Andre 3000 found it ''scary'' playing Jimi Hendrix.

The 'Hey Ya!' hitmaker - who is part of chart-topping duo Outkast - admitted he was nervous portraying the legendary musician in the biopic 'Jimi: All Is By My Side'.

Speaking at a press conference, Andre said: ''It was scary. People ask me about what it was like trying to find the essence of Hendrix, and I don't know if I actually nailed it. I just know that John [Ridley; the film's writer and director] said, 'Whatever you do, just own it.'

''We have to be honest, we're doing trickery. I will never be Hendrix. It's my interpretation of it. I just tried my best. I can't say that I'm on a level with Hendrix.''

The musician-and-actor drew on his own musical background to try and get a better understanding of Jimi - who died in 1970 at the age of just 27 - as man.

Andre - real name Andre Benjamin - said: ''There are certain crossing points, in our careers, where I could agree. I know what it's like to be a nervous artist. I know what it's like to grow as an artist.

''I know what it's like to want full freedom in what you're doing. I know what it's like to want to fully throw yourself into music, and to look cool while you're doing it.

''There are points that we can agree on, but I don't know him, in that way. I know him as much as you know him. I probably just read a little bit more than you to get into the role.''