Big Boi's Music Career

Big Boi is an American rapper, songwriter and record producer from Atlanta, Georgia. He is best known as one half of the legendary hip-hop duo Outkast alongside Andre 3000. The pair achieved massive commercial success in the late 1990s and early 2000s with their albums Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (1994), Aquemini (1998), Stankonia (2000) and Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003). Big Boi also released several successful solo albums including Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty (2010), Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors (2012), Boomiverse (2017) and his most recent album, 2020’s Soul Funktion. He has won three Grammy Awards and has been nominated for eight more.

Early Life

Big Boi was born Antwan André Patton on February 1, 1975 in Savannah, Georgia. He grew up in Atlanta’s East Point neighborhood and started rapping at an early age. He began performing at local clubs and eventually caught the attention of local producer Mr. DJ who helped him form the duo Outkast alongside Andre 3000 in 1992.

Breakthrough Success With Outkast

Outkast released their groundbreaking debut album Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik in 1994 to critical acclaim. The album was a massive hit, selling over two million copies and earning several awards including a Grammy for Best Rap Album. The group went on to release four more successful albums over the next decade, each receiving widespread critical acclaim and earning multiple awards.

Big Boi's Solo Career

In 2010, Big Boi released his debut solo album Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty to critical acclaim. The album was a commercial success, selling over two million copies worldwide. It earned multiple awards including two Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Album. Big Boi followed it up with 2012’s Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors which was also a commercial success. In 2017 he released his third solo album Boomiverse to positive reviews. His most recent album Soul Funktion was released in 2020.

Acting Career

In addition to his music career, Big Boi has also appeared in several films and television shows including ATL (2006), Idlewild (2006), Who Gets the Last Laugh? (2013) and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2014). He also voiced characters in the animated films Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012) and Sing (2016).

Personal Life

Big Boi is married to Sherlita Patton. The couple have two sons together. He is also the stepfather to Patton’s daughter from a previous relationship.