Current age and birth date
André 3000 was born André Lauren Benjamin on May 27, 1975. As of 2025, he is 49 years old. He will turn 50 in May 2025. He is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor, best known as one half of the duo OutKast.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | André Lauren Benjamin | Public records |
| Date of birth | May 27, 1975 | Verified interviews/biography |
| Age in 2025 | 49 | Calculated from birth date |
| Next birthday | May 27, 2025 (turns 50) | Calendar calculation |
Early life and background
André 3000 grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended Tri-Cities High School and pursued interests in music and art from an early age. His partnership with Antwan Patton, known as Big Boi, led to the formation of OutKast in the early 1990s. Their collaborative dynamic helped define Southern hip-hop and progressive rap for a global audience.
Key career milestones
OutKast breakthrough
OutKast released their debut studio album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, in 1994. Over the next decade, they issued several landmark records, including Aquemini (1998) and ATLiens (1996). The duo achieved mainstream dominance with albums like Aquemini and Stankonia (2000), blending funk, soul, and hip-hop influences.
Solo work and acting
André 3000 pursued solo projects and acting while maintaining his work with OutKast. He appeared in films such as Idlewild (2006) and contributed to soundtracks that highlighted his eclectic tastes. His solo catalog includes the acclaimed EP The Love Below (2003), featuring the Grammy-winning single “Hey Ya!.”
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Age at OutKast formation | 18–19 (circa 1992–1994) | Based on 1975 birth year and group origin timeline |
| Peak commercial impact | Late 1990s–early 2000s | Coincides with albums like Aquemini and Stankonia |
| Major solo release | 2003 (The Love Below) | While active in OutKast, André 3000 released solo material |
| Recent public activity | Intermittent appearances and curated projects post-2020 | No full-length solo album since The Love Below; selective live and curated work |
Musical style and influence
OutKast’s catalog reflects a wide range of influences, from funk and soul to blues and electronic music. André 3000’s vocal delivery and lyricism stand out for their wit, emotional candor, and varied cadence. The duo’s integration of Southern culture with abstract, personal storytelling reshaped mainstream rap. Many artists site André 3000’s creativity as influential to alternative hip-hop and indie sensibilities.
Relationship and public narrative
André 3000 and fellow OutKast member Big Boi maintain a long-running professional partnership. Their relationship has weathered shifts in the music industry, yet they have continued to reference mutual respect and artistic alignment in interviews. The pair has reunited for performances at notable events and festivals, demonstrating endurance in their collaborative bond.
Legacy and cultural impact
André 3000 is widely recognized for expanding the vocabulary of hip-hop through metaphor, humor, and vulnerability. His work with OutKast helped elevate Southern artists to global prominence while challenging genre boundaries. As a solo artist, he has pursued innovation in sound and visual presentation, leaving a durable imprint on popular music and culture.
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