André 3000 Makes a Triumphant Comeback with an 87-Minute Flute Album, Ending a 17-Year Hiatus
OutKast's André 3000 astonishes fans with a remarkable comeback after 17 years, presenting 'New Blue Sun,' a groundbreaking album entirely dedicated to the ethereal beauty of flutes Unlocking uncharted musical realms, this 87-minute masterpiece is set to redefine the boundaries of artistic expression
André 3000 Gregg DeGuire/WireImage
After a hiatus of nearly two decades, André 3000 is making a comeback in the music industry. This time, he is showcasing his talent with the flute.
André 3000, who is famous for being one-half of the iconic Atlanta hip-hop duo OutKast alongside Big Boi, is set to release his new album, New Blue Sun, on Friday, November 17. This eagerly anticipated album will mark the first collection of fresh tracks from the 48-year-old artist since the release of the Idlewild soundtrack in 2006. However, for those hoping for André's return to the rap genre, they will have to exercise some patience. According to NPR, New Blue Sun diverges from rap and instead serves as an improvisational jazz experiment that highlights André's expertise with woodwind instruments.
According to NPR, New Blue Sun does not have any bars, beats, or sub-bass. André does not rap or sing on the album but instead focuses on playing various flutes such as the contrabass flute, Mayan flutes, and bamboo flutes, as well as other digital wind instruments.
During his conversation with NPR, André discussed his experience of feeling pressured to return to rap after a long break. He mentioned that even during his peak, he was always a slow writer and not a freestyler. He acknowledged Big Boi's fast and efficient style compared to his own.
He continued to express his struggle, stating, "In these times, I find it increasingly difficult to do it, and I am unsure of the reasons behind this challenge. I make constant efforts to create, tirelessly working on my craft. It's not that I lack a repertoire, as I have a collection of songs. However, these songs do not exude the essence of rap that I feel truly excited to share. Ultimately, the key aspect for me is to experience genuine happiness when sharing my music."
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The rapper known as "Ms. Jackson" stated that he had already shared the album with respected artists Tyler, The Creator and Frank Ocean. He mentioned that Tyler, who is 32 years old, was listening to the album while contemplating how to arrange his collection of travel suitcases. During this process, Tyler expressed that one of the songs sounded like chasing a butterfly through a garden, which helped him find inspiration. André explained that his encounter with jazz percussionist Carlos Niño at the L.A. health food chain Erewhon led to the creation of the new album. Niño, along with Nate Mercereau on guitar and Surya Botofasina on keyboards, collaborated with André on this project.
The album features songs titled "Rap Album Hopes Blown by the Winds," "Uncontrollable Panther Purring in Hawaii," "Beyoncé and Infinite Dreams," and "Dungeon Buried Dreams Blossoming." According to André, the first track title was his way of being sincere with his fans and acknowledging his love for rap music in his youth. Despite his desire to rap again, he believes in presenting what is currently given to him.
