OutKast
ListenPlayer’s Ball · 1993
OutKast — “Player’s Ball,” official music video.
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1993 · LaFace / Arista
Player’s Ball
OutKast were thrilled to be offered a single deal—until they learned their song was destined for a Christmas album. André 3000 and Big Boi answered with their own kind of holiday scene, turning an unlikely assignment into “Player’s Ball.” [1]
| Accession | OMMA-0061 |
|---|---|
| Artist | OutKast |
| Release | 1993 · United States |
| Label | LaFace / Arista · Not documented |
| Format | 12-inch vinyl single · 33⅓ rpm |
| Issue | US promotional issue |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | M |
Release history and significance
Big Boi recalled fearing that a Christmas record would end the duo’s career before it began. He and Sleepy Brown remembered an early title, “Socks and Drawers,” before the song became “Player’s Ball.” Their solution was to write about Christmas as they knew it at the Dungeon, where making music was part of the day. [1]
Sleepy Brown supplied the sung hook over Organized Noize’s production. The seasonal assignment became an introduction to the group’s Southern musical world. [1] [2]
Big Boi remembered L.A. Reid asking for the Christmas references and sleigh bells to come out so the song could keep playing through the year. “Player’s Ball” outlasted the holiday. [1]
Market context
For the US Arista promotional edition numbered 74321 20942 1, Discogs lists sales from US$4.05 to US$15.99, with a median of US$6.75, as recorded on 14 September 2026. [2]
Physical Description
Black-vinyl twelve-inch promotional single. The release circulated in several mixes, including extended, radio, remix and instrumental versions. [2]
Condition
The media was recorded as Mint at acquisition. The sleeve was graded Very Good Plus, with a remainder mark.
Provenance
Acquired through Discogs from seller deepconcentration on 28 November 2025.
Sources
- Bullseye with Jesse Thorn, Big Boi and Sleepy Brown. 15 February 2022 interview transcript, pp.10–11: the Christmas assignment and the song’s development.
- Discogs, OutKast — Player’s Ball, release 1171368. Edition reference and sales statistics consulted 14 September 2026.
Catalogue text reviewed 14 September 2026.