Outkast’s Andre 3000 continues to receive accolades in his endeavors outside of the Hip-Hop realm. The rapper-turned-actor and much more has been heralded by GQ Magazine as one of the Best New Designers in America for his prep-inspired men’s line Benjamin Bixby.As part of GQ’s third annual search, Dre, born Andre Benjamin, was selected alongside five other designers as “a class of designers whose vision is as broad and diverse as the country itself.” Joining Benjamin Bixby are Save Khaki, Robert Geller, Yigal Azrouel, Shipley & Halmos, and Rogues Gallery.Of the six designers selected, Andre is the only one who does not come from a strictly fashion background.He first introduced Benjamin Bixby in February 2008, as a self-funded venture. At the time, the line consisted of about 70 pieces inspired equally by Hip-Hop’s love of prep styles in the 90s and college football circa 1935.While the line is a departure from the funky styles that became synonymous with Andre 3000 during his promotion of Outkast’s last two albums, he explains it was drawn from the same creative place, but crafted to be more accessible to consumers.“During OutKast’s Stankonia period, I looked like I was from Mars,” Andre tells GQ. “The music was otherworldly, and my character reflected that. I wanted to put that spirit into classic clothes, but ones that people could actually wear.”In September, Benjamin entered into an agreement with upscale retailer Barney’s to offer Benjamin Bixby clothing in the U.S. exclusively through Barneys.com.The pieces offered online run from $95.00 polo shirts to $395 sweaters, to outerwear in the $1500 price range.While rumors of an upcoming Andre 3000 solo album or Outkast reunion album continue to brew, Dre seems to be much more quiet on the Hollywood front. Following his role in last year’s Battle In Seattle, the story of protesters at the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference of 1999, Dre was scheduled to appear in New York, I Love You.However, with New York scheduled to hit theaters in February, information about the film does not include Andre as part of the ensemble cast, which brings together Natalie Portman, Kevin Bacon, Ethan Hawk, Saul Williams, Robin Wright Penn and many more Hollywood A-Listers.