Big Boi, one half of Outkast, has said he hopes the duo will release their next studio album in 2010.

The rapper told Billboard Outkast's next effort would follow solo albums from both him and partner Andre 3000.

"This is all in the next year or so, starting with my album coming at the top of the year, Dre 3000 right after me,” he said.

“And when the solo albums come out, depending on how the fans support them, then we're gonna give them the Outkast album."

Big Boi remained quiet over possible Outkast live shows, but said he planned to hit the road in support of his album, 'Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty'.

He promised the gigs would be a "high-powered funk energy extravaganza”.

Outkast's last studio album, 'Idlewild', was released in 2005.

(by Jason Gregory)