Eight years after starring in Idlewild, André Benjamin aka André 3000 returns to the big screen in Jimi: All Is By My Side. The reclusive OutKast rapper plays the legendary Jimi Hendrix in the revealing biopic, directed by John Ridley (12 Years a Slave).
The film, co-starring Hayley Atwell and Imogen Poots, documents a year in Hendrix’s life from 1966-67 as an unknown backup guitarist playing New York’s Cheetah Club to making his big debut at London’s Monterey Pop Festival.
In an interview with the AP, André explained how he prepared for the role. “I didn’t look at him as an icon because when you’re in it, you don’t know that you’re an icon,” he said. “I would just say, ‘What would Jimmy want people to know that they can’t get off of YouTube?’”
The film, which opened at the Toronto International Film Festival last year, does not feature any of Hendrix’s music because his estate did not allow it. Instead, André will perform covers of the Beatles, Elvis, Muddy Waters, and the Troggs.
Jimi: All Is By My Side hits theaters on September 26.
Watch the official trailer below.
