Big Boi

Early Life

Antwan André Patton, known professionally as Big Boi, was born in Savannah, Georgia, where he spent his early childhood. He later moved to Atlanta to live with his aunt, which marked a significant turning point in his life. It was during his time at Tri-Cities High School, a performing arts magnet school, that he decided to pursue music seriously. Big Boi credits his grandmother for sparking his interest in music by encouraging him and his siblings to buy records, and his uncle introduced him to a diverse range of artists, notably Kate Bush, who remains his favorite.

Career

Big Boi's career took off when he met André Lauren Benjamin (André 3000) at Tri-Cities High School, leading to the formation of the iconic Southern hip-hop duo Outkast in 1992. They signed with LaFace Records and released several groundbreaking albums. In 2003, they released a double album, "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below," where Big Boi's contribution, "Speakerboxxx," showcased his signature style, producing hits like "The Way You Move" and "Ghetto Musick." Following Outkast's success, Big Boi continued to thrive as a solo artist, releasing albums such as "Sir Lucious Left Foot… The Son of Chico Dusty" and "Boomiverse."

Personal Life

Big Boi has three children with his ex-wife, Sherlita, from whom he divorced in 2022. He is also a passionate dog breeder, owning a ranch dedicated to his pets, and has a unique collection of owls. Beyond music, he co-founded an RV rental company for entertainment professionals and has faced challenges, including a knee injury during a performance. In 2021, he celebrated becoming a grandfather and was honored with the Global Icon Award by the City of East Point, Georgia, recognizing his contributions to music and culture.