OutKast’s legendary half has a new album for us.
This week marks a significant occasion for hip-hop heads as André 3000, is set to release his first full-length album in 17 years. Titled “New Blue Sun,” this musical creation unveils a side of André Benjamin that fans have never experienced before.
In a surprising twist, “New Blue Sun” deviates from André’s rap roots, offering an entirely instrumental collection that spans a staggering 87 minutes. The album is a celebration of woodwinds, described as “a living, breathing, aural organism” in a news release. This departure from traditional hip-hop showcases André 3000’s artistic evolution and fearless exploration of new musical territories.
In a recent NPR interview, André expressed his intention to defy expectations, stating, “I don’t want people to think, Oh, this André 3000 album is coming! And you play it and like, Oh man, no verses. So even actually on the packaging, you’ll see it says, ‘Warning: no bars.’” This bold move into ambient New Age jazz demonstrates André’s commitment to authenticity and pushing creative boundaries.
Known legally as André Benjamin, the hip-hop luminary has been relatively quiet on the music scene since OutKast’s hiatus. However, he’s been making intriguing appearances on social media, with fans documenting his impromptu flute performances in various locations around the world.
The inspiration behind “New Blue Sun” lies in André’s fascination with winds, a passion he has enjoyed for years. The album showcases his mastery of wood, bamboo, and Mayan flutes, with approximately 30 to 40 flutes in his collection. Collaborating with experimental jazz artist Carlos Niño, André 3000 brings his unique instrumental vision to life.
The album comprises eight tracks, each with unconventional titles reminiscent of André’s eclectic style. The opening track, “I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time,” sets the tone for an auditory journey that promises to be both unexpected and captivating. Other tracks include the enigmatic “Ghandi, Dalai Lama, Your Lord & Savior J.C. / Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and John Wayne Gacy,” described as having a haunted aura, and “Ants to You, Gods to Who?”
André 3000 acknowledges that “New Blue Sun” is a departure from the hip-hop anthems that catapulted him to fame alongside Big Boi. The Grammy-winning duo, responsible for hits like “Hey Ya!,” “ATLiens,” and “Ms. Jackson,” parted ways after the release of their sixth album, “Idlewild,” in 2006. While André doesn’t rule out rapping in the future, he encourages listeners to “slow down, reset, and sit still” with this transformative instrumental experience.
As we eagerly anticipate the release of “New Blue Sun,” André 3000 invites us to immerse ourselves in a therapeutic musical setting—a moment where past and future dissolve and we can revel in the beauty of a natural happening. This album marks not only a return but a reinvention, proving that André 3000’s artistic journey is as unpredictable and intriguing as the winds that inspired it.
Source: WP