The Bert Show: Vault - Andre 3000 Joins The Show
Date: March 25, 2026
Main Guests: Andre 3000
Hosts: The Bert Show cast
Episode Overview
In this engaging vault episode, The Bert Show welcomes Atlanta’s own Andre 3000 (also credited as Andre Benji) for a wide-ranging conversation. The focus is on his creative adventures, especially bringing the beloved animated series Class of 3000 to a live stage adaptation at Atlanta’s Alliance Theater. They also address Outkast rumors, creative process, collaboration with John Legend, and music industry musings—delivering candid moments, humor, and inspiration.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Class of 3000 Takes the Stage
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Background & Premise:
- Andre 3000 recaps Class of 3000—an animated show where his character, Sonny Bridges, leaves stardom to teach music to kids at a performing arts school in Atlanta.
- “Class of 3000 is an animated show that was on Cartoon Network… music superstar… comes back home to Atlanta… these kids… decide, hey, why don't we get this superstar… to be our music teacher.” (00:55 - 01:28, Andre 3000)
- Andre 3000 recaps Class of 3000—an animated show where his character, Sonny Bridges, leaves stardom to teach music to kids at a performing arts school in Atlanta.
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Stage Adaptation:
- Alliance Theater is adapting it for the stage, casting adults as the kid characters for comedic effect.
- “It is hilarious to see, like, these grown people playing kids and embodying a cartoon character.” (01:40, Andre 3000)
- Alliance Theater is adapting it for the stage, casting adults as the kid characters for comedic effect.
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Hopes for Broadway:
- Alliance Theater’s prior success (e.g., The Color Purple) prompts hopes for Class of 3000 to go even further.
- “I want it to go as far as it can go. If it goes, I'd love it.” (02:02, Andre 3000)
- Alliance Theater’s prior success (e.g., The Color Purple) prompts hopes for Class of 3000 to go even further.
2. Andre 3000 on Creativity and Motivation
- Creative Restlessness:
- Andre likens his drive to “creative ADD”—always seeking to excite and challenge himself, not motivated by money but by fresh ideas.
- “I have to keep myself excited in a way. You know, I have to kind of keep myself alive… I seldom start anything and say, oh, man, this would make great money.” (02:23, Andre 3000)
- Andre likens his drive to “creative ADD”—always seeking to excite and challenge himself, not motivated by money but by fresh ideas.
- Role of Arts in Schools:
- Stresses the importance of music education and laments its decline.
3. Outkast: Future and Friendship
- Solo Projects & Band Dynamics:
- Candid about Outkast’s current status—both he and Big Boi are focused on solo projects but visit each other's studios and maintain genuine friendship.
- “It's almost like you growing up in the same house with a brother and eventually… you have to go out and get your own house and family.” (03:27 - 04:44, Andre 3000)
- Candid about Outkast’s current status—both he and Big Boi are focused on solo projects but visit each other's studios and maintain genuine friendship.
- Likelihood of New Outkast Music:
- Leaves the door open but emphasizes that making music has to be organic and meaningful, not contractual or forced.
- “We never… put out… two, three albums a year… it was always… what do you have to say right now? What do you wanna present right now?” (05:16, Andre 3000)
- “I might not even put out an album. You just… really don't know. It all depends on how you feel.” (04:52, Andre 3000)
- Leaves the door open but emphasizes that making music has to be organic and meaningful, not contractual or forced.
- Notable Quote:
- “I don't wanna just feed people some mess, you know, so it's always open.” (05:57, Andre 3000)
4. Collaborating with John Legend ("Green Light")
- How the Collab Happened:
- Producer let Andre hear the finished track, which inspired him to contribute; praised the song’s energy as a departure for Legend.
- “It was kind of like an up beat jam, and I like the song. And so I said, hey, I got something for it.” (06:05, Andre 3000)
- Producer let Andre hear the finished track, which inspired him to contribute; praised the song’s energy as a departure for Legend.
- Writing vs. Freestyling:
- Clarifies only the end of his verse was freestyle; most of it was written.
- “I'm not gonna sit up here and act like I made up the whole thing completely. A lot of people will do that, but I ain't gonna lie to you like that.” (07:00–07:53, Andre 3000)
- “I'm not even a great freestyler… Big Boi will freestyle you all day long. But I'm more of a writer, to be honest.” (08:09, Andre 3000)
- Clarifies only the end of his verse was freestyle; most of it was written.
- Clip Played:
- They play Andre’s verse from “Green Light;” Bert Show members compliment how he “steals the show” in that part. (08:17)
5. Anecdotes & Humor
- Bert Show hosts recall disastrous attempt at group freestyle, highlighting the artistry in Andre’s approach.
- Andre jokes about not being able to freestyle “that early.”
- Gentle teasing about taking kids to shows versus indoor playgrounds provides a warm, relatable ending.
- “You can only go to Monkey Joe’s so many times…” (09:25, Host C)
Memorable Quotes (with Timestamps)
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On creative motivation:
“I always kind of start things saying, ‘Oh, this would be cool.’… It’s all about trying it, you know.” (02:23, Andre 3000) -
On music with Outkast:
“It's almost like you growing up in the same house with a brother and eventually… you have to go out and get your own house and family.” (04:02, Andre 3000)
“I don't wanna just feed people some mess, you know, so it's always open, you know.” (05:57, Andre 3000) -
On improvising:
“I'm not even a great freestyler… But I'm more of a writer, to be honest… more just like a having fun kind of thing.” (08:09, Andre 3000) -
On Class of 3000 live:
“Bring the kids. They'll really enjoy it.” (09:19, Andre 3000)
Important Segments & Timestamps
- Class of 3000 Live Adaptation — 00:55 to 01:53
- Outkast & Solo Projects — 03:17 to 05:57
- Green Light/John Legend Collab — 06:05 to 08:09
- Freestyle vs. Writing — 06:55 to 08:09
- Closing/Alliance Theater Plug — 09:19 to 09:46
Summary
This podcast episode offers an intimate look at Andre 3000’s evolving creativity and philosophy. Listeners gain insight into the artist’s explorative process, get the inside scoop on Outkast’s status, and learn the backstage story behind a standout John Legend collaboration. The vibe is humorous, warm, and real—just what fans of Andre and The Bert Show have come to love. Whether you're curious about Atlanta’s theater scene, Outkast’s legacy, or hip-hop artistry, this episode delivers inspiration and plenty of genuine moments.