“International Players Anthem” by UGK and OutKast had a few twists and turns
On June 6, 2007, UGK released “International Players Anthem” featuring OutKast. The song was produced by DJ Paul and Juicy J. Jeff Sledge, A&R of Jive Records in the 2000s said that Pimp C wasn’t fond of Andre 3000’s verse on the song. Although it was less about the lyrics and more about the drums being removed, in retrospect, perhaps it was for the best.
“When André sent his piece back and had no drums, Chad [Pimp C’s government name] was pissed off. He was like ‘Fuck Andre, man. How the fuck is he gonna send my shit back and take my drums out?’ Fuck that.’ He was going off about Andre taking the drums out,” Sledge said in the interview.
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3 Stacks sent his verse back without the drums in the back of the instrumental, without anyone’s sign off.
“I was like, ‘Chad, hold up fam. Let’s rock it like that because when André’s doing a capella and then when the beat drops, that’s when your verse drops. And then you, your verse is gonna lift the record up because now the beat is rocking and your verse is kicking. And he’s like ‘Alright, Jeff. I’m gonna give it a shot. If it fucks up, it’s on you.’”
3000’s verse sets the tone for the track — whether you enjoy the verse or not. Rest In Peace to Pimp C.
