new issue | cover story |
web extras | subscribe
renew | back issues
cd sampler sleeves

Outkast's Big Boi and Andre 3000 reunite on “Royal Flush”

Writer: Jeremy Goldmeier
News, Published online on 22 Mar 2008

Ever since Idlewild (sort of) brought them back together, these have been the wandering days of Outkast. Each half of the duo had gone off on his separate path, enduring the trials of celebrity on the lengthy journey toward spiritual self-discovery. Big Boi found his calling in the ballet, while Andre 3000 rekindled his lifelong passion for fashion. The idea of these two collaborating again seemed to grow increasingly distant. Unfortunately, even the sun goes down, heroes eventually die, horoscopes often lie...

But don’t close the curtain just yet.

After promising a new single for New Years Day, Big Boi has finally delivered a new jam in “Royal Flush.” And what’s three-odd months of extra waiting time when you’ve got Andre 3K and Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon guesting on the cut? XXLmag.com has the stream for your listening pleasure.

This is what we critics call “a clinic.” Big Boi slurs off a slippery opening salvo over the spare rhythm track, Raekwon hops in to contribute a touch of ghetto mafioso menace, and then Andre 3000 puts an outrageous cherry on top with an extended verse that references everything from the Martin Luther King assassination to the hokey pokey. Like an unbeatable poker hand, it's a perfect reunion from the three MCs who brought you "Skew It on the Bar-B" 10 years ago.

Expect "Royal Flush" to see an official release on Big Boi's Sir Luscious Left Foot album, which is still in the works. And Dre? He's got solo plans of his own. So savor this MP3 manna while it lasts. We may not hear Outkast back together for a while yet.

Got news tips for Paste? E-mail news@pastemagazine.com.

Outkast's Big Boi and Andre 3000 reunite on “Royal Flush”

Save & Share