01-05-2025
Big Boi's ‘Uncle D' reacts to OutKast Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — A notable relative of OutKast's Antwan 'Big Boi' Patton is unafraid to express pride in his nephew for the hip-hop duo's induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Big Boi is a native of the Hostess City and co-founder of the six-time Grammy-winning group, along with Atlanta native André Benjamin, best known as André 3000.
Outside of Trick's Barbecue, owned and operated by his family, Uncle D, whose full name is Darnell J. Walker, sounded off on what the honor meant.
'I'm so happy for my nephew, man. I'm so happy for the family. I'm so happy for everybody,' Walker said. 'It's the biggest group ever. I'm not just saying that because they are my people. It's the biggest group ever.'
Walker believes that Big Boi seemed destined for music, stardom and the honors from as far back as his toddler years.
'I go back to him from birth. Birth. That's how far I went back for my nephew,' Walker said. 'I would carry him on my shoulders. I used to walk round with him with a box on his shoulder when he was, like, four or five years old.'
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To Big Boi's 'Uncle D', the Rock Hall induction is inevitable.
'I've been on that stage with them, even the Grammys,' Walker said. 'But this one here, it's a big one. I will be there and I will be on stage. I'm taking some of that Savannah with me.'
Walker added that the respect and love in this family hasn't been based on Big Boi's success, it has been a consistency in their lives for as long as he can remember his nephew, continuing into his journey to Atlanta to meet Andre 3000 and catapulting to stardom under the OutKast name.
'I'm proud of him,' Walker said. 'And I love them boys. They're all my own sons. Both of them. Dre [Andre 3000], just like my son, too. Big Boi, he did so much for the family. We love him for free.'
The 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Nov. 8, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, Ca. Click here to learn more about OutKast's fellow inductees.
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