Andre Benjamin, who is set to star in the role of Jimi Hendrix in the upcoming Jimi: All Is By My Side biopic, likens portraying Jimi Hendrix to playing Andre 3000.
“There’s not that much difference at all,” Andre says in an interview with TIME’s Lily Rothman. “The only thing is I’m writing the story and I’m picking out my wardrobe. That’s the only difference.”
While Andre 3000 has said he has no plans for new OutKast material, he says he has other goals for his future.
“I still write music so hopefully I’ll be able to put another project out, another album, but I think you just have to figure out what’s your grown-man dream,” he says. “I was 15 when I said, ‘Hey, I want to do this OutKast thing.’ I’ve lived that out. And I think you’ve got to figure out what’s your grown-man goals, what’s your grown-man dreams. There’s something that you’re passionate about that you can do, that you can put yourself into.”
Despite wanting to venture outside of music, possible to theater, Andre says he does not believe that music is in a negative space.
“You can’t say the state of it is horrible or bad,” he says. “It’s just life. It’s just a day. Some days are more exciting than others but at the end of the day it’s like, these are people’s expressions. I hate when people come up to me in public, in the street, and they say, ‘Aw man, don’t you think rap sucks?’ Or, ‘Don’t you think this is not real music?’ I’m thinking in my mind: What do you mean, ‘Real music’? What does that mean? I know what they’re saying, but it’s just unfair to say what’s real and what’s not. Someone’s expression is what it is. Either you like it or you don’t. Especially being in the South, trap music has gotten a bad rap but I think it’s so inventive and so much of a departure from what we did, and I think you should do that. Every generation after should kill all of their idols, kill all the people before them, don’t mimic them. Keep it moving.”
Still, Andre isn’t solely focused on music, something he touches on when he’s asked if he is a recluse.
“That’s pretty accurate,” he says. “I haven’t had a lot of output, as far as a music artist is concerned. And personal life. I’ve done little things here and there but the focus has been different. I still am a fan of the music, but it’s kind of like it’s not the wonder years of it. I’m not comparing myself to Jordan in any kind of fashion, but you know when Jordan goes and plays a celebrity basketball game and shoots a little bit? That’s kind of what it feels like. Like, you know, you’re going to just shoot around a little bit and then you go back home. It’s not like you’re in it every night. When you’re an artist and you’re in it every night, it’s your only focus. Your intent is different.”
RELATED: Andre 3000 Details Depression, Retiring From Rap, Album Plans
shit breaks my heart. hes being kind to the new generation by saying that because he also says “i know what theyre saying”. its garbage ass music nowadays nothing of any substance or meaning just pure vanity and fake shit about drug dealing, violence, or womanizing.
Andre 3000 is one of the best to ever do it and doesnt even feel it because its so generic now. its watered down and corporate. Outkast paved the way… there are no artists now paving the way. No legendary artists. Drake is garbage, wayne is so so but kinda dried up now, and the rest of the new school is bunk. this is just my opinion.
I will say though that Kendrick is impressive as well as J Cole. J Cole more than kendrick though.. OPINION once again. They embody the spirit of hip hop and what it was meant to be.
hiphop is dead… but hip POP is alive and well and sucking on ur radio station as we speak. they call it programming cuz thats what it is… one love peace and the struggle continues.
I think there are a lot of new artists that are creative and Dope. Kendrick, TDE, Drake, Childish Gambino, Action Bronson, Yelawolf, Rittz, Mac Miller, Danny Brown, Dizzy Wright, Jarren Benton, Kid Cudi, Wrekonize
This generation gets a bad rap. There’s some wack shit, but there’s also good stuff too. Just like any time in music
3000 response was a good one. The problem is what he said, others want to say what is wack and what is not. Let them be. Everyone is a critic bc of Blogs now. If that was the case Outkast wouldnt be here if they listen to what others said….So ‘WOW’ im from the Savannah, GA around the corner from Big Boi….dont down music. Take what you like..like it..what you dont..dont listen. Stop adding to the ‘Crab in the Bucket syndrome’
andre 3000 is the man
drop dat new muzic negga we need your new music negga
andre 3000 is a fag
I don’t think it’s inventive but it’s definitely enjoyable. Unless you’re one of those faggot ass kids who wear Obey shirts and listen to Odd Future and Joey Bada$$.