Big Boi Signs Solo Deal with Epic Records

By Devin

/ 05.12.2014

A new OutKast album may not be coming anytime soon, but one half of the duo is readying new music. Big Boi has inked a solo deal with Epic Records, where he will release his third album.

“I just signed a deal with Epic Records,” the Atlanta rapper told The Huffington Post. “So I’m back with L.A. Reid and Sylvia Rhone. Got a brand new situation. I signed the deal the day after the first Coachella date, that Saturday.”

He reunites with Antonio “L.A.” Reid, who signed OutKast to LaFace Records in 1992. Following OutKast’s hiatus, Reid signed Big Boi to a solo deal at Island Def Jam, where he released 2010’s Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty 2012’s Vicious Lies and Dangerous Rumors.

“That’s my mentor,” Big said of the Epic CEO. “He understands my music. And one thing about L.A. Reid, there are no creative restraints. He trusts my ear and let’s me make the music I want to make. We love being in business together. That’s my big brother.”

A release date has not been set, but he may debut new material while on tour with André 3000 this summer.

“The album I’m not gonna rush,” he said. “I wanted to put something out before the end of the year. It depends, because me and Dre got a lot of work to do from now until the end of October. [But] you’re definitely going to get some brand new Big Boi material. Two or three singles before the fall.”

After kicking off their 20th anniversary tour at Coachella in April, OutKast will play festivals including the BET Experience, OVO Fest, and Wireless Festival.