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Home > Atlanta Music Scene > Archives > 2008 > September > 18 > Entry
Andre “Dre” Benjamin Going Solo
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sometime in 2009, the Atlanta rapper-actor known to some as Andre 3000 will release a solo album.
Or at least that’s what the Grammy winner born Andre Benjamin told Rolling Stone.
There’s no exact release date, or title, he added; but he does have a concept.
“It should be dropping by the end of this year or early next year. [And] I’ve pretty much been working with myself,” Benjamin tells the magazine. “I’ve never really been that big on collaboration. I have a concept, and all the soundscapes are already in my head, so I just have to figure out how to get there.”
Huh? He’s “never really been that big on collaboration”?!
This is a guy who started out in a group (OutKast) and in the two years since that duo’s last CD (“Idlewild,” on which he and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton only can be heard on three songs together) he has made numerous great (“Int’l Players Anthem — I Choose You”, with UGK) and surprising (“Walk It Out” remix, by DJ Unk; “You” remix by Lloyd) featured appearances.
Have a favorite among his guest collaborations? Excited about the news of a solo album from Benjamin? (Isn’t that what “The Love Below” was?) And speaking of which, after the success of “Hey Ya!”, which one would you like more — Dre rapping or singing?
(See a YouTube video of one of Benjamin’s most recent pairings, “Green Light” with John Legend BELOW)
Comments
By sam
September 18, 2008 9:00 AM | Link to this
sounds like a male Sade. neato.
By joe from paulding co
September 18, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
more jungle music to ruin our kids with..smh
By Ronald Jeffcoat
September 18, 2008 9:12 AM | Link to this
Smooth song, nice flow and melody. Funny lines in Dre’s rap. It seems like one of those songs that will grow on you the more you hear it.
By Lynn
September 18, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this
Niiiice:)
By Greg
September 18, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this
Joe Your kids been ruin from birth.
By Greg
September 18, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Joe, you’ve obviously never listened to Andre’s music. He’s one of the few rappers you should let your kids listen.
By Greg
September 18, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Joe Your kids been ruined from birth.
By Greg
September 18, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Joe Your kids been ruined from birth.
By rodrj32
September 18, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
JOE FROM PAULDING YOU ARE AN ILLITERATE, RACIST, IDIOT!!! I’M SURE YOUR A CARD CARRYING MEMBER.. GO BACK IN TO YOUR HOLE TRAILOR TRASH!!!!!!!
By Paulding County Teacher
September 18, 2008 9:20 AM | Link to this
A really shocking comment from you joe. Paulding is full of ignorant, racist morons. I’m sure you are one of the many EPHS fans that parade around in your rusted-out truck with the big rebel flag strapped to the back, and your black-eyed girlfriend riding shotgun. How about leaving your narrow mind back in the 1800’s and joining the rest of us in the 21st century?
By Alex
September 18, 2008 9:22 AM | Link to this
Well Joe from Paulding County if you would pay more attention to your kids than your money, you would have more of an influence on them than the entertainment industry has.
By T
September 18, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Joe get a GRIP on LIFE and on reality!! These children need a positive role model and Andre 3000 is that ONE! And exactly what is “Jungle Music”, are you talking down to the African American race? Because if so…The White race is trying to be more and more like US EVERYDAY!!
By T
September 18, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
I love this song its sooo smooth it is very grown and sexy!!! Joe what is JUNGLE music, what are you saying? Your kids probably are listening to rap, and hip-hop every chance they get. I live in an area where whites out number and I see all of the little white kids so happy to be away from there parents trying to act all hip and turning there rap music up all loud in their cars WAKE UP!
By LAB
September 18, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Hey Andre 3000 has great music. He speaks the truth and not what will make him cool (shooting and killing) Also this site is having a gas card give away EZMoola.net
By ATL blogs are the funniest
September 18, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Joe you must be having a bad day. I agree with Greg, your kids been ruined from birth and your comment is proof. Andre 3000’s music is music that I would like for my children to listen to. I think he is a positive force in hip-hop/rap, his style is that of no other and he is one of the most creative artist out there.
By "Tell it all"
September 18, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this
Joe from Paulding, if this is JUNGlE MUSIC then HEAVY METAL must be for CRACK&METHHEADS.I know 3000 had you bouncing so hard that you could’nt find your pipe and lighter.
By ATL blogs are the funniest
September 18, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Joe you must be having a bad day. I agree with Greg, your kids been ruined from birth and your comment is proof. Andre 3000’s music is music that I would like for my children to listen to. I think he is a positive force in hip-hop/rap, his style is that of no other and he is one of the most creative artist out there.
By ATL blogs are the funniest
September 18, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this
Joe you must be having a bad day. I agree with Greg, your kids been ruined from birth and your comment is proof. Andre 3000’s music is music that I would like for my children to listen to. I think he is a positive force in hip-hop/rap, his style is that of no other and he is one of the most creative artist out there.
By ATL blogs are the funniest
September 18, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Joe you must be having a bad day. I agree with Greg, your kids been ruined from birth and your comment is proof. Andre 3000’s music is music that I would like for my children to listen to. I think he is a positive force in hip-hop/rap, his style is that of no other and he is one of the most creative artist out there.
By David
September 18, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Joe, I’m mad and I’m going to take all my effort and bash you rather than talk about the topic at hand.
False.
I don’t know what to think of a solo album. I am a diehard OutKast fan and always have been. from Aquemini to ATLiens…to the big hit stankonia…Idlewild was horrible..but I love their style and fresh ideas. I do think him saying all that was a copout..but he is a smart man. I’m sure he knows what he is doing.
By Tameka
September 18, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this
The song is amazing! I think this was a great collaboration. I’m praying for Joe from Paulding County… Have a great day guys!
By Run
September 18, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
Joe obviously do not know Andre 3000’s music. Be honest Joe. You are jealous of this black man’s success. The way you did with it is by putting him down. All black rappers are not negative no more than all white people do not live in trailer parks strung out on meth and neglecting their children.
By Curtis
September 18, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
Joe I’m going to add you in my prayer’s.
By ATL blogs are the funniest
September 18, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Big Ups to Andre! I really enjoyed “Green Light!”
Joe, instead of H-A-T-I-N-G try listening to it. You might find that you like it.
By Kevin
September 18, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Joe is a perfect example of bad parents blaming their lack of parenting skills on the entertainment industry.
Joe if you were a real father you would understand that the only way you can change your children’s love of “jungle music” is to do what your parents should have done with you. TALK to them about the lyrics they are hearing. If after that they still choose to listen to what you deem to be unacceptable music, then good sir the problem is not the music, it is the fact that your children just don’t respect YOU!! And that is not the entertainment industry’s fault. It starts with you.
By Another point of view
September 18, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
Folks, don’t be so hard on ol Joe. As long as we have idiots like him we know where the bottom of the barrel is. Btw, helpless and hopeless idiots like him aren’t the problem. He couldn’t bust a grape. We need to start working on the racists wearing nice suits and passing laws.
By Patrick
September 18, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this
I know who 3000 is, but who in the h*ll is Joe Doe. Stop feeding into the negativity. Andre do ya thing son and when you’re finished I got what I think is the screenplay of the decade for you.
By Mitch
September 18, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Joe is a coward, typical of those who think like him. If he is unhappy with the type of music, maybe he should move back to Europe say somewhere in Russia and listen to his type of music.
By frank
September 18, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
great music andre 3000 and we’re ready to listen right now do your thing boy. f….u joe.
By Goose
September 18, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
Dats f******* up
By Sam
September 18, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this
Come people, realize that “Joe” only typed that jsut to get a response, in fact on all the comment sections any time some silly attention wanting person wants some attention, they start it with a racist comment, just look back on any article you will always see somebody with a race baiting comment. Do not encourage this attention grabbing behaivor. Look forward to hearing the new stuff, hope it is better than Idlewild.
By lb
September 18, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Every day on the AJC scary people like Joe from Paulding come out of the woodwork and make racist comments from behind the veil of internet anonymity. It’s shameful and disgusting and I shudder to think how many of these cowards lurk in our state.
By Word to the Wise
September 18, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Everyone:
You are doing EXACTLY what he wants you to do-to stoop to his ignorant level and create a forum where sterotypes and racism is a topic, and not addressing the real reason for this blog…it’s about Andre 3000, remember?!?!
People like him, enjoy stirring $hit up…ignore his foolishness and stick to the subject matter. He’s obviously in denial about the fact that more caucasian kids today listen to rap music today than ever-Michael Phelps ring a bell? 8 gold medals all the while listening to rap music ‘to hype him up’…amazing, isn’t it?
Anyway, back to the topic at hand, I commend Andre for doing great work and can’t wait for his solo project to drop. Been a fan of his since early Outkast! Looking forward to hearing and seeing more of him in the future!
By EJ
September 18, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Joe is one of the main reasons why we must put Obama in office. Its time for a national change. Its time to come together and stay.
By Vicki
September 18, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Joe is the prime example of why we need “CHANGE”. There will always be people like Joe. His kind never changes because they continuously teach ingnorance to their kids. He doesn’t understand positivity because his parents probably had none. Andre 3000 is full of positivity. Hey Joe, try listening by yourself. I’ll bet you’ll change your opinion, maybe not your views. One step at a time is what brings on “CHANGE” Oh, and Joe, I love you.
By Najeh Davenpoop
September 18, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Typical rap-related blog on ajc.com:
Comment #1: By racist white guy “rap is crap jungle music garbage lock em up f-ck black people etc etc”
Comments #2-10: By rap fans “OMFG WHITE GUY I HATE YOU F-CK OFF UR SO RACIST OMFG OMFG IT OFFENDS ME SO MUCH TAHT SOMEONE POSTED AN ANONYMOUS COMMENT ABOUT MY FAVORITE GENRE OF MUSIC ON A INTERNET MESSAGE FORUM”
Comment #11: By racist white guy #2 “jungle music illiterate n-word go back to africa blah blah blah”
Comments #12-20: By rap fans “STFU YOU RACIST GO BACK TO F-CKING YOUR SISTER OBAMA 08”
Meanwhile the idiot ajc editors let this go on every day and, I don’t know, sit back and laugh?
By another native
September 18, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
Andre 3000 produces some very interesting music, not atonal patois rhymes that most of the “rap artists” shovel out onto the airwaves speaking of self aggrandizement and how they’re going to kill off brain cells. He’s a breath of fresh air.
By Georgia Peach who has been patiently waiting on Dre'.......
September 18, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Know this…Andre 3-STACKS is the best rapper of all time! He is a force, and those of you who really want to know what a rapper is about, please just please wait, he won’t let you down!!!! Besides, me and a special friend already talked this up, we’re just waiting on the RELEASE date!!! Yes Andre 3-stacks fans Fo-life! Purp&Blue!!
By Tomahawk Matt
September 18, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Outcasts are awesome!
But for the record, HEAVY METAL was around long long long before meth and crack.
Bring some more rap back A3K.
By Longtime Outkast Fan
September 18, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Jim, you really need to listen before you assume. You may lose some of the generalizations you have about “jungle music” if you listen to some old Outkast. I can hardly stand today’s rap and r&b music, simply because I think it all sounds the same and the quality and originality of yesterday isn’t there anymore. That being said, I grew up listening to both genres as well as a lot of all types of rock. By far my favorite rap group though has always been Outkast.
From the first time I heard Southernplayalistic in ‘94 until now Dre and Big Boi have been putting out Original, Thoughtful, Relevant, Quality music. They have always been able to ride the thin line between sounding “real” and getting a positive message across. Their music is really smart and always jams. I wish all the kids out there that are “hood” or live in the suburbs and wish they were “hood” would all study a little ATliens and Aquemini. They might learn something and so could you.
By Josh
September 18, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Joe is obviously an idiot. However, it does not make you sound any smarter to throw insults at him. Ignore him and he will not get the attention he has been missing since the 1870’s.
By Not Joe
September 18, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Funny how Joe figured out how to only post his comment once. All you other idiots have managed to post the same thing multiple times.
By fo po
September 18, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Najeh Davenpoop had it on the point. The editors must sit back and laugh at this stuff. It goes on in all newspapers - just look at sfgate.com (San Francisco) and about the oakland murder problem. Even in a liberal place you have the same kind of bashing and fighting between posts.
I think newspapers need to question the point of “comments” and monday morning quarterbacks.
By Stating the obvious
September 18, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this
Hey Paulding County Teacher - - ” parade around in your rusted-out truck with the big rebel flag strapped to the back, and your black-eyed girlfriend riding shotgun. How about leaving your narrow mind back in the 1800’s and joining the rest of us in the 21st century?”
Sounds like you’re the one that’s stereotyping and racist. Why don’t you practive what you preach instead of spewing your own crap?
BTW, not my style of music of choice but it is a nicely done song.
By Precious
September 18, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
I met Andre walking down Peachtree St. by himself and he is not star struck at all, he was so approachable. I love the duet with John Legend and I wish him the best in whatever he decides to do. As to Joe from Paulding Co., there’s a reason you’re in Paulding Co. you’re scared to come into the Real World!
By Jason J.
September 18, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
C’Mon everybody. I live in Paulding County and I think Joe is an idiot! Don’t lump all of us together. No one can be defined by their race, place of residence, or anything else. People are, in fact, individuals. Some good and some bad. There are idiots in all walks of life and all zip codes. P.S. - Paulding is the “real world”, we just want to live away from the city and enjoy more for our money. Visit Paulding county and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
By non-racist
September 18, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
Everyone ask yourself a question about Joe from Paulding Co. WHY IS HE EVEN READING AN ARTICLE ABOUT DRE 3000 IF HE CONSIDERS HIS MUSIC “JUNGLE MUSIC”?????
By Fulton
September 18, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
Wow! How easily no one worth mentioning was able to distract most of you from the actual topic. Once you feed into it, they’ve got you!! Stay focused folks, learn to ignore ignorance…
By I wonder
September 18, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this
This friday open your kids trunk befoe they go out.
By Chuck Carswell
September 18, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
I think I saw Joe at the grocery store the other day, but I can’t be sure b/c I couldn’t see his face under his white robes.
By Luv 2 hate Me
September 18, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
I think the AJC writers blog the first comment to get people rowdy in the morning. To get people to talk about something. What would be a blog without drama! Just look at all the blogs on ajc and notice how the first comment is usually something ignorant. It’s a setup people to get you worked up over nothing. PEOPLE MUST KNOW THE TRUTH!
By AtlSouthside
September 18, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Sonia Murray, you took 3000’s words out of context. Just because he drops a solo album, doesn’t mean he’s “Going Solo.” That’s exactly how rumors start. (that’s also irresponsible journalism) Big Boi and Andre are both releasing solo’s. But of course that wasn’t include in the column. And they both will release an Outkast CD next year, that wasn’t included either.
By virtueandvice
September 18, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Joe,
If you hate rap music so much and it’s corrupting the mind of your kids, why did you read this article? People like you are the new J. Edgar Hoovers. Crying about Communism while wearing panties. Love Hater!!!!
By mike
September 18, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
ms.murray..
kind of a deceiving title.. i mean dre has been solo now since the love below..but yes, outkast is still a group, and they have an album in the works (you know this, youre in the industry, i dont know why you dont choose to mention this considering you could have called up big or dre and asked them yourself) but all in all im looking forward to each of their solos and the outkast album.
By atl2
September 18, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Sonia Murray-
I agree with AtlSouthside.. you write this very out of context article and put a link to it on the front page.. very deceiving. You are implicating that OutKast is breaking up, when they are not. You made no mention of the album they are working on together. Oh and while I’m harping on you, you never did an article or review of Killer Mike’s new album. I bet you are the type of individual that this line was directed at:
“We ain’t Club Nouveau/So quit spreadin’ them rumors” -Antwon Patton- “Return of the G”
By Mike
September 18, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
After I go #2, I smell the tp after I wipe. Figure you all would want to know since we are off topic.
By Michael
September 18, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
People lets not forget that Music belongs to everyone. No one ethnicity owns it. I am african american and I listen to everything from Classical to Hiphop to Techno to Reggae. All Music genre take ideas from each other. You have country artist that listen to Rock, Hip hop artist that listen to Techno. Even some of the classical Artist have admitted that they listen to R&B.
I like Andre 3000. I love OutKast. I just hope that they will still make music together. They are one of the few Groups that do not Radiate with negative Lyrics. They give back to their community which is made up of all ethnicities. If Rap is Jungle Music is Country Cave music? I hate to admit it but Environment did shape music. There is alot of truth to that. Unfortunately he has a point. Alot of Music based on the life and struggles of the African Diaspora reflect our surrounds exactly like music that has come from the Cacausian and Asian Diaspora. Those that know the history of Music know that.
By PlayaHata
September 18, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this
I always liked Big Boi better. Smell my tp.
By Empowerment Movement
September 18, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
I always liked this track before the AJC put it on here. I give Andre mad props, I like Outkast as a duo, but it is always good to see artist step out and do their on thing from time to time. I wouldn’t want Andre 3000 to regret not doing his thing later in life. So good luck to him and I will be waiting for the album to drop….
By Jules
September 18, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
I Love Andre “ICE COLD” 3 stakes! Can’t wait!!!
By Jules
September 18, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
I Love Andre “ICE COLD” 3 stakes! Can’t wait!!!
By Jules
September 18, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
I Love Andre “ICE COLD” 3 stakes! Can’t wait!!!
By Grace
September 18, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Very nice Andre. Very nice. Keep doing it. Dre
By ant banks
September 18, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
look, don’t worry bout joe from paulding county. some young african american football stud is waxing his daughter. he will change his views when he is loving on his brownskinned grand baby!!
By Barbara
September 18, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Smooth collaboration - this is a hit!
By Kasted
September 18, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
He doesnt like to colab on his solo work (see The Love Below) but as OutKast he has to consider Big Boi and he was featured on other people’s songs…thats not his colabo, thats the main artist’s…AJC you are lame
By Oaktown
September 18, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this
This obsession with Joe from Paulding is why I hate comment sections on newspaper Websites. They are all the same. The writer asks a question. Three people answer it and then by the fourth answer the whole thing morphs into sophomoric exchanges of name calling and racial attacks. Those who comment never stay on the subject and readers are left with viewing the thrilling back and forth between anonymous folks named stuff like sz100 and timmy from conyers… It is depressing and makes the newspaper and ultimately makes us all look bad.
By Oaktown
September 18, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
And by the way— just because Joe— did not like the song does not mean that he is racist—
And my opinion? Andre should go solo— It seems that Big Boi and Andre have moved apart musically— It happens. It is called growing up. It reminds me of Phife and Q-Tip in Tribe back in the day— It was obvious that they were moving apart musically and it killed the group and their careers to stay together.