Outkast Files Federal Lawsuit Against Rapper Ovrkast Over Name

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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 10: Big Boi and Andre 3000 of Outkast perform at One MusicFest at Lakewood Amphitheatre on September 10, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)

Hip-Hop duo OutKast and High Schoolers LLC have sued Bay Area rapper Ovrkast, whose real name is Silas Wilson, in federal court over his stage name.

The legendary duo filed suit Sept. 16 in Georgia, alleging trademark infringement, unfair competition and breach of contract. The dispute concerns Wilson’s continued use of Ovrkast, which OutKast claims creates confusion with its name.

According to the complaint, the Grammy winners’ attorneys sent Wilson a cease-and-desist letter in June 2025. The parties later reached an agreement governing his use of the Ovrkast name.

Under the agreement, Wilson agreed to adopt the name Overkxst. He also agreed to stop using Ovrkast across social media, streaming services, merchandise and promotional materials.

The deadline for the name change was July 15, 2026, according to the complaint. OutKast alleges Wilson continued using Ovrkast after that date.

Wilson released “Knock,” featuring Samara Cyn and MAVI, on Sept. 10 under the Ovrkast name, according to the suit.

The complaint also cites Wilson’s comments from a 2025 Rolling Stone interview. Wilson acknowledged that listeners sometimes confuse his name with OutKast.

Hip-Hop Duo Outkast Sues Rising Rapper Ovrkast Over Name In Federal Court

“The worst thing I get is like, ‘The n— think he OutKast,’” Wilson said. “It’s like, ‘No, bro. I wasn’t even thinking about OutKast.’”

“Mad n—s do that shit,” Wilson continued. “They read Ovrkast [as] OutKast.”

OutKast alleges those similarities could lead consumers to believe Wilson’s music is affiliated with, sponsored by or connected to the duo.

Wilson addressed the lawsuit on social media after reports about the case surfaced. He posted a screenshot of an article about the litigation and tagged OutKast members 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 seeks a jury trial, an injunction barring Wilson from using Ovrkast and monetary damages.

The dispute follows another trademark case involving Andre 3000 and Big Boi. The duo previously sued EDM act ATLiens over its name, which case settled in February 2026.


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