Big Boi, Daddy Fat Sax, General Patton, Sir Lucious Left Foot. Whatever you want to call Mr. Antwan Patton, just know that when you speak his name (or nickname), you are referring to a living rap legend. Known as one-half of the influential Southern rap duo, Outkast, he and his rap partner, Andre 3000, first took over the airwaves in 1994, as the world was introduced to a side of Southern hip-hop that had never been heard before.
Patton, a Savannah, Georgia native, moved to Atlanta and formed a musical bond with Andre Benjamin in 1992, while they were both attending a visual and performing arts high school. They signed a record deal as Outkast and released their debut album in 1994. They have endured a very successful career, releasing six studio albums, winning multiple Grammy Awards and influencing many other Southern rappers along the way.
However, after years of success, the two rappers started experimenting separately with different sounds. With the release of their fifth studio album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, it became evident that a difference of direction could be overshadowing their unison. Shortly after, the two long-time friends decided that Outkast would go on an indefinite hiatus.
Big Boi was the first to act alone, releasing a compilation album in 2005 under his own label, Purple Ribbon Records, followed by his first solo album in 2010, Sir Lucious Leftfoot...The Son of Chico Dusty. Unlike Andre, Big Boi mainly stayed true to his original rap style, while continuing to mix R&B/soul, funk and jazz into his hip-hop beats. However, that sentiment has changed with the release of his newest album, Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors. He has stepped out of his comfort zone more than ever before, featuring a few collaborations with indie electronic bands and showing a more open-minded side of Big Boi.
While we are left wondering if there will be another Outkast album in the near future, enjoy the ear candy that Big Boi continues to deliver. Bringing his legendary flow to Chattanooga, Big Boi will perform live at Track 29 on Friday, May 31.