Update 4:30 p.m.: Rumor has it 3 Stacks is in Philly because he’s filming a new show.
L.A.-based political organizer Taz Ahmed was hanging out in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood with a group of other Muslim activists in town for the Netroots Nation conference when they spotted someone wandering around playing the flute.
Only it wasn’t just any street musician — it was Andre 3000.
The former OutKast rapper, born Andre Benjamin, has been on a wood instrument tear lately. He released new songs last year that feature his stylings on bass clarinet, and he’s been spotted all over the country doing the freestyle flute thing.
Mr. 3 Stacks caused a big stir Pied-Pipering his way around LAX for at least an hour in June, delighting travelers with melodic tunes.
On Wednesday of last week, he ran into a fan at a random crafts store (possibly in Philadelphia), where he graciously posed for a viral selfie before continuing his tooting travels.
Ahmed and her group ran into Dre after getting ice cream at Franklin Fountain on Thursday night. She dubbed the photo he posed for with them “Bombs over Baghdad” — the title of a groundbreaking OutKast hip-hop anthem from 19 years ago.
Others places in Philadelphia the rapper’s been seen, according to social media, include Mom’s Organic Market, the sidewalk on Market Street in Center City, and PHL Airport.
