Outkast’s Big Boi working as usher at Amalie Arena

Antwon “Big Boi” Patton, half of the influential hip hop duo Outkast has been spotted working events at Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa as an usher.

“Not for much longer, though,” he said, as he assisted patrons in finding their seats at the recent Jimmy Buffett concert held there. “Once I finish paying off this debt, I’m outta here.”

Patton was contracted to perform at the Stanley Cup celebration in Julian B. Lane Park following the celebratory boat parade end in July. However, that event was cancelled after a sudden onset of severe stormy weather. By that time, Patton had been paid for his appearance.

“I offered to just give the money back but was told to keep it in exchange for helping out in the future,” he said. “I had no idea at the time that help in the future would take the form of wearing a blazer, scanning tickets and answering questions about where the restrooms are.”

“I thought what they would want me to do would be show biz related, and I guess technically it is,” he said, sighing as an old lady bumped into him and spilled beer on his slacks.

Overall, he said the experience hasn’t been all that bad. “I’ve definitely had worse jobs,” he said.

“Probably one of the worst things has been dealing with this one particular season ticket holder. Every time he sees me, he yells, ‘Hey Big Boi, I like the way you move… people to and from their seats.’ Every single time,” he said. “It was funny, like, the first four times.”

“That’s better than this other guy who always makes Usher usher jokes,” he said. “I think he wants credit for knowing more than one ‘urban’ artist. Those have NEVER been funny.”