It’s been six years since OutKast released their last studio album (2006’s Idlewild soundtrack). Big Boi dropped an album in 2010 and has another on deck for later this year, but the other half of the duo—André 3000—is in no rush to make his solo debut (Speakerboxxx/The Love Below was billed as a group project).
Just because Three Stacks doesn’t have a full project to his name doesn’t mean he’s been completely quiet. For the past several years, he's been extremely selective about his output, stunting on other people’s songs at random. Most recently, Frank Ocean, who ‘Dré blessed with some colorful bars on “Pink Matter."
This week it was also announced that André will be featured on Rick Ross’ forthcoming solo album. So while we wait to hear how he destroys that cut come July 31, let's take a trip down memory lane. Here is The Complete History of André 3000 Guest Verses.
Written by Brad Wete (@BradWete) and Jordan Zirm (@clevezirm)
TLC’s “What About Your Friends (Remix)” (1992)
Album: Oooooooh... On the TLC Tip
Label: LaFace/Arista
Producer: Dallas Austin
André got funky on this already upbeat TLC track, promising to stick to his roots. “Getting loose on this track/But underground is where I’m staying.” André eventually dug himself out of the underground world, but his dope lyrics never changed.
TLC's "Sumthin' Wicked This Way Comes" (1994)
Album: CrazySexyCool
Label: LaFace/Arista
Producer: Organized Noise
André 3000 has never been a proponent of the street lifestyle and has strayed away from it ever since an early arrest steered him in the opposite direction. On this sorrowful track with TLC, 3000 bemoans senseless killings that happen when a kid finds himself wearing the wrong colors in the wrong area. Even in the early days, 3000 was wise beyond his years.
Goodie Mob's "Thought Process" (1995)
Album: Soul Food
Label: LaFace
Producer: Organized Noise
Before Outkast's sophomore LP hit, 3K was already respected and dope enough to close posse tracks with his rhymes. On this pensive cut, André opens up about an extremely personal topic. "Did not think I'd be the one to give in to abortion," he says. "Label me murderer because my ass is scorching."
Witchdoctor’s “Dez Only 1” (1997)
Album: A.S.W.A.T. Healin’ Ritual
Label: Interscope
Producer: Organized Noize
While birds chirp in the background of this Organized Noize-produced beat, Three Stacks gets his environmentalist on, commenting on how the sun shines, the moon glows, the wind blows and the rain falls.
Monica’s “Gone Be Fine” (1998)
Album: The Boy Is Mine
Label: Arista
Producer: Dallas Austin
A short but incredibly lyrical verse from André here, twisting words in ways you wouldn’t expect. “Ain’t good use to cry over spilled lactose/When you got these vegetables/The four food groups.”
Goodie Mob's "Black Ice" (1998)
Album: Still Standing
Label: LaFace
Producer: Mr. DJ
Three Stacks kicks a slick rhyme that may be about the perils of cocaine. "We've all indulged in the bulge of these no-no's/No you ain't solo/It's even lower levels you can go/Take sun people, put them in the land of snow."
Cool Breeze’s “Watch for the Hook” (1999)
Album: East Point's Greatest Hits
Label: Interscope
Producer: Organized Noize
On a track full of heavy hitters, 3K’s quick but poignant verse hits hard and heavy. “Trying to outdo the last verse that I birthed, that is my curse,” he raps. It hasn’t been a problem so far.
Tash’s “Smokefest 1999” (1999)
Album: Rap Life
Label: Loud
Producer: E-Swift
Over an already futuristic beat, 3000 rolls up a J and takes us on a trip to whatever planet his mind is currently occupying. “Fresh off a planet with sand dunes and maroon moons.”
Eightball & MJG’s “Throw Your Hands Up” (1999)
Album: In Our Lifetime Vol. 1
Label: Suave House Records/Universal
Producer: Mr. DJ
Over a no nonsense beat from Mr. DJ, André Benjamin closes out Eightball & MJG’s banger by letting everyone know he doesn’t have time for those who he feels are beneath him. “I found negative niggas they only keep you down,” Three Stacks says.
Mystikal's “Neck Uv Da Woods” (2000)
Album: Let's Get Ready
Label: Jive
Producer: Earthtone III
“André 3000, the year to fear is already here,” the MC says as he announces his presence while at the same time keeping up with Mystikal’s rapid fire pace.
DJ Clue’s “Funkanella” (2000)
Album: Backstage: A Hard Knock Life
Label: Roc-a-Fella/Def Jam
Producer: Earthtone III
Mr. Benjamin reminisces about a time when he was younger and songs had actual meaning.
Slimm Calhoun's "It's OK" (2001)
Album: The Skinny
Label: Aquemini/Elektra
Producer: Earthtone III
With his voice mangled a bit to sound like he's inhaled helium, 'Dré raps about a chick that's being ignored by her man. He says she's looking for a new guy that knows "how to make a girl feel like Alice in Wonderland."
No Doubt’s “Hey Baby (Stank Remix)” (2002)
Album: Rock Steady
Label: Interscope
Producer: Philip Steir/Sly & Robbie/No Doubt
André lends his funky vocals to the remix of one of No Doubt’s biggest hits, stating that “girls get all the flowers” but “guys have all the fun."
Lenny Kravitz’s “Again (Remix)" (2002)
Album: Greatest Hits
Label: Virgin America
Producer: Lenny Kravitz
OutKast put their own spin on this Lenny Kravitz hit, and as André sings along, his vocals go toe-to-toe with Kravitz’s own pipes.
Big Gipp's "Boogie Man" (2003)
Album: Mutant Mindframe
Label: Koch Records
Producer: André 3000
Even though he only appears on the hook, André's voice sounds right over the breakneck pace of the beat. Announcing his presence as the Boogie Man, Three Stacks proclaims he is the one who "make a suga' drop her draws."
Killer Mike's "Akshon (Yeah!)" (2003)
Album: Monster
Label: Columbia
Producer: Earthtone III
Even though he's only got four bars, Andre work his word wizardry to kill his brief appearance. "Killer keeps it honest/Cause reality is perception with a weak stomach." That's deep.
Gwen Stefani's "Long Way to Go" (2004)
Album: Love. Angel. Music. Baby.
Label: Interscope
Producer: André 3000
André and Gwen Stefani united their voices to create a powerful commentary on interracial relationships and the intolerance that still hounds them. "What if Picasso only used one color?" the two singers ask. Preach.
Kelis' "Millionaire" (2004)
Album: Tasty
Label: Star Trak/Arista
Producer: André 3000
If there is a downside to having a million dollars, it's that everyone and their mother wants something from you. André harps on this issue, stating that "wherever there is cheese there are rats," and "bitches always out to put their paws on your riches." Must be rough.
Sleepy Brown's "I Can't Wait" (2004)
Album: Barbershop 2 Soundtrack/Mr. Brown (2006)
Label: Interscope
Producer: Organized Noise
Here we find Mr. Benjamin in full Rico Suave mode, wooing his love of the moment by complimenting her fashion (“Leather in the summer/Silk in the winter/This is such an art, where do I begin”) and noticing how sexy she can look without even trying. In the end, Three Stacks knows he's the gentleman this girl has been looking for her whole life.
Q-Tip's "That's Sexy" (2005)
Album: Open
Label: N/A
Producer: Q-Tip
André gets his falsetto on as he serenades a certain female and let's her know what he thinks is sexy, like when she dresses like a school teacher. The music is a little trippy here, with Q-Tip floating in and out of the chorus while also handling the verses, but you can't go wrong serenading the fairer sex.
DJ Unk's "Walk It Out (Remix)" (2006)
Album: Beat'n Down Your Block
Label: Big Oomp Records/Koch
Producer: DJ Unk
3000 warns others about coming at him on the remix to "Walk it Out," letting his naysayers know he's got a crew behind him. "Even Jesus had 12 disciples on the lever, trigger, whatever," the MC raps.
Jay-Z's "30 Something (Remix)" (2007)
Album: Kingdom Come
Label: Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam
Producer: Dr. Dre
Aligning himself with OGs of the rap game, André takes a critical eye to today's youth, specifically young males. From being consumed by television to standing on the corner debating which shoes to buy next, the actions of the generation behind him seem to legitimately concern 3000 as he grows older. Kids these days.
DJ Drama's "Da Art of Storytellin' Part 4" (2007)
Album: Gangsta Grillz: The Album
Label: LaFace/Jive/Zomba
Producer: Don Cannon
When a woman asks Three Stacks why he's not in the clubs making it rain, the MC shakes his head. "How dare I throw it on the floor when people are poor," 3000 says. No argument there.
UGK's "International Players Anthem (I Choose You)" (2007)
Album: Underground Kingz
Label: Zomba
Producer: DJ Paul and Juicy J
There comes a time in every playa's life when the thrill of juggling 10 women at a time fades away, and finding a soulmate soon takes precedence. André 3000 had reached that point on "International Players Anthem," and as he approaches the altar he takes a minute to finally accept that his days of polygamy are over. "It makes no sense, I know crazy/Give up all this pussycat that's in my lap/No looking back," André raps. But not to fear. André knows his boys will always stand behind him, no matter how crazy his decision is. "You know we got your back like chiroprac-tic," he imagines his homies telling him as he takes his vows.
Lloyd's "You (Remix)" (2007)
Album: Street Love
Label: The Inc. Records/Sho'nuff Recrods/Universal
Producer: Big Reese
On the remix to Lloyd's biggest single, André raps about falling for a woman in Whole Foods, but then holding up the line at checkout and pissing off people around them. "Those fools ain't supposed to beef/ But you would think they hated tofu." Funny and smart at once.
Rich Boy's "Throw Some D's (Remix)" (2007)
Album: Rich Boy
Label: Interscope
Producer: Polow da Don/Robert "Butta" Crawford
As tough as the original version of "Throw Some D's" was, André messed around and got gullier to kick off the epic remix of Rich Boy's hit. Three Stacks went at anyone who questioned his street cred, boasting that he turned one hater into a "vegetable" and then "sent his mom and dad a whole case of V8." André might be high fashion, but don't forget he grew up in the 'hood.
Devin the Dude's "What a Job" (2007)
Album: Waitin' to Inhale
Label: Rap-A-Lot Records
Producer: Devin the Dude/J. Prinice
On Devin's mellow jam, André raps about his daily inspiration: his fans. "We do it for that boy that graduated/That look you in your eyes real tough and says ''Preciate it.'"
Fonzworth Bentley's "Everybody" (2007)
Album: C.O.L.O.U.R.S.
Label: GOOD
Producer: Sa-Ra
Mr. Bentley's album never saw the light of day, but it's first single did, along with yet another slick rhyme from Mr. Benjamin. Here, he praises a woman for her style. "I like you/Ain't no anecdote/The red blouse to arouse/I come at you like a matador." No bull here.
John Legend's "Green Light" (2008)
Album: Evolver
Label: GOOD/Columbia/Sony
Producer: Malay/KP
If only we could be as smooth around women as André 3000 is. Employing his charming wordplay, 3000 runs a clinic on how to get a woman back to the crib, delivering lines that even the most experienced of pick-up artists wish they had thought of. "Let's hop a cab, and split it/I'm kidding! We both going to where you living." Like butter, André. Like butter.
Big Boi's "Royal Flush" (2008)
Album: N/A
Label: Outkast Records/LaFace
Producer: Jeron Ward/Rick Wallkk/Royal Flush Entertainment
Three Stacks weaved a web of realness alongside Big Boi and Raekwon during his almost two-minute verse. André digs at the hypocrisy of hip-hop culture, saying "Unfortunate if you come up fortunate the streets consider you lame/Ha, I thought the name of the game was to have a better life/I guess it ain't."
Ciara's "Ride (Remix)" (2010)
Album: Basic Instinct
Label: LaFace
Producer: Tricky Stewart/The-Dream
André kicks off his verse on Ciara's nasty single with some sex talk of his own. "I could look in your face and know the pussy good," he starts. "You want to give me a taste, but don't know how to do it." He doesn't mind teaching either.
Chris Brown's "Deuces (Remix)" (2010)
Album: F.A.M.E.
Label: Jive
Producer: Kevin McCall
Dré slickly leads his listener's brain towards a freaky thought on Breezy's big single, then takes a hard left. "She came four... times to my cousin's house to see if I was there," he says. "Get your minds out the gutter, man/ We're out here trying to have a good time." He knew what he was doing.
Big Boi's "Lookin' for Ya" (2010)
Album: N/A
Label: Def Jam
Producer: Boi-1da
Though the cut was vetoed by their record label and left on the cutting room floor, leaks still made this track availablle to true fans. André preps a girl for bedroom action with these words: "I ain't jokin'/Dark Knight, Batman/And I'm pokin' that pussycat, woman."
Lil Wayne's "Interlude" (2011)
Album: Tha Carter IV
Label: Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Republic
Producer: Willy Will
"Skin was cinnamon/ Pound it harder/ How come the only girls that are thought of are the light ones," ponders Three Stacks on Weezy's song before holding it down. "Well tonight then, we're going to do it for the dark ones."
Drake's "The Real Her" (2011)
Album: Take Care
Label: Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Republic
Producer: 40/Drake
3000 delivered one of 2011's best lines on Drake's sullen cut. While rapping about a damaged relationship, he says, "Now the both of us are colorblind 'cause the other side looks greener/Which leaves your turf in the Boise state/Can't see her play or the team, cuz."
The Gorillaz's "DoYaThing" (2011)
Album: N/A
Label: N/A
Producer: The Gorillaz
André uses this Converse collab to get a few things off of his chest, specifically asserting that he's not to be toyed with in this rap game. "Fuck around and get jumped like leap year," he spits.
Lloyd's "Dedication to My Ex (Miss That)" (2011)
Album: King of Hearts
Label: Young Goldie Music/Interscope/Zone 4
Producer: D. Smith/Polow da Don
André laments about how his old chick has changed. He built her up after taking her from another guy. "Your ex boyfriend should thank me that I took you off his hands," he raps. "Know I can't bring another beach to the sand."
Beyonce's "Party" (2011)
Album: 4
Label: Columbia
Producer: Beyoncé/Kanye West/Jeff/Bhasker
To have André tell it, he's still tripping on the fact that he's the star he is today. "Never thought that we'd become someone else's heroes," he raps here. "Man, we were just in the food court eating out gyros."
B.o.B's "Play the Guitar" (2011)
Album: N/A
Label: Grand Hustle/Atlantic
Producer: Salaam Remi
Bob and 3000 team up on this funky tune and are ready for whoever's ready to start shit with them. "We at the corner of 'Give It To 'Em' and 'They Don't Want It," André says. Meet him there if you've got beef.
Ke$ha's "Sleazy Remix 2.0: Get Sleazier" (2011)
Album: Cannibal
Label: RCA
Producer: Bangladesh/Dr. Luke/Benny Blanco
"I call her Kiesha/She like it because it's 'hood to her/She call me Andre 6000 because I'm good to her," 3K raps on this unlikely collab. Who'd have thought André is a fan of the trash-pop star.
Young Jeezy's "I Do" (2011)
Album: Thug Motivation 103: Hustlerz Ambition
Label: Corporate Thugz/Def Jam
Producer: M16
Dré promises not to get married and say "I do" until he's sure he means it. But looking at his potential wife's sexy mom is encouraging. "You just know that juicy fruit don't fall too far from tree," he raps.
Frank Ocean's "Pink Matter" (2012)
Album: Channel Orange
Label: Def Jam
Producer: Malay
3000 sadly deals with regrets after breaking up with an ex who his job and lifestyle couldn't provide time for. Still, he pines for the girl and her frame. "If models are made for modeling/Thick girls were made for cuddling," he raps.