Outkast Files Federal Lawsuit Against Rapper Ovrkast Over Name

OutKAST vs. OVRKAST: Hip-Hop Legends Take Bay Area Rapper to Court

OutKast and High Schoolers LLC are taking Bay Area rapper Ovrkast, whose real name is Silas Wilson, to federal court over his stage name.

According to a lawsuit filed Sept. 16 in Georgia, OutKast alleges trademark infringement, unfair competition and breach of contract, arguing that Wilson’s continued use of the name Ovrkast could create confusion with the legendary hip-hop duo.

The legal dispute reportedly dates back to June 2025, when OutKast’s attorneys sent Wilson a cease-and-desist letter. The parties later reached an agreement in which Wilson agreed to change his 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. OutKast alleges Wilson continued using Ovrkast after that date, including on his Sept. 10 release “Knock,” featuring Samara Cyn and MAVI.

The lawsuit also points to comments Wilson made during a 2025 Rolling Stone interview, where he acknowledged that people sometimes mistake his name for OutKast.

After news of the lawsuit surfaced, Wilson addressed the situation on social media, tagging André 3000 and Big Boi while writing, “I thought it was love?” He later added, “I’m just a young Black man trying to get ahead.”

OutKast is seeking a jury trial, an injunction preventing Wilson from using the Ovrkast name and monetary damages.

The case comes months after OutKast also resolved a trademark dispute involving EDM act ATLiens. That case settled in February 2026.