Andre 3000 was close to being part of the Fast and Furious franchise. Speaking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, 3 Stacks revealed he auditioned around 2 Fast 2 Furious.
“I think Ludacris took the role,” Andre said.” I actually tried out. I tried out for Fast & Furious, and Ludacris actually took the role.”
André 3000 was on The Late Show in January. While there, he and Stephen Colbert taped a “Colbert Questionert” segment, in which Colbert asks his guests a series of general questions in an attempt to get to know them better. These segments usually air a couple weeks after the guest’s initial Late Show appearance, and André’s segment finally played last night, February 8. Colbert’s questioning actually unearthed an interesting piece of trivia: André once auditioned for a Fast & Furious movie.
One of the standard Questionert questions is, “Do you have a favorite action movie?” Nothing came to mind for André, so Colbert playfully followed up, “Why haven’t you been in one of the Fast & Furious movies? I could see you driving a fast car, off a cliff or something into a boat.” André responded with a bit of a laugh, “I would have but I think Ludacris took the role.” He added, “No, I actually tried out. I tried out for Fast & Furious and Ludacris actually took the role,” which took Colbert by surprise.
Ludacris’ first time portraying Tej Parker in the Fast & Furious franchise was in the second film, 2003’s 2 Fast 2 Furious, so it would seem that’s the movie André auditioned for.
Colbert asked André if he was angry about not landing the part and he responded, “No, not at all. I mean… ’cause I wasn’t ready. […] I remember that audition. I was so nervous, man, like I wouldn’t have hired me.”
André went on to have a fine acting career, though, with roles in movies like Four Brothers, Semi Pro, and Jimi: All Is By My Side.
Check out the full “Colbert Questionert” segment above.
André 3000 has long been known as an unconventional artist who makes some pretty unconventional moves. For instance, his first-ever solo album New Blue Sun features no beats and no rhymes, but is instead filled with improvised woodwind tunes and super-long song titles.
Now, he’s on tour for the new album, but as it turns out, there is one way he’s been very conventional: In his tour merch offerings. Per a social media post from someone who apparently attended one of the shows, the options are a fairly basic collection of tees, hoodies, and beanies. The T-shirts and hoodies all feature the tour stops on the back, while one (my favorite) reads “Listen To Sade” on the front. The tees are $80, the hoodies are $120 and the beanies — which look just like the ones André himself has been wearing lately, on some Jacques Cousteau tip — are $45. Check out a photo below.
They didn’t allow phones, but last night’s André 3000 show was so joyous, and his band (including Carlos Niño and Liv.e!) sounded great. pic.twitter.com/7bfBhD1q5K
01/29 — Brooklyn, NY @ Crown Hill Theatre
01/31 — New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club (8 p.m. show)
01/31 — New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club (10:30 p.m. show)
02/01 — New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club (8 p.m. show)
02/01 — New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club (10:30 p.m. show)
02/02 — New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club (8 p.m. show)
02/02 — New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club (10:30 p.m. show)
02/05 — Brooklyn, NY @ St. Ann & The Holy Trinity Church
02/06 — Brooklyn, NY @ St. Ann & The Holy Trinity Church
02/08 — Detroit, MI @ Cliff Bell’s
02/09 —Detroit, MI @ The Chapel at Masonic Temple (7 p.m. show)
02/09 — Detroit, MI @ The Chapel at Masonic Temple (10 p.m. show)
02/12 — Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
02/13 — Chicago, IL @ 1357 N Elston
02/15 — Chicago, IL @ Garfield Park Conservatory (7 p.m. show)
02/15 — Chicago, IL @ Garfield Park Conservatory (9 p.m. show)
02/20 — San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s 365 Club
02/22 — San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s 365 Club
02/24 — San Francisco, CA @ The Independent (7 p.m. show)
02/24 — San Francisco, CA @ The Independent (9 p.m. show)
02/27 — Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
02/28 — Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
02/29 — Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
03/02 — Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage Theater
03/05 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
03/06 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
03/07 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
03/08 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
03/09 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
How Long Is André 3000’s New Blue Sun Live Tour Concert?
According to a Reddit user who attended the first show in Brooklyn, André 3000 and his band “played for 90 minutes, cellphones weren’t allowed, and at no point did it get boring.”
Read the full review below.
“Native ATLien and lifelong ‘Kast devotee who just happened to be in NY this week for a work trip, so I was able to catch the inaugural show in Brooklyn.
It was really pure and beautiful — it’s clear that not one iota of it is contrived, and it’s not a display of virtuosity on Dre’s part, but of exploring the joy of finding beautiful ways to express what he’s been thinking and feeling (he’s arguably the biggest virtuoso ever at rap, so nothing to prove).
All the players in the band are stone cold killer and kept a vibe going all night. Dre worked thru technical difficulties and nerves early on by talking a pretty good bit about what joy the journey of playing flute (with no real intention) has brought him and others around him. This man redefined a genre, made a diamond-selling album, and is approaching this new thing with the joy and curiosity of a child, in the best way.
They played for 90 minutes, cell phones weren’t allowed, and at no point did it get boring. It’s an utterly unique experience, and if you go in with an open spirit, you might just unlock a new core memory.
Can’t wait to see what others think as the tour rolls on.”
For the most part, André 3000 has largely stayed out of the public eye since the end of Outkast. He resurfaced in a major way last year, though, with New Blue Sun, his first-ever solo album. He also just announced a tour in support of the project, an album consisting of lengthy, flute-driven instrumentals. André popped up on The Late Show last night, and while the conversation was mostly serious in tone, he did have one particularly funny moment.
Towards the end of the first segment, Stephen Colbert asked if André ever plays more than one flute at the same time. He said no and mentioned another flautist who does, declaring he hasn’t “gotten to that level.” Then, showing off the two-chambered flute he was holding, he continued, “I’m still trying to manage… like, I have two holes, you know, so it’s like…”
André noticed Colbert cracking a subtle smile at “I have two holes,” so he hit the host with, “Pause,” which got a big laugh from Colbert, the studio audience, and himself.
After the interview, André also delivered a ten-minute performance of “That Night In Hawaii When I Turned Into A Panther And Started Making These Low Register Purring Tones That I Couldn’t Control … Sh*t Was Wild.” Check out clips of the interview and performance above and below.
Grammy-winning artist André 3000 has unveiled a series of intimate live shows to support his acclaimed instrumental album, New Blue Sun, released in November on Epic Records. Co-produced with the talented multi-instrumentalist Carlos Niño, the album features a stellar lineup of musicians, creating a unique, improvised sonic experience.
The tour is set to commence on January 29 in Brooklyn, NY, followed by a three-night residency at the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club in Manhattan, featuring two shows per night. The journey continues with stops in Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, and San Francisco, concluding with a five-night engagement at The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever in Los Angeles.
“New Blue Sun” is André 3000’s latest venture into instrumental expression, offering fans a living, breathing, and celebratory auditory experience. Tickets for the tour will be available starting Wednesday, January 24, at 10 am local time, promising audiences an intimate encounter with the musical brilliance of André 3000 and his collaborators.
After years filled with fans’ pleas, André 3000 finally released his solo debut album, New Blue Sun. Although the project was far from what longtime supporters expected, the public has come to love the multi-instrumental-only body of work. Tonight (January 23), the musician will host an IMAX Live Experience for folks to enjoy the tracks. But the live programming doesn’t stop there.
Moments ago, André 3000 revealed that he and his magical flute are set to hit the road as part of his New Blue Sun Live Tour later his month. Across the 23-date run, collaborators featured on the album, Carlos Niño, Nate Mercereau, Surya Botofasina, and Deantoni Parks, have been confirmed as additional tour support.
Unlike André 3000’s thoughts on when rappers should age it up, there isn’t an age restriction on the live shows. Tickets for the New Blue Sun Live Tour go on sale at 10 a.m. local time on Wednesday, January 24. Find more information here.
André 3000’s ‘New Blue Sun Live’ tour dates
01/29 — Brooklyn, NY @ Crown Hill Theatre
01/31 — New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club (8 p.m. show)
01/31 — New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club (10:30 p.m. show)
02/01 — New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club (8 p.m. show)
02/01 — New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club (10:30 p.m. show)
02/02 — New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club (8 p.m. show)
02/02 — New York, NY @ Blue Note Jazz Club (10:30 p.m. show)
02/05 — Brooklyn, NY @ St. Ann & The Holy Trinity Church
02/06 — Brooklyn, NY @ St. Ann & The Holy Trinity Church
02/08 — Detroit, MI @ Cliff Bell’s
02/09 —Detroit, MI @ The Chapel at Masonic Temple (7 p.m. show)
02/09 — Detroit, MI @ The Chapel at Masonic Temple (10 p.m. show)
02/12 — Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
02/13 — Chicago, IL @ 1357 N Elston
02/15 — Chicago, IL @ Garfield Park Conservatory (7 p.m. show)
02/15 — Chicago, IL @ Garfield Park Conservatory (9 p.m. show)
02/20 — San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s 365 Club
02/22 — San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s 365 Club
02/24 — San Francisco, CA @ The Independent (7 p.m. show)
02/24 — San Francisco, CA @ The Independent (9 p.m. show)
02/27 — Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
02/28 — Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
02/29 — Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
03/02 — Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage Theater
03/05 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
03/06 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
03/07 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
03/08 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
03/09 — Los Angeles, CA @ The Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
“New Blue Sun: An IMAX Live Experience,” 3 Stacks captioned his Instagram announcement. “Cinematic Album Listening Event & Live-Stream Q&A 01/23/24.” According to the post, it is a one-night-only event on Tuesday, January 23, and it will include “a conversation with André 3000.”
“Join André 3000 in celebrating the release of his genre leaping debut solo album, New Blue Sun with an album listening cinematic experience and live Q&A. Directed by Terence Nance, witness André’s fusion of improv creativity and musical exploration in vivid detail and unparalleled sound quality through the IMAX Live Experience, blending captivating visuals and instrumentation.”
You can also search for tickets at participating IMAX theaters, including AMC The Grove and AMC Burbank 16 in the Los Angeles area as well as AMC Empire 25 and AMC Lincoln Square 13 in New York City.
The trajectory of Andre 3000, born Andre Lauren Benjamin in May 1975, is a riveting testament to the will to evolve. The seed of his monumental success was planted in Atlanta, Georgia. It was where the future hip-hop icon spent his formative years cultivating a taste for music that would soon revolutionize the industry. Interestingly, Andre’s journey is also a tale of resilience woven intricately with the threads of destiny. Despite a challenging upbringing, his passion for music remained a beacon of hope, guiding him to a path less traveled yet destined for greatness. Today, according to CelebrityNetWorth, Andre 3000 boasts a net worth of $35 million in 2024, an awe-inspiring culmination of his talent, dedication, and persistence.
Musical Mastery: Career Highlights & Accolades
CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 02: Andre 3000 of Outkast performs at Samsung Galaxy stage during 2014 Lollapalooza Day Two at Grant Park on August 2, 2014 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
Andre 3000 is a symphony of talent in hip-hop, a genre where he has consistently pushed boundaries. Teaming up with his high school friend Antwan “Big Boi” Patton, they formed OutKast in 1992, a musical duo that would leave an indelible mark on the rap industry. Moreover, OutKast’s first album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, was released in 1994 to critical acclaim, firmly establishing their place in the hip-hop scene. This was just the beginning, however. The duo’s 2003 release, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, fetched them the coveted Grammy Award for Album of the Year, further catapulting them into the annals of musical greatness.
Behind The Curtain: Personal Life & Highlights
AUSTIN, TX – OCTOBER 11: Musician/actor Andre Benjamin (pictured) and director John Ridley attend a screening and Q&A for JIMI: All Is By My Side also hosted by The Austin Film Society and The Recording Academy® Texas Chapter at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on October 11, 2014 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images)
Beyond his melodious voice and smooth rhymes, Andre 3000 is also a man of intriguing substance. His personal life is as eclectic and vibrant as his music. It Is peppered with anecdotes that are as compelling as they are inspiring. The charismatic artist had a long-standing relationship with singer Erykah Badu. This resulted in the birth of their son, Seven Sirius Benjamin. His persona as a doting father adds a layer of charm to his already enigmatic personality. Andre’s dedication to his family, candid reflections on fatherhood, and mindful navigation of fame reveal the man behind the music.
Transcending Verses: Business Ventures & Philanthropy
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JUNE 23: Rapper Andre 3000 speaks onstage at the 2016 ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel. June 23, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Earl Gibson III/Getty Images)
Andre 3000’s life echoes a harmonious blend of melody and compassion. His entrepreneurial pursuits are a further testament to his versatility and business acumen. The rapper co-founded the successful clothing line Benjamin Bixby in 2008, reflecting his keen fashion sense and a flair for business. Yet, Andre’s success story is not just about accumulating wealth or accolades. He is a philanthropist at heart, contributing to society in meaningful ways. His advocacy for various social causes also showcases a compassionate side that perfectly complements his rap persona.
Andre 3000 Net Worth: A Respected Journey
ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 20: Drake, Andre 3000 and Big Boi attend at Compound on June 20, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)
Andre 3000’s life is an intriguing symphony that balances personal and professional success. It also encapsulates the essence of a man whose rhythm transcends music. He influences the worlds of fashion, business, and philanthropy. Further, his story is a captivating composition that exemplifies the art of turning adversity into triumph. It proves his worth extends far beyond his $35 million net worth.
Outkast is the best-selling rap duo of all time, with both members of the famed group sure to go down in history for their incredible contribution to art and entertainment. Though the pair were only releasing records from 1994-2006, their music is timeless. Outkast continues to receive play on radio stations and popular events nearly two decades since the pair’s last songs hit the airwaves.
Despite their last publicly released collaboration arriving in 2008, in the form of a feature on a DJ Drama record titled “The Art of Storytellin’ Part 4,” Big Boi has stated that the pair are still close and that Outkast technically never truly ended. With over 20 million monthly Spotify listeners, many fans continue to wonder exactly where the pair are now.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – OCTOBER 08: Big Boi performs during weekend one of 2022 ACL Music Festival at Zilker Park on October 08, 2022 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Erika Goldring/WireImage)
Of the two rappers who compose the iconic duo, Big Boi is certainly the more publicly active Outkast member. The rapper, whose birth name is Antwan André Patton, began an illustrious solo career in the wake of Outkast’s final days. Big Boi released 3 solo albums between 2010 and 2017, as well as a pair of collaborative albums with Phantogram and Sleepy Brown, respectively. In 2010, Big Boi released the mixtape Mixtape For Dummies: A Guide To Global Greatness as a free digital download.
Outside of music, Big Boi has gone on to pursue several extracurricular activities since Outkast stopped producing records. The rapper appeared in television and film projects including Wild ‘N Out, Baby Driver, Superfly, and Scream: The TV Series. Big Boi is also a registered dog breeder, responsible for raising and selling purebred Pitbulls and French Bulldogs out of his home, which he refers to as the Ritz Carlton for dogs. As a noted animal lover, the rapper also owns a pair of exotic owls which he has named Hoodini and Hootie. Big Boi has become something of a political activist in recent years, canvassing support for Bernie Sanders in 2015.
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 16: André Benjamin of ‘Dispatches from Elsewhere’ speaks onstage during the AMC Networks portion of the Winter 2020 TCA Press Tour on January 16, 2020 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images)
While Big Boi has been focused on progressing his solo career and expanding into his other interests and hobbies in the years since Outkast disbanded, André 3000 has been traveling the world, seemingly doing his best to live under the radar and avoid fame. The rap icon has famously struggled with anxiety and has gone on record as being uncomfortable with grand displays of affection in his personal life. He received a diagnosis of social anxiety and hypersensitivity disorder, making it challenging for him to perform in front of the public.
Despite his desire to maintain a normal existence, André has never stopped working on music. Just weeks ago, Three Stacks finally released his long-awaited solo debut, in the form of New Blue Sun. While some fans were disappointed to learn that the linguistic leviathan would be releasing a fully instrumental album with no lyrics, others were ecstatic to finally hear the rapper’s creativity flowing again. With any luck, this release will open the floodgates, allowing André to provide more of his art to the world, in whatever format it manifests.
