Iconic rapper and Grammy-winning musician André 3000 is gearing up for a musical comeback, but with a twist that has left fans intrigued. His upcoming album, “New Blue Sun,” deviates from his signature rap style, featuring exclusively flute and woodwind tone instruments, marking a significant departure from his hip-hop roots.
In a recent interview with GQ, the 48-year-old artist explained the unconventional direction he took with his new project. André acknowledged the pressure to continue with traditional rap but emphasized the importance of authenticity. He shared, “It feels inauthentic for me to rap because I don’t have anything to talk about in that way. I’m 48 years old. And not to say that age is a thing that dictates what you rap about, but in a way it does.”
Addressing the evolution of his music, André drew parallels to the careers of retired boxers engaging in exhibition fights. He sees himself stepping back from the ring of mainstream rap, preferring to make occasional appearances with his flute, exploring a different dimension of musical expression.
Reflecting on his groundbreaking partnership with Big Boi in OutKast, André highlighted the rapid pace at which their success unfolded. The duo’s chemistry was undeniable, but as time passed, creative differences emerged, leading to their eventual parting after their last performance in 2014. André mused, “Sometimes I don’t even remember what cities we performed in. There’s a certain chemistry that me and Big Boi had and have. I think over time, people don’t understand that chemistry changes.”
As André steps away from the genre that defined his career, he expressed a sense of contentment with his decision. While fame brought him immense success, he now values aspects of normalcy that he misses.
The enigmatic artist offered a glimpse into “New Blue Sun,” anticipating varied reactions to his unconventional sound. Describing it as a stepping stone, André explained the diverse responses he received from friends during previews, ranging from tears to spontaneous yoga sessions.
Despite the departure from rap in this album, André hinted at the possibility of returning to the genre in the future. Dismissing the misconception that he’s disinterested in rap, he clarified, “In my mind, I really would like to make a rap album. So maybe that happens one day, but I got to find a way to say what I want to say in an interesting way that’s appealing to me at this age.”
As fans eagerly await the release of “New Blue Sun,” André 3000 continues to defy expectations, showcasing his musical evolution and leaving the door open for future surprises in his storied career.
