Big Boi of legendary
rap duo OutKast has announced that he has formed his own Atlanta-based record
label, titled Purple Ribbon.
The label will showcase a mixture of established artists, as
well as up-and-coming MC’s and R&B singers, with a distinct sound.
“Our sound is top notch and bad-to-the-bone, but most
importantly, it’s funk-based,” Big Boi said.
The first artist slated to debut under the name is OutKast protégée
Killer Mike, with a late August release of his sophomore effort, Ghetto
Extraordinary.
The album will comprise a combination of rowdy club anthems,
and socially conscious messages.
“He’s the only son of OutKast,” Big Boi stated.
“Me and Dre have been grooming him and he’s the truth. He’s
got street knowledge as well as book intelligence.”
Other lineups to appear under the newly formed moniker include
rappers Bubba Sparxxx, KonKrete, Scar and soulful crooner Sleepy Brown.
Studying from such influential businessmen as Clive Davis, Russell
Simmons and LA Reid, Big Boi is using his years worth of experience as a songwriter,
producer and performer to bring something new to the entertainment industry
with the new endeavor.
While he shifts gears to focus on the business and development
side of the things, he still claims music as his first love.
“Basically Dre is mostly into acting now and didn’t
want to deal with the label anymore but I’m still into music and still
got a love for it,” he said. “So the saga continues.”
Big Boi hopes to recreate the magic that was once synonymous
with the label that jump-started his career.
“The team that I got now and the talent that I got, I
just want to make the presence in Atlanta that much stronger,” he said
“I want to try and pull together and fill that void that La Face left
when they were in Atlanta.”
As for releases from his artists under the new label, he’s
very optimistic about the talent possessed by the diverse group of artists and
the future of things to come.
“We’re Purple Ribbon. We’re serious and we’re
the best and our music reflects that,” he said. “It’s my goal
that our sound be prolific and everyone around me is serious about their craft
and have their own identity. Everything we put out is gonna be fire.”
OutKast’s successes include 6 Grammy’s, 3 World
Music Awards, 3 BET Awards and 4 American Music Awards.
Their latest album,
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below has sold over ten million copies.
