The more we reflect on the rise of hip hop culture, the more we appreciate the OGs of the game. Everyone from Tupac and Biggie to 50 Cent and Eminem deserves their flowers, but no rap duo has the respect of Atlanta’s own Outkast. Insert Big Boi, best known as one-half of the group alongside Andre 3000, who changed the trajectory of hip hop forever.
Deemed one of the most influential acts of all-time, Outkast converted music-lovers all around the world into fans. Best known for their intricate lyrics, catchy hooks and melodies, and positive life messages, the duo unleashed endless records that stand the test of time. Most recently, Outkast released an animated video for “Two Dope Boyz (in a Cadillac)” right before celebrating 25 years of their album, ATLiens.
As a solo artist, Big Boi is focused on his forthcoming album called Big Sleep Over alongside Sleepy Brown. REVOLT caught up with both of them on the Heineken green carpet as he headlined the MLS All-Star Concert at The Touch at Los Angeles Coliseum. Read below to peep Big Boi discuss his love for soccer, his forthcoming project, the Dungeon Family House on Airbnb, and more!
You’re an Atlanta United fan. How did you get interested in soccer?
Big Boi: My kids were playing soccer when they were little, so being a soccer dad. After that, it progressed.
What does it mean to headline the MLS All-Star Concert?
Big Boi: It’s great man. We’ve been football, basketball, we just did the hockey thing. Now with soccer, we killing all sports. We in high demand, you know what I mean? What we doing!
Your shows are so lit. What is your favorite song to perform?
Big Boi: Right now? It’s always got to be “The Way You Move.” We got a new album coming out too, so we out here performing that too.
What can we expect from Big Sleep Over project?
Sleep Brown: Some love and some hip hop (laughs).
Big Boi: A little bit of everything.
Who’s featured on the album?
Big Boi: Killer Mike on some more shit, then Killer Mike on more songs.
Sleep Brown: We got an artist called Kay-I on “The Big Sleep is Over.”
What was the inspiration behind the animated video?
Big Boi: Shit, high. High as a bird. High with my man Trevor.
Is that your owl?
Big Boi: Yes.
How does it feel to have a pet owl?
Big Boi: It’s good, I’m an animal lover, man. That’s Hootie, she’s an Eurasion eagle-owl. She’s a rescue.
Are they really nocturnal?
Big Boi: Yup. She be woke in the daytime too (laughs).
Talk about putting the Dungeon Family House on Airbnb. How have fans reacted?
Big Boi: Oh it’s jammed up. We did a little test run with Airbnb. Three guests was in there, they recorded some great music. It’s about to go back up in a couple weeks.
How much?
Big Boi: I don’t know, it’s going to cost though. We gotta keep the riff raff out.
What does it mean to be a Black man in America today?
Big Boi: A blessing to be alive.
Sleepy Brown: A blessing to be alive! That’s really what it is.
I know this has been asked a million times… Will we see new OutKast music?
Big Boi: You got to talk to the Lord Jesus Christ and ask him. Ask and you shall receive.
What artists are you listening to currently?
Big Boi: I’m listening to a lot of reggae. A lot of Bob Marley, Kate Bush. I keep my iPod on shuffle, my phone on shuffle.
What’re you most excited for as the world semi starts to open back up?
Big Boi: This Big Sleep Over album! We outchea.