Big Boi

Big Boi (born Antwan Andre Patton, 1.2.1975)

Big Boi is an American rapper, actor, record producer and songwriter. He is perhaps best known for being a member of OutKast, alongside Andre 3000. During a hiatus from OutKast, Big Boi started working on a solo career.

Big Boi: Childhood

Big Boi was born in Savannah, Georgia, where he spent the first half of his childhood. He attended Herschel V Jenkins High School, before moving to Atlanta with his Aunt Renne.

He later decided to pursue his musical career, by studying at Tri-Cities High School - a Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School.

Big Boi: Music Career

Big Boi's interest in hi-hop burgeoned whilst he was at school, where he met Andre 3000. After meeting in the early 1990s, they formed the band OutKast and signed to LaFace Records, home to Toni Braxton, Usher and Cee-Lo Green.

Big Boi's lyrics have often had a political bent; for example his duet with Mary J Blige, 'Sumthin's Gotta Give' represented his views on the United States of America and the Barack Obama administration.

OutKast released four albums before the two members both decided to make solo albums. Andre 3000 created The Love Below, while Big Boi released Speakerboxx and the two albums were released as a double album package. In September 2003, one song from each album was released as a single.

'The Way You Move' was released from Big Boi's album but was distinctly overshadowed by Andre 3000's 'Hey Ya'. Big Boi's follow-up single was 'Need & Want You', featuring a sample from Patti LaBelle.

Big Boi then released another solo album, in 2007, entitled Sir Luscious Left Foot: the Son of Chico Dusty. 'Royal Flush' was the debut single from the album. The track featured both Andre 3000 and Raekwon. Other artists to feature on the album include George Clinton, Janelle Monae, BoB, T.I. and Gucci Mane.

In 2010, Big Boi announced that the follow up album would be entitled Daddy Fat Sax: Soul Funk Crusader. In early 2011, he also announced that he was working on Mike Bigga's album, PL3DGE. A few months later, he stated that he would also be working with Modest Mouse on their next full-length album.

Big Boi's other creative projects include the film Idlewild, which includes both him and Andre 3000. The film was released in 2006 and is a film about Depression-era music from the south of the USA.

He also worked with the Atlanta Ballet in 2008 on a collaborative show entitled 'big'.

Big Boi founded the Big Kidz Foundation in 2006. The organisation is a not-for-profit group, focused on providing culturally diverse opportunities for young children in Atlanta.

Big Boi: Personal Life

Big Boi is married to Sherlita Patton, with whom he has two children; his daughter Jordan and his son Cross. He also has a son named Bamboo, from a previous relationship. Big Boi's own brother, James, is also a rapper and performs under the name Lil' Brotha, as part of the group Konkrete.

Big Boi's wife, Sherlita, owns a clothes boutique in Atlanta, Georgia. The store featured on the MTV series My Super Sweet 16, when Chris Brown bought a birthday gift there.

In August 2011, Big Boi was arrested and charged with possession of MDMA, ecstasy and Viagra. He was released on $16,000 bail.