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.
Lupe Fiasco, the legendary Chicago rapper, stated a couple of days ago that he would give the fans what they wanted. In a tweet just last week, he said, “Gonna rap all over that 3stacks album and put it in the time capsule for future generations.” Many people were very excited about this seeing as Lupe can rap basically over any type of instrumental. That includes all sorts of live instrumentation, heavy 808s, or boom-bap beats. Well, he has officially lived up to that promise, as we have the first taster as to what we can hope to expect. Of course, the Andre 3000 album he is referring to is his all-woodwind instrumental project, New Blue Sun.
The eight-song LP has been well-received by the music community as even into the 48-year-old’s career, ‘Dre is still reinventing himself. There are so many other unique characteristics of this effort. The song titles really do not have a lot of meaning and are essentially sentences. They might mean something to Andre, though. Additionally, each song is around 10 minutes in average length.
t is a tough challenge for any skilled rapper to lay down some sort of flow that can keep up with the tempo of the production. However, Lupe just seems to have it like that. Fiasco changes up his patterns and nabs some melodic flows too. Hopefully, we get a full effort from him rapping over all of the tracks. This was worth it for him to try this.
What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new single from Lupe Fiasco, “3,048?” Do you think Lupe will drop an album on streaming platforms in the near future? Will Andre 3000 give him clearance to do so? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Lupe Fiasco and Andre 3000. Furthermore, stay with us for all of the best song drops.
Earlier this week, XXL dropped their new interview with one of the biggest hitmakers in all of rap, Latto. In the interview, they discussed a variety of subjects. They covered her career up to this point and also where she plans to go next. In one particular segment, she discusses what she’s learned about the industry behind the scenes. She specifically shares a piece of advice she gave fellow rapper Lola Brooke. She advised Brooke to stay neutral even when things get cliquey because you never know when your actions will be interpreted as taking sides.
From there the discussion expanded into a greater analysis of how Latto has learned to carry herself professionally. She discusses learning to carry herself differently after her actions were interpreted by fans as “clout chasing.” “I think it really don’t be a problem until we let fans, Stans, whatever you want to call them, like the outsiders once they get in the mix. I think that’s what stirs the pot. Because it’s like, we will all be fans of each other and commenting and following each other, whatever, but then once they get to comparing, they will turn us against each other, which is very weak-minded of us as female rappers,” she explains. Check out what else she had to say about her past beefs below.
Now that Latto realized she was coerced into drama by fans, she’s ready to move on from past beefs in her career. “I regret any beef I’ve ever been in because I don’t want to be known for anything but my music. I’m too talented for that sh*t. It’s a distraction and a waste of my time and energy,” the rapper explained.
During the interview, she also discussed one of her dream collaborators. She’s got a pretty strong desire to work with Andre 3000. The rapper is an incredibly hot commodity following his legendary run as one-half of Outkast. After a long absence from releasing much of his own material, Andre recently returned with a new album called New Blue Sun. But the catch for fans who have been waiting a while to hear new material from him is that the album contains not rapping at all. What do you think of Latto’s perspective on previous beefs she’s had in her career? Let us know in the comment section below.
Latto is near the peak of her powers. She has been a part of the biggest collaboration in Spotify history with Jung Kook on “Seven.” The track hit one billion streams in just about three and a half months and has become a global smash hit. While she does not have a record out this year, Latto is garnering tons of well-deserved attention. For example, she just sat down with XXL a few days ago to discuss a whole bunch of topics.
One of which was where she believes her stance is, within the Atlanta hip-hop scene amongst the other female talents. “Am I the First Lady of Atlanta? I do feel like I’m the frontrunner for female rap in Atlanta. I will say that… Yeah, I think I am.” Even with that claim, she is self-aware and more needs to be done to firmly place her legacy. “I think there’s a lot more work to be done for it to be cemented. There’s definitely a lot more work.”
Another interesting discussion that Latto had with XXL was about her dream collaborations. One of the hottest names right now is not an up-and-comer, rather it is the legend, Andre 3000. His new album, New Blue Sun, shocked the world and is one the best pieces of work this year. So, it was no surprise that Latto wanted to work with him. She is looking to do whatever it takes, too. “You want to know who I’ve been saying lately? I want to bring Andre 3000 out of retirement. I got a song for Andre right now that will go so f***in’ crazy.” She goes on, “I’m really just trying to pull all strings, so hopefully, this can reach Andre somehow. I want Andre on my album.”
What are your initial thoughts on Latto saying she wants to grab a feature from Andre 3000 for a song? Do you think this will happen and would it sound good? Do you agree with the fans with their takes in the comments section? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with Latto and Andre 3000. Furthermore, stay with us for everything else going on around the music world.
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