OutKast has taken a stage-name dispute to federal court, suing Bay Area rapper Ovrkast, whose real name is Silas Wilson, over his continued use of the name.
The legendary hip-hop duo and High Schoolers LLC filed the lawsuit in Georgia on September 16, alleging trademark infringement, unfair competition and breach of contract. According to the complaint, the dispute centers on whether Wilson’s use of “Ovrkast” could create confusion with OutKast.
The legal fight dates back more than a year. OutKast’s attorneys reportedly sent Wilson a cease-and-desist letter in June 2025, after which the parties reached an agreement governing his use of the name.
Under that agreement, Wilson agreed to switch his stage name to Overkxst and stop using “Ovrkast” across social media, streaming platforms, merchandise and promotional materials.
The deadline for the change was July 15, 2026, according to the complaint. OutKast alleges that Wilson continued using the disputed name after that date.
One example cited in the lawsuit is Wilson’s September 10 release, “Knock,” featuring Samara Cyn and MAVI, which was released under the Ovrkast name.
The complaint also points to comments Wilson made in a 2025 Rolling Stone interview, in which he acknowledged that some listeners had confused his name with OutKast.
Wilson said the reaction he sometimes received was along the lines of people thinking he was “OutKast,” adding that he had not chosen the name with the duo in mind.
OutKast’s lawsuit argues that the similarity between the names could cause consumers to believe Wilson’s music is affiliated with, sponsored by or connected to the Grammy-winning duo.
Wilson has publicly acknowledged the lawsuit since reports about the case emerged. On September 22, he shared a screenshot of an article about the litigation and tagged André 3000 and Big Boi.
“I thought it was love?” Wilson wrote. “Yes, this is real.”
He later added: “I’m jus a young Black man trying to get ahead.”
OutKast is seeking a jury trial, an injunction preventing Wilson from using “Ovrkast,” and monetary damages, according to the complaint.
The case is not the first time André 3000 and Big Boi have taken legal action over a name they say is too similar to OutKast. The duo previously sued EDM act ATLiens over its name; that case was settled in February 2026.
For now, the latest dispute puts a very specific piece of hip-hop branding—one letter at a time—before a federal court.
