Erykah Badu and André 3000 (born André Benjamin) share a storied history that blends romance, artistry, co-parenting, an enduring friendship, and Atlanta, Georgia.
Their connection, which began in the mid-1990s amid rising fame in hip-hop and neo-soul, produced not just a child but also cultural touchstones like OutKast’s “Ms. Jackson.“
Despite a breakup over two decades ago, they’ve maintained a close bond, often describing each other as best friends. Below is a chronological breakdown based on public accounts and interviews.
Early Days and Romance (1996–1999)
- How They Met: The two crossed paths in the Atlanta music scene during the recording of OutKast’s albums ATLiens (1996) and Aquemini (1998). Badu, then an emerging neo-soul star with her debut album Baduizm (1997), and André, half of the innovative rap duo OutKast, bonded over shared creative energies. Badu later recalled in a 2020 Rolling Stone interview that they were initially attracted but didn’t become instant friends—their rapport deepened over time through common interests like art and music.
- Dating Period: They were romantically involved from 1996 to 1999, a whirlwind era marked by professional breakthroughs. This overlapped with Badu’s pregnancy and the birth of their son, as well as André’s personal evolution, including his adoption of the “André 3000” moniker to signal a fresh start post-relationship.
Their Son, Seven Sirius Benjamin (Born 1997)
- Birth and Early Years: Seven was born on November 18, 1997, in Dallas, Texas, where Badu raised him initially. The timing was poetic—Badu’s live album Live was recorded while she was pregnant and released around his birth. Seven, now 27, has inherited his parents’ artistic flair: he’s played upright bass in school orchestras, piano, electric guitar, and has a strong singing voice with eclectic tastes mirroring André’s. Homeschooled early on by Badu for tailored learning, Seven excelled academically, gaining acceptance to four colleges in 2016 (leaning toward psychology, arts, and science).
- Notable Moments: In 2004, André and Seven accepted OutKast’s Grammy for Album of the Year (Speakerboxxx/The Love Below) together. Seven later moved to Atlanta as a teen to live with his father, which André credited in a 2014 New York Times interview with refocusing his life—he became hands-on with school runs, soccer, and wrestling. Seven also has two half-siblings from Badu’s later relationships: Puma (born 2004) and Mars (born 2009).
Breakup and “Ms. Jackson” (1999–2000)
- The Split: Their romance ended in 1999, just before OutKast’s pivotal album Stankonia dropped in 2000. The breakup inspired the album’s lead single “Ms. Jackson,” released October 24, 2000—a raw, apologetic track about navigating tension with an ex’s family after fathering a child. André has described it as a fictionalized take on real relational fallout, but fans long speculated it was a direct nod to Badu’s mother, Kolleen Gipson (the “Ms. Jackson” in question). It topped the Billboard Hot 100, won a Grammy, and became an anthem for baby-mama drama.
- Badu’s Recent Reflection: On a October 2025 episode of The New York Times’ “Popcast,” Badu addressed the lore with humor and skepticism. When host Joe Coscarelli called “Ms. Jackson” part of the “great hip-hop” made about her, she replied, “I don’t think ‘Ms. Jackson’ was actually about me. I don’t think so, but people say it.” She joked that her mom fully embraces the theory, complete with a bumper sticker and airbrushed T-shirt. André and Big Boi have historically downplayed direct ties to Badu, emphasizing its universal themes.
Post-Breakup Friendship and Collaborations (2000s–Present)
- Co-Parenting Dynamic: Despite the split, Badu and André have co-parented Seven with remarkable harmony and affection. In a 2014 Vibe interview, André shared they turn “baby mama/daddy” into inside jokes, with a teenage Seven once calling them “nuts.” Badu echoed this in 2020, naming André one of her “best friends on the planet”—they talk constantly, laugh together, and support each other’s art. She admires his nonjudgmental energy, which Seven has inherited.
- Collaborations and Public Moments:
- 2015: André guested on Badu’s mixtape track “Hello” from But You Caint Use My Phone.
- 2016: He surprised fans by joining her at her “Still Boomin'” birthday bash in Dallas.
- 2024: They reunited at the CFDA Fashion Awards on October 28, where André presented Badu with a fashion icon award in December— a nod to their shared style influence (he’s known for eccentric looks; she’s a boho queen).
- Current Status (as of 2025): No romantic reconciliation, but their platonic vibe remains strong. Recent clips from Badu’s appearances, like a September 2025 game where she playfully chose André over Black Thought for his “creativity,” highlight their easy chemistry. They prioritize Seven’s well-being, with Badu crediting their evolved friendship for making co-parenting “effortless.”
Final Word
Their story exemplifies how personal chapters can fuel timeless art while fostering lasting respect. If you’re curious about specific songs, interviews, or Seven’s latest endeavors, let me know!