Outkast rapper to release solo album

Outkast rapper Andre 3000 is heading into the studio to record his debut solo album.

The 'Hey Ya!' singer has focused his efforts on his movie career over the past couple of years - with star turns in such films as 'Be Cool', 'Four Brothers' and 'Revolver'.

He is now eager to get back into music - as soon as his promotional duties for new Will Ferrell comedy 'Semi-Pro' come to an end.

He told MTV.com: "After I finish promoting Semi-Pro, I'm going to the studio and kind of staying in there for a while. I'll bang out something!"

OutKast released their last album 'Speakerboxx/The Love Below' in 2003. The double disc featured solo albums from both Big Boi and Andre 3000, but was released under the OutKast banner.

Andre 3000's solo LP is expected to hit music store shelves later this year.