André 3000, known for his pioneering role in OutKast, has embraced an unconventional musical direction with his latest project, admitting he’s navigating new territory without a roadmap.
In a surprising move last November, André 3000 released “New Blue Sun,” his first solo album in 17 years, which diverged sharply from expectations. Instead of the anticipated rap album, fans encountered an 87-minute ambient flute record. Explaining this creative shift, André 3000 expressed feeling disconnected from the genre that defined his early career: “Sometimes it feels inauthentic for me to rap because I don’t have anything to talk about in that way. I’m 48 years old.”
During an appearance on LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s The Shop podcast, André 3000 revealed that his foray into instrumental flute music wasn’t meticulously planned. “I don’t want people to think that I’m trying to be a jazz musician,” he clarified. “I kind of look at myself as a sonic displayist. I don’t know what notes I’m playing, to be completely honest.”
Despite initial reactions, which ranged from surprise to disappointment among some hip-hop peers like Ja Rule and Lil Wayne, André 3000’s experimental tracks made waves. The album’s opening epic, “I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a ‘Rap’ Album but This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time,” notably set a record as the longest song ever to debut on the Billboard Hot 100 at 12 minutes and 20 seconds.
In addition to the album’s unconventional musical approach, fans were intrigued by its thought-provoking track titles, such as ‘The Slang Word P(*)ssy Rolls Off The Tongue With Far Better Ease Than The Proper Word Vagina. Do You Agree?’ and ‘Dreams Once Buried Beneath The Dungeon Floor Slowly Sprout Into Undying Gardens.’
Looking ahead, André 3000 has hinted at new collaborations, including an upcoming project with the British collective SAULT. He’s also announced a series of US shows starting in September, following a successful earlier tour in the spring, with performances scheduled in cities like New Orleans, Houston, Seattle, Vancouver, and Salt Lake City.
For fans of André 3000, these developments mark an intriguing chapter in the artist’s evolving career, blending innovation with a reflective exploration of new musical landscapes.
