DX: Do you consider yourself a politically conscious person?
A: Not really. I mean, I have my personal views on things, but my mind changes too much. It’s probably not a good thing to use my celebrity [for political purposes], because a lot of people vote a certain way just because one of their favorite celebrities said this candidate or that candidate was cool. They don’t take the time to figure out who’s the best candidate for them. I say do your research, because there are plenty of websites that break down where each candidate stands on the issues. See what you like, and don’t just vote a certain way because your favorite movie star or talk show host says they’re doing it.

DX: Other than music, is there anything in particular you’re obsessed with?
A: I’m not really much of a collector, but I definitely love clothes. I’m always searching for cool items—jackets, trousers, boots– and I’m an avid eBay shopper. I have certain shops I love in Atlanta, New York and L.A. that I’ll visit when I’m in town.

DX: What do you look for to define your fashion choices?
A: Things that are special to me, and that I can’t really find in stores. Of course, certain things will always be made, like button-downs and polos and stuff like that. But the first collection of my clothing line, called Benjamin Bixby, is inspired by 1935 football [fashions]. I searched eBay to these old jerseys I’d never seen, and thought they’d look cool with a pair of jeans. So I went to Hong Kong and Italy and had things made based on how these old jerseys were made. I’ll look for boots or plaid pants, basically things that make me feel like an individual and not like I’m wearing the same thing everyone else is wearing from off the shelf. The line is coming out this fall, and will be carried in Barney’s stores.

DX: There are always rumors of beef between you and Big Boi. What’s the current status of Outkast?
A: We’re both working on solo records, then after we finish those we’re doing another OutKast album.

DX: What’s your solo album gonna sound like?
A: I really don’t know yet. I’ve only written two songs in my head and haven’t really started recording. I’m just tinkering around now, so I’m really excited to see what it’s gonna sound like myself. I’m hoping it’ll be ready this fall.

DX: Were you disappointed by the reaction to Idlewild?
A: Of course, but I actually knew before we released the album the response it was gonna get. I had a feeling about it, because it had a purpose, but it didn’t feel like all our other albums. The opportunities that we could’ve had to make it a better album, the record company didn’t step up.

DX: Is there any creative art form you’ve longed to explore, but haven’t had a chance yet?
A: Yes! It’s funny, because before music, acting, clothing lines or anything, I used to draw and paint. That’s actually what my mom thought I would be doing when I grew up. When I was about to graduate from high school, I got letters from colleges like Savannah College of Art & Design wanting me to attend their schools. I want to be able to do enough pieces where I could travel around to show them at art galleries, but I just don’t have as much time as I used to.

DX: Speaking of which, you’re doing OutKast, a solo career, acting and running your own fashion line. How do you find time to balance it all?
A: You don’t. You just kinda live crazily, then you get old and look back and say, “Wow, I’ve done a lot of [stuff]!” You only get one chance, so you gotta do as much as you can.