Rolling Stone reports that Outkast slapped an EDM group with a trademark infringement suit. In the filing, Oukast accused the pair of attempting to trademark the term, “ATLiens” — which happens to be the title of Oukast’s 1996 sophomore album. The Atlanta-based EDM duo had been going under the moniker while promoting their music. Unbeknownst to Outkast, the pair filed for the trademark in 2020.
“The album’s title is a portmanteau of ‘ATL’ —an abbreviation for Atlanta, Georgia — and the word ‘aliens,’” the lawsuit reads. “The word ATLiens was invented by Outkast. Before Outkast created it, it was not used in the cultural lexicon and did not exist.” The suit alleges that the defendants selected the name to “trade upon the tremendous fame and goodwill associated with Plaintiff’s ATLiens album.”
Andre 3000 Talks Leaving Rap And Outkast Behind
Andre 3000 wants everyone (including LL Cool J) to know while he’s grateful for his rap legacy, he’s moved on. Last month, the former rapper stopped by The Shop with Lebron James to discuss Outkast’s story. While recalling the duo’s early beginnings, Andre 3K also addressed why he’s left rap behind. In his opinion, “if it’s in you, you should rap until you die,” but that no ideology longer serves the 49-year-old. “I’m always looking for the next. I’m not trying to uphold a thing that I’ve done before.” For the rapper, the love of the art form will always be there, but it’s “no longer enough” for him.
Outkast —comprised of Andre 3000 and Big Boi— exploded onto the scene with their 1994 debut album, Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik. Pulling from various genres including funk, jazz, and techno, the pair helped popularize Southern rap culture. Andre 3000’s speech at the 1995 Source Awards struck a cord and ultimately encapsulated the eventual reign of Southern hip hop: “The South got something to say.”
