After dominating the early part of the 00s with tunes like Hey Ya, we haven’t heard from Outkast in a mighty long time, but a new report claims Andre 3000 and Big Boi are set to end their hiatus for the 2014 installment of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
According to Billboard, the two rappers are set to officially join forces for the first time since 2005, with Andre ‘3000’ Benjamin and Antwan ‘Big Boi’ Patton apparently in “prolonged talks” to appear at the ultimate music festival in the Californian desert next April.
The magazine says it has multiple sources that have confirmed the festival appearance is a sure thing and will be followed by additional festival dates throughout the year. One source says that “some conversations” have taken place, and another says it’s “all systems go” for the reunion.
Early last year, Benjamin nixed reunion speculation, saying that a new record from the Atlanta duo was not on the cards and that his solo record would be taking precedence. The last reports on that album indicated an early 2014 release schedule.
Though the pair both appeared on a rework of Frank Ocean‘s Pink Matter almost a year ago, Benjamin was quick to point out that the team-up wasn’t an official Outkast production.
There’s no indication at this point that there are plans to extend the reunion beyond the rumoured festival dates. Any new music would be their first release since the soundtrack to their movie Idlewild. The duo’s last LP proper was 2003’s smash Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. The outfit’s representative and their record label have both declined to comment.
UPDATE: Get excited – Outkast are officially back in action! As pointed out by triple j, Revolt TV have confirmed the news that Outkast will be reforming in 2014. Additionally, frequent collaborator Sleepy Brown revealed “Outkast Headlining Coachella 2014” via his Instagram account. Check out Revolt’s report below.
We’ll bring you any news relating to Australian tour dates as soon as they come to hand.
Watch: Outkast To Reunite In 2014
(via Fact Mag)
