It’s cooler than being cool that Big Boi is the face of a limited edition Tall Boy Budweiser can.
But even cooler than that?
The Outkast icon and Atlanta rapper remembers well that his father and grandfather popped their share of Buds while little Antwan Patton was growing up, making the full circle element of the promotion even more rewarding.
And, to add even more emotional undercurrent to what might seem merely a promotional opportunity, the name of Big Boi’s father, Chico Dusty, is prominent on the 25-ounce can.
“When I looked at it, I think I went to the back of Stankonia (studio) and might have shed a tear,” Big Boi said in an interview this week, having just returned from a visit to his football-playing son, Patton, at the University of Oregon. “That’s my angel on the other side.”
The specialty cans – which debuted Oct. 10 - will be available only in Georgia stores, restaurants and bars while supplies last.
Fans of the prolific artist and entrepreneur will notice many other tidbits embedded in the can design – elements specifically chosen by Big Boi.
Of course, there is Big Boi in his ATL baseball cap, “sitting in the blistering cold in my faux fur,” he said. Lyrics from his debut solo single “Shutterbugg” are written on the top of the can and an oft-quoted lyric from Outkast’s “ATLiens,” “Cooler than a polar bear’s toenails,” is scripted across the front label.
And for the curious, yes, his Outkast partner Andre 3000 has seen the can and signaled his approval.
“We have a Dungeon Family group text and text every day,” Big Boi said.
Fans will be able to celebrate the Budweiser can with Big Boi on Nov. 9 at a pop-up party. To enter the sweepstakes to attend, snap a photo with the Big Boi Tall Boy and share on Instagram or Twitter with the tag @BudweiserUSA and hashtag #BigBoiBud and #sweeps.
“”If the vibe is right, I’ll always get on the mic,” Big Boi said of what might occur at the gathering.
The always-busy Big just released the single "Intentions," with Dungeon Family partner Sleepy Brown and guest CeeLo Green. An album from Big Boi and Brown, recorded at Stankonia, is due in early 2020 and will also feature an appearance by Killer Mike.
“It’s what the people want. It’s the real deal. No two songs sound alike, 13 brand new cuts. I’m very proud,” Big Boi said. “At this point, music is supposed to be fun. I record because I have fun discovering new grooves.”
This is also the point in Big Boi’s life when he’s even more open to building his brand.
“(The Budweiser can) is one of many career highlights,” he said. “I’ve pretty much done everything, but now I have a lot more free time to do more movies and TV and stuff like this. I get to live life.”
