Interview with Soul Train

Soul Train: Both "Rolling Stone" and "Entertainment Weekly" have called "Stankonia" your "masterpiece." Do you agree that it's the best work you've done so far?

Andre: Well, I wouldn't say that, but we are having a lot of fun on this album. I mean, I guess we take the albums kind of like kids. So you can't really say your third child is better than your first one. But, I mean, this child is out there doin' his thang [laughing], so we real happy about that.

Soul Train: What sort of record did you set out to make, and did it turn out the way you envisioned it?

Big Boi: Like, when we go in the studio, we just go in with, like, ideas and concepts of different songs. We went in, and we like, 'OK, we gonna make an album like this.' We just go in and we work, and whatever comes comes.

Soul Train: So how much of your work is improvisational, like in the studio?

Big Boi: [To Andre] What? About what? Eighty percent?

Andre: Yeah.

Big Boi: [Laughing] About 80 percent.

Soul Train: Given all the critical acclaim the record has gotten, do you think at all about topping it, or don't you think in those terms?

Andre: Well, we think about just making the best music we can make of that time -- whatever that time and experiences that we goin' through at that time, you know, put out? That's what you're gonna get. That's what you're gonna hear in your record player or whatever.

Soul Train: You've talked about listening to and being influenced by all kinds of music. Is there any kind of music you don't like or don't listen to?

Andre: Well, the only thing I can really say that I never really got into, but I like a couple of the -- is like country music. I mean, I like it, but I can't feel it too tight, but I like some of the music. But I plan to get into that, though.

Soul Train: Why do you think the two of you make such a good musical partnership?

Andre: Balance.

Big Boi: You just got two individuals -- first of all, we go back like -- what? -- almost 10 years now. We hooked up, you know what I'm sayin', homeboys from the jump, and we formed a group or whatever, just like Dre says, it's like a balance. You know what I'm sayin'? One person brings one thing to the table. The other person brings this. But then, at the same time, we can also bring a little bit of both of each other, you know what I'm sayin'? So, like, it's a good mix -- where it can connect.

Soul Train: What's your vision for your record label, Aquemini?

Big Boi: Aquemini Records. We're looking to give, you know, up-and-coming cats a start, you know what I'm sayin', that got something to say on the microphone or whatever? Our first artist is Slimm Calhoun. His album will be out in February. It was produced by our production company, Earthtone III, which is Andre, me and our third member, Mr. DJ.We got a new artist that we just signed. His name is Killer Mike. He was featured on our album also. So, like, just new, raw talent. Just bringing it to the world, just givin' 'em a shot, you know? Someone else who's gonna offer something new to this music thing.

Soul Train: And OutKast Clothing is in the works. What does it look like, and when will it be available?

Andre: It's lookin' really good, you know? We got some from one end to the next end to extreme, you know, type clothing.

Soul Train: Does it reflect both your styles?

Andre: Yeah, most definitely. Actually, like the first couple of years, we're gonna be doin' like the designs of the clothes. So you'll be seein' some pretty tight stuff coming out. So it'll be out like Spring of 2001, so look out for it. OutKast Clothing Company is the name, so go to your local stores and shopping malls and stuff and pick it up.

Soul Train: What's the next single off the record, and when will it be out?

Andre: "So Fresh, So Clean." We gonna drop that -- they actually playin' it now on the radio, but it'll be out, full-steam, in January.

Soul Train: What would you like to say to all the Soul Train fans out there?

Andre: Really, peace, love and soul. And, really, let us start doin' live shows again.

Soul Train: All right. Thanks very much.