One half of legendary rap duo Outkast Big Boi was arrested earlier today in Miami on drug charges, media outlets are saying. According to Miami-Dade County Jail’s web site, the longtime rapper was caught and charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. The drugs were listed as MDMA powder, ecstasy pills and Viagra.
Further reports state that the artist born Antwan Patton was apprehended by customs and border patrol canines as he was exiting a cruise line. He was booked and processed this afternoon according to media reports. A quick look at Big Boi’s Twitter Page revealed that the rapper was on vacation between Puerto Rico and Grand Turk Island over the past few days. It appears that Big Boi’s trip back home to the states was marred by this recent infraction.
According to Miami-Dade County officials, all charges for the controlled substances would be considered felonies. Big Boi is currently being held on a $16,000 bond at the Pre-Trial Detention Center in Miami.
Big Boi began his storied career in 1994 alongside Andre "Andre 3000" Benjamin forming the group Outkast and has gone on to a solo career as well, releasing his debut Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. Big Boi has appeared in a few films as well including "ATL," "Idlewild," and slapstick comedy "Who's Your Caddy."
Big Boi's attorney Daniel Kane has issued the following in regards to the arrest. "While BIG BOI was traveling with his group and friends, a small amount of contraband was found in the collective luggage. I am confident when the entire facts are aired BIG BOI will be completely exonerated," read the statement from the lawyer.