes I’m in the belief of ‘Let things be.'”
André, 49, and his longtime collaborator Big Boi formed OutKast in 1992, releasing six groundbreaking albums and earning six Grammy Awards. Their music defined an era, blending Southern hip-hop with innovative sounds and unforgettable lyrics. Yet, the duo took a hiatus in 2007 to explore solo projects, and while they reunited for festival performances in 2014, their last show together was in New Orleans that same year.
Reflecting on their golden era, André said, “It was a great time in life, and our chemistry was at a certain place that was undeniable. And I think the audience sometimes believes that something has to last forever, and I don’t think that. Any kind of art form, I think that’s probably the opposite. It probably should not last forever.”
The Ms. Jackson singer explained why the magic of OutKast can’t be replicated. “In the end, we did give a product, but what made that product was a certain time in both of our lives. It’s not like we’re Coca-Cola, where it’s this formula that you can always press a button and it’ll happen,” he stated.
For those wondering about a farewell tour, André dashed those hopes, too. “I doubt that [would happen],” he said.
But André isn’t finished creating. In 2023, after a 17-year hiatus from releasing music, he surprised fans with New Blue Sun, his debut studio album. Departing from rap, the album showcases André’s talents as a flutist and dives deep into jazz and instrumental woodwinds. The effort earned him three Grammy nominations for 2025, including Album of the Year.
Big Boi, ever supportive, even attended André’s New Blue Sun performance in Atlanta earlier this year. Despite their different paths, their respect for each other remains.
André knows fans will always long for another OutKast album.”I know, for the rest of my life, people will be like, ‘One more OutKast album,’” he stated.
While André understands the nostalgia, he believes in moving forward. “…I’m like, ‘Man, if we ain’t do an OutKast album in 20 years, do y’all really think it’s going to happen now?'” he added.
