André Lauren Benjamin (born May 27, 1975), better known as André 3000, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and actor. He is best known for being a part of southern hip hop duo Outkast alongside fellow rapper Big Boi. Benjamin has also acted in films and television series such as Families, The Shield, Be Cool, Revolver, Semi-Pro, High Life, Four Brothers, and in the lead role of Jimi Hendrix in All Is by My Side. He plays Fredwynn on the AMC series Dispatches from Elsewhere. He is also known for his Cartoon Network animated series Class of 3000 (2006-2008). He has additionally been an entrepreneur and an advocate for animal rights. In the spring of 2008, he launched a clothing line called Benjamin Bixby. Benjamin has been ranked as one of the greatest rappers of all time by publications including About.com, Billboard, and Complex.