“When people ask me about a rap album […] Man, I would love a rap album,” he said. “I’m with you. I want to be with you when I’m really on it, you know what I mean?’
The album dropped on November 17, immediately becoming a streaming favorite, but it’s also available on vinyl. A cursory Google search indicates that the New Blue Sun vinyl is available to pre-order on Epic Records’ official online store. The product listing reads, “This limited edition 3-LP set is pressed on 180g black vinyl with printed inserts, fold out poster, and note from the artist,” and it’s “expected to ship on or around January 24, 2024. You can also pre-order at various other places, including Amazon, Lunchbox Records, Rough Trade, and Target.
Atlanta rap legend André 3000 threw his fans one hell of a curve ball with his new album, New Blue Sun. Technically, it’s his first solo album after years of making cultural classics with Outkast, but rather than rapping, which is what every wanted from him 15 years after Outkast called it quits, it’s a whole album of him playing flute music.
As it turns out, that was just fine for plenty of us, especially after he’d spent the last decade popping up and playing his flutes in random locations, but it did leave fans with a few questions. Fortunately, we’ve got Questlove to ask those questions for us, which he did in a brand-new episode of his long-running podcast, Questlove Supreme, recorded in LA with 3 Stacks but without his usual co-hosts.
In the interview, which finds Amir tossing off what he calls “non sequitur” questions to Dre’s delight, 3K reveals why he started playing the flute in the first place and how he learned.
Why Does André 3000 Play The Flute?
André explains that he “chose” the flute “because of the ‘mobileness’ of the flute.” He says he tooled around with acoustic and bass guitars but because flutes are so portable, he can just pull it out and start playing anytime — including in the backs of Ubers.
How Many Flutes Does André 3000 Have?
He says he has about 30 flutes, all from different makers. The style he has the most of is based on Mesoamerican instruments that were originally made of clay.
How Did André 3000 Learn To Play The Flute?
Dre says he “got schooled by Uber drivers,” since he would often play during rides and learned different cultural approaches to the instrument (it does seem like every culture in the world has a version of the instrument). “If I’m playing and it’s a Chinese driver,” he elaborates, “He’ll turn around like, ‘That reminds me of my country!’ Or if it’s a Japanese driver… or if it’s an African. I’m playing the same flute, but every nationality of driver will turn around and tell me it reminds them of their country.
Does André 3000 Play Flute By Ear?
Quest asks Andre, “When you play… are your hands telling you what to do or do you know that this particular position will yield this note and that note?” André calls this the “fun and scary part” about how he plays, saying he knows that holding his hands a certain way, it makes a certain sound, but musical theory is beyond him.
During a recent interview with CBS Mornings, André 3000 talked about his solo career, as he recently dropped a new instrumental album, New Blue Sun. However, in the extended conversation, he also spoke about how he felt regarding the possibility of an Outkast reunion — and if Big Boi ever brought it up.
The short answer was no, as André noted that the discussion hasn’t happened because they know what inspires the other person.
“So I think in that sense, he’s never pushed that issue,” he said about Big Boi. “But I’m sure, like, I want another OutKast album. Yeah, like in my mind – but see, that’s the thing. That’s the human side. I want an OutKast album a long time ago.”
“And honestly for me as an individual, it would be gratifying to me to put out a solo rap situation,” André added. “But not for nobody else at this point. It’s for me because I actually like the challenge of, ‘How could I make this part of my life interesting and rhyme in words?’ You know what I mean? Like how can I do that? So yeah, it’s still a challenge. So I think hopefully with will and intent, something will happen.”
Check out the clip of André 3000’s interview above.
Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, is one of hip-hop’s all-time greats, a quality that he keeps on proving. Moreover, he recently held a show in Dubai on Saturday (December 9), and he had a very special surprise for the crowd, who seemed to be having an amazing time. At one point of the concert, the other half of Black Star began to rap over the opening track to André 3000’s new album, New Blue Sun. If you didn’t already know, this project is entirely instrumental and steeped in New Age, spiritual jazz, and ambient traditions. As such, it’s quite the treat to hear one rap legend give his own unique take, via a melodic and killer verse, to the new lane that another rap legend ventures into.
Furthermore, Yasiin Bey is not the first to engage in this kind of tribute and genre fusion. For example, Lupe Fiasco also rapped over New Blue Sun‘s opener, which gave Andre 3000’s song some uniquely creative and expertly rapped lyrics to go along with it. This was one point of contention for many in the hip-hop community: why isn’t one of the best rappers alive rapping?! That’s a debate we won’t engage in here, but perhaps it’s more important to celebrate how this new work is clearly still inspiring rappers left and right.
Meanwhile, there are other rap exponents in addition to Yasiin Bey and Lupe Fiasco who think that New Blue Sun holds some real weight in the game. One curious and interesting suggestion came from Paul Wall, who gave 3 Stacks major props for his new effort. However, he posited that a chopped-and-screwed version of the improvisational LP could actually be quite compelling and exciting. It certainly wasn’t the first thing that came to mind when we heard “Andre’s flute album,” but who are we to judge?
On that note, though, what do you think of Bey’s verse on this song? Where do you fall on the debate around whether this is an interesting or worthwhile thing for MCs to do? Whatever the case, let us know in the comments down below. Also, stay up to date on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Yasiin Bey and Andre 3000.
André 3000 surprised the world recently with a new album,New Blue Sun. It was a shock because it was an unexpected new album from André, and because it didn’t feature any rapping. That doesn’t mean the former Outkast member doesn’t want to rap, though.
In a recent CBS Mornings interview, André explained, “When people ask me about a rap album… man, I would love a rap album, I’m with you. I want to be with you when I’m really on it, you know what I mean?”
CBS Mornings‘ Anthony Mason asked why he doesn’t feel like he’s “on it,” and André responded, “That, I have no idea. I write down ideas and lyrics all the time. And maybe I haven’t found the music that’s inspiring enough for me to want to write raps to, or maybe I got to find a new way to rap. If I don’t feel like I’m doing something, it don’t matter to me.”
André also spoke about why he didn’t have a desire to participate in any of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop celebrations that took place in 2023, saying, “I don’t necessarily like looking back. I wouldn’t want to be in a place where I’m doing it on some… just because I’m trying to meet an expectation.”
André 3000’s long-awaited return to music raised an important question: Is there an age limit on rap? While discussing his decision to make an instrumental rather than a rap album, the former OutKast member told GQ that he thinks so. Well, word got back to 41-year-old rapper Lil Wayne, who took to his Young Money Radio show on Apple Music to share his thoughts on the matter.
Lil Wayne didn’t mention André 3000 by name, but the firestorm his comments sparked made it abundantly clear that he was at the center of the chat between Lil Wayne and Tyga.
“I read a depressing quote or two from someone I respect a lot in music – in Hip Hop period, in music period,” Lil Wayne said. “And they were asked, ‘Why you ain’t been doing music’ or whatever? And they were like, ‘Man, what I’m a talk about? I’m in my 40s. Like, what am I supposed to talk about?’ I was like, wow, that was so depressing. I’m like, I have everything to talk about.”
Lil Wayne’s recent joint project with 2 Chainz, Welcome 2 Collegrove, demonstrates that he still has more than enough raps tucked into his mind to keep his musical legacy going.
In a recent episode of his Young Money Radio show on Apple Music, Lil Wayne candidly addressed his disappointment after reading André 3000’s remarks about the challenges of finding subject matter for rap in one’s 40s. Although Wayne didn’t explicitly name André 3000, it was evident who he was talking about. Expressing his thoughts, Wayne said, “I read a depressing quote or two from someone I respect a lot in music. In Hip Hop period, in music period.” Without naming names, he continued, “And they were asked, ‘Why you ain’t been doing music’ or whatever? And they was like, ‘Man, what I’ma talk about? I’m in my 40s. Like what am I supposed to talk about?’ I was like wow, that was so depressing. I’m like, I have everything to talk about!”
Tyga, Wayne’s guest on the show, shared his perspective, suggesting that staying engaged in the music scene is essential. “But I feel like that’s why you gotta stay in it, though. I feel like you can’t be too far removed,” Tyga remarked. Wayne, however, disagreed. He expressed concerns about the potential creative discouragement that could come with trying to keep up with current music trends at his age. “So that’s why I say I don’t listen,” he concluded. “I just go in my little hole. I love what I do, I just put it out and swing for the fences, man.”
The sentiments made by Andre 3000 were featured in his recent interview with GQ. In the conversation about the absence of raps or lyrics in his latest album, New Blue Sun, André explained that, at his current age, he finds himself without significant topics to explore or discuss. While André 3000’s perspective suggests a struggle to find relevant content in his 40s, Lil Wayne remains committed to staying true to himself. Regardless of the changing landscape of the music industry. The conversation offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by artists as they navigate the evolving dynamics of the hip-hop genre.
“I don’t have anything to talk about in that way,” Andre 3000 said. “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. And things that happen in my life, like, what are you talking about? ‘I got to go get a colonoscopy.’ What are you rapping about? ‘My eyesight is going bad.’” While André 3000 raises valid concerns about the challenges of finding new inspiration in one’s 40s, Lil Wayne stands as a testament to the enduring power of passion and individuality. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that hip hop, at its core, remains a dynamic art form that thrives on the authentic and ever-evolving narratives that artists bring to the mic. What are your thoughts? Let us know on HNHH!
Earlier this month, Andre 3000 dropped his long-awaited debut solo album. It’s the first full-length project he’s released since the final Outkast album more than 15 years ago. While fans have been excited for a new album from Andre for years, it didn’t exactly arrive in the way they were expecting. In his announcement Andre clarified that the album had “no bars” and he followed up on that promise. The resulting album New Blue Sun is a 90-minute ambient jazz album with no vocals of any kind.
As you’d expect, it divided people. Some gave Andre credit for following his artistic whims and praised the experimental elements of the album. Others didn’t care for it nearly as much and thought that he should stick to rap. Some got into trouble online for their controversial opinions on the project like Dj Vlad. He compared Spotify streaming numbers between the project and Outkast’s biggest hits to determine which is better. Fans came after him online for seemingly not understanding experimental music or how streaming numbers work. Now, Goodie Mob’s Big Gipp is also coming to Andre’s defense.
“André 3000 just opened a new genre for Hip Hop producers and Hip Hop people who play instruments. Remember, Miles Davis never said nothing to you. Kenny G don’t say nothing to you. It’s so many examples of just musicians who had a great amount of success that said nothing to you and played an instrument,” Big Gipp’s response begins.
“I feel like, again, this is never about us competing with nobody. This is only about us competing with ourself and making sure we push this place and push this genre so far that it opens up another room for aspiring artists and aspiring musicians. That’s what I think. To show you to break the rules and show you that you can,” Gipp elaborated. What do you think of Big Gipp’s take on Andre 3000’s experimental new album? let us know in the comment section below.
Andre 3000 has recently made music history with his latest venture, the flute album New Blue Sun. The chart-topping single, “I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time,” has propelled the former OutKast member to unprecedented heights, securing his place in the record books as the longest-running song ever on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The Longest-Running Song Ever
Andre 3000 has achieved a groundbreaking feat on Billboard with his latest flute album, New Blue Sun.
The album’s chart-topping single, “I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time,” has propelled the “Ms. Jackson” rapper into the history books, becoming the longest-running song ever to hit the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Andre 3000 now has the LONGEST song to chart on the Hot 100 in history
65 years of the Hot 100 & Andre set a new record
I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a ‘Rap’ Album but This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time
The 12-minute and 20-second epic has entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart at No. 90, solidifying its place as a record-breaking hit.
Andre’s First-Ever Solo Album
Users on Twitter (X) reacted to Andre 3000 breaking a Billboard record.
One user named @Herr1ngway commented, “Bro said nothing like literally spoke zero words and still made history.” Another user named @15acoall commented, “This is f*cking mind blowing man.” The previous record-holder for the longest-running song on the Billboard Hot 100 chart was Tool’s 2019 single “Fear Inoculum,” which had a runtime of 10 minutes and 21 seconds.
Andre 3000’s achievement surpasses this record and marks his first-ever solo album to reach No. 1 on the charts since OutKast’s 2006 release, Idlewild.
Updated By: Chris Samuel (11/30/23 at 4:12 pm)
Andre 3000 Returns With Mind-Bending Debut Solo Album
After a 17-year hiatus, Andre 3000 is poised for a comeback with his debut solo album, New Blue Sun. The album departs from rap, focusing on the legendaryOutKast member’s flute-playing skills and boasting eight tracks.
‘New Blue Sun’
Andre 3000 is making a comeback after 17 years with a debut solo album titled New Blue Sun.
Set for release on November 17, New Blue Sun was announced on Nov. 14 on Andre’s Instagram page. The album, however, will not be a rap album, but the artist/songwriter will play the flute and have eight tracks on it.
New Blue Sun will be co-produced by Andre 3000 and features the playing instrumentalists Nate Mercereau, Surya Botofasina, Deantoni Parks, Diego Gaeta, Matthewdavid, V.C.R., Diego Gaeta, Jesse Peterson, and Mia Doi Todd.
Andre 3000 Gets Candid About The Upcoming Album
In a recent interview with NPR’sAll Songs Considered podcast, Andre 3000 shared his inspiration and fascination with wind instruments:
“I’ve been interested in winds for a long time, so it was just a natural progression for me to go into flutes,” André says. “I just like messing with instruments and I gravitated mostly toward wind.”
Exploring this passion, he embraces the flute on New Blue Sun, utilizing various wind instruments such as a digital wind instrument, a Maya flute, and others made of wood and bamboo.
While New Blue Sun deviates from rap, Andre 3000 reassures fans that he hasn’t abandoned the genre. He expressed his desire to eventually release a rap album but emphasized the importance of finding an interesting and appealing way to articulate his thoughts at this career stage:
“There’s this misconception that I just won’t do it,” André says of releasing a rap record. “I think people feel like I’m sitting around on rap albums, or sitting around and I’m just not putting them out in that way. And no it’s not like that.” He continues: “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.
Andre Plays ‘New Blue Sun’ For Frank Ocean & Tyler, The Creator
Andre 3000 also shared that he recently played the album for Tyler, The Creator and Frank Ocean at Tyler’s house and wanted to see how a younger audience feels about an older rapper making a non-rap album.
“I wanted to see how a younger audience would perceive it… I reached out to Tyler [the Creator] for him to check it out and I went to his house. “Frank [Ocean] just happened to drop by [too]…,” Andre 3000 said.
Andre 3000 also mentioned that Tyler was inspired by it and Frank liked several of the songs. Users on Twitter (X) reacted to the news of Andre 3000’s new album.
One user named @goodlife_al commented “This sh*it about to be weird as hell but I’ma still listen,” and one other user named @encrypted_bml commented “ I have a feeling this is about to be Fire. Andree don’t put out crap music.”
Other users felt differently as @ewalknotewok commented, “People have been waiting for almost 2 decades for a new 3 stacks album and ole boy is putting out a flute record, no verses. Elite level trolling.”
Andre Back On The Map
Andre 3000 has not released music since he and his OutKast partner, Big Boi released their album, Idlewild, in 2006. The Atlanta artist will look to have his seventh overall album go platinum, with the other six being all with OutKast.
In addition, Andre’s announcement of a new album was hinted at by Atlanta rapper and friend of Andre, Killer Mike. In June 2023, Killer Mike said Andre 3000 had an album in the works but later revealed that he was joking about him having a new album.
‘Blockbusta’
Another rap legend is preparing to make a splash in the realm of upcoming album releases. Busta Rhymes recently announced that his album, Blockbusta, will be released on November 24. Production on the album will come from Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, and Pharrell Williams.
As it charted at No. 90 on the Hot 100 this week, André now holds the record for the longest song to do so. It replaced Tool’s “Inoculum” at 10:21, which had held the previous record in August 2019, according to the publication.
Interestingly enough, the three longest-running charting songs have all been released since then. Rounding out the third spot is Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well (10 Minute Version),” which reached No. 1 with a run-time of 10:13.
This marks his seventh solo entry on the Hot 100, not including his time in Outkast. “In my mind, I really would like to make a rap album,” he previously told NPR about the eye-catching and humorous title. “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.”
Additionally, André’s new LP has taken the top spot this week on the New Age Albums Chart.
New Blue Sun is out now via Epic. Find more information here.
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