In his new conversation with legendary poet Hanif Abdurraqib for The Bitter Southerner, Andre 3000 once again shared his thoughts on an age-old (well, at least since 2006) question: will Outkast come through with another album? 3 Stacks and Big Boi have arguably the most decorated catalog in hip-hop history, and while they are still great friends, it’s been a long time since they’ve put out music together. In Andre’s case, he’s even yet to drop a hip-hop-oriented solo album. Through his most recent remarks on the subject, he expressed that while he doesn’t think that the reunion is impossible, it would also be a bit of a backtrack considering how his relationship with Sir Lucious Left Foot has evolved over the years, from friends to musicians and beyond.
“People ask, ‘So, will there be another Outkast album?’” Andre 3000 shared. “I really can’t say, man. I do realize that our chemistries have changed. We’re different people. We’re totally different people. Not to say that we won’t be able to make any kind of music, but I think, yeah, people have to realize, like, even in relationships, man… chemistry should change after a while. And I think people think there’s this one thing that has to stay a way, but we are ever-changing, man.
Andre 3000 & Big Boi Performing As Outkast At One MusicFest 2016
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 10: Big Boi and Andre 3000 of Outkast perform at One MusicFest at Lakewood Amphitheatre on September 10, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage/Getty Images)
“You know, people always ask about me and Big Boi,” Andre 3000 continued. “We cool, man. That’s my homie forever. We were friends before doing music.” If anyone doubted the bond between the ATLiens creatives, remarks on Big Boi’s reaction to New Blue Sun quickly dispelled them. They have crossed paths a lot over the years, whether it’s for get-togethers, reunions, or other events. Outkast is alive and well, not just in their catalog of music’s enduring influence and acclaim, but in terms of that Dungeon Family spirit that both MCs continue to embody in unique ways.
Meanwhile, speaking of the Dungeon Family, that whole collective is still mourning the loss of Rico Wade, the great bridge of not just Southern rap, but rap in general. Perhaps this grief and the 20-year anniversary of Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik will provide some other form of reflection, celebration, or tribute… just not a new Outkast album. It seems like Andre 3000 and Big Boi won’t meet up again in the booth, or at least, in the exact same capacity as their previous work. While we accepted that reality a long time ago, that wouldn’t make it any less hype if they change their minds one day.
LL Cool J is a hip-hop legend. He’s been relevant for longer than some rappers have been alive, so he gets to say what he wants during interviews. LL went on The Shop with Lena Waithe recently, but rather than target younger rappers, he had criticism for another legend. The NCIS star took Andre 3000 to task for refusing to put out a rap album, and instead give fans an album of flute instrumentals. He was baffled by Andre’s decision. He’s only confused by the flute album, he’s frustrated thinking about the rap album that Andre could have made.
The whole thing came about when Waite asked LL Cool J about inspiration. The rapper noted that he likes to express himself in different mediums, whether it be acting or music. “Sometimes some things are more fascinating to an artist,” he conceded. The thing he couldn’t understand was abandoning a calling. Which is the very thing he felt Andre 3000 did when the Outkast member gave up rapping. “Andre,” he called out. “Do we want him to make a rap album? Sure. But he’s like, ‘I’m on this flute game.’ This is my jam right now, I’m super into this.’”
The man born James Todd Smith appreciates Andre’s artistry, but he wants bars. “I need him to spit, though,” he asserted. “I need him to spit. Flutes? Man, come on, bro. His bars is all the way up. I’m very clear. Not the flute, B. Not the flute. Don’t do the flute.” Lena Waithe came to the defense of Andre’s flute album, New Blue Sun, by describing it as calming. LL Cool J wasn’t having any of it. He likened the album to the notion of him making a violin album. “You wanna hear me do a violin,” he asked Waite. “You might not wanna hear me do sh*t, but do you wanna hear me do a violin?” The comment won over The Shop co-host, Maverick Carter. He agreed that he wanted to hear Andre 3000 “spit” again.
LL was not just critical of other artists, however. He was willing to be brutally honest about his own work. He wait Waite and Carter that he’s put out some bad albums over the course of his career. “I make bad albums, but I also have some smack, some crazy shit too,” he noted. “But I made bad sh*t, or sh*t that people didn’t respond to because that was where I was at.”
He went on to explain that sometimes he made albums knowing they wouldn’t connect with the public. “Sometimes I make records in a vacuum,” he concluded. “Just because it’s for me and then sometimes I make albums for the culture.” Who knows, maybe fans will get that violin album he joked about one day.
Rhode Island’s Newport Jazz Festival unveiled the 2024 lineup, with André 3000, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Kamasi Washington, and Elvis Costello set to headline. Other acts that will be performing this year include Laufey, Robert Glasper, Brittany Howard, Cory Wong, Samara Joy, Noname, Thievery Corporation, Galactic, Moonchild, PJ Morton, and more.
This will take place from August 2 to 4 at Fort Adams State Park, marking the 70th anniversary of the event. Those interested in attending this year are currently able to purchase tickets, as they went on sale at 1 p.m. today.
A 3-day General Admission pass starts at $265.74, with fees included. This will eventually increase to $312, after the special discount pricing ends. For those looking for a more exclusive festival experience, Newport Jazz also offers a 3-day Jazz Lounge pass starting at $1,256.60. This includes a premium parking space and access to a special tented lounge with air-conditioned bathrooms, a cash bar, and views of certain stages.
Finally, students can attend Newport Jazz Festival through their pass for those between the age 10-25. Current college students will need a student ID. These tickets start at $188.49, allowing those of all ages to experience the music.
View the full lineup for 2024 below. For additional information, visit Newport Jazz’s festival website.
Smino has developed a reputation for being one of the eccentric voices in hip-hop. He has a rare talent for combining hip-hop, R&B and pop music without making it seem contrived or emulatory. He makes Smino music, plain and simple. The rapper’s idiosyncrasy doesn’t keep him dabbling in other people’s hits, however. During a recent appearance on Like a Version, Smino delighted fans by performing a live cover of the classic 2003 Outkast track “Roses.”
Smino delved into his decision to cover Outkast during a separate Like a Version video. He admitted that “Roses” was a song he wish he’d written, and praised its unconventional structure. “Sometimes you hear a song as an artist, you’ll be like, damn,” he said. “Just the creativity, and the way André [3000] chose to explain a superficial girl… It’s a good message.” The rapper intended to be faithful to the original Outkast version, but he also felt it was important to put his own humor and personal spin on “Roses.” Anyone who has listened to Smino’s music will not be surprised by this point. “If you really know me you know I love laughing,” he noted. “The end part where I was just like ‘crazy b***h,’ I was just thinking about some people I know.”
Smino has been vocal about the influence Outkast, and André 3000, in particular, have had on his music. The rapper told Rolling Stone that he often gets likened to Three Stacks when people try to describe his elastic flow. He doesn’t find the comparison completely accurate, but he’s humbled by it regardless. “It’s known that I love André 3000, like I love Stacks,” he noted. “Bruh, I love Stacks… I feel like, ‘Wow.’ The guy’s a legend, go ahead.” Smino plans to chart his own, path, however. “I feel like my gratitude for where I’m at will get me where I want to go,” he asserted.
André 3000 and Big Boi continue to be forces in the music industry, and Smino told Like a Version that he hopes they like his “Roses” cover. “Man, I just hope they’ll be proud that their music’s still affecting us,” he said. “That’s the most, you know.” We get the feeling the duo, and everyone else who watches the cover, will dig it.
It was likely only a matter of time until Kamasi Washington and André 3000 teamed up. After all, André has spent the last half-decade wandering around playing woodwinds and Washington is one of the foremost big-band jazz revivalists working in music today. Sure enough, they’ve released their first collaboration, “Dream State,” complete with a well-suited, avant-garde music video. The track’s actually long enough that YouTube imposes its obnoxious ads on it before the first movement is even over, but the conversation between the two artists’ chosen instruments — sax and flute — is hypnotically engaging enough to make it worth sitting through a Fiji tourism commercial. Hell, I’d even pay for Premium (if I didn’t already have it and write it off on my taxes).
The song is from Washington’s upcoming album, Fearless Movement, which is out on May 3. In the album announcement press release, Kamasi calls it his “dance album,” elaborating, “It’s not literal. Dance is movement and expression, and in a way it’s the same thing as music—expressing your spirit through your body. That’s what this album is pushing.” The project was partially inspired by the birth of his daughter, and will also feature appearances from BJ The Chicago Kid, Coast Contra, DJ Battlecat, D-Smoke, George Clinton, and of course, frequent collaborators Terrace Martin and Thundercat.
Check out the video for “Dream State” above.
Fearless Movement Tracklist
01. “Lesanu”
02. “Asha The First” Feat. Thundercat & Taj Austin, Ras Austin of Coast Contra
03. “Computer Love” Feat. Patrice Quinn, DJ Battlecat, Brandon Coleman
04. “The Visionary” Feat. Terrace Martin
05. “Get Lit” Feat. George Clinton, D Smoke
06. “Dream State” Feat. André 3000
07. “Together” Feat. BJ the Chicago Kid
08. “The Garden Path”
09. “Interstellar Peace” (The Last Stance)
10. “Road to Self (KO)”
11. “Lines in the Sand”
12. “Prologue”
In the heart of Los Angeles, a groundbreaking fusion of art and amusement has emerged with the arrival of Luna Luna. This innovative museum-amusement park transports visitors back to the iconic era of 1987, showcasing the visionary creations of 30 renowned artists. Each artist has lent their unique touch to customize classic theme park rides, turning Luna Luna into a mesmerizing experiential art show and outdoor museum. HotNewHipHop had the opportunity to attend and experience the park firsthand. Moreover, the allure of the park persisted, captivating the attention of none other than Drake himself. Furthermore, visionary artists including Basquiat, Salvador Dali, and Lichtenstein were among the influential figures behind the design of the amusement park. In 1987, Luna Luna made its debut in Hamburg, Germany, only to close down shortly after due to financial struggles.
However, André Heller, its founder, doubted the possibility of Luna Luna ever reopening its doors. But thanks to the involvement of Drake and his DreamCrew team who invested upwards of $100M, the park underwent a resurrection and opened its doors to the public in December 2023. For Drake and his team, the thought of so many interactive works of art sitting in obscurity sparked his imagination and fueled his desire to bring Luna Luna back to life. An earlier endeavor to resurrect the park in the 1990s in San Diego fell short. However, the team salvaged the park’s dormant rides from a warehouse in Texas. Their objective wasn’t to restore it as a functioning theme park. But rather to reimagine it as a captivating art exhibition. While the rides themselves are not operational, the park is transformed into an immersive and creative art gallery.
Each segment of the exhibition serves as a canvas for creative expression, breathing life into art in a vibrant and accessible manner. Stepping into the space was like entering a portal to a realm where imagination runs wild. While walking through the doors of this spectacular exhibition in Los Angeles, there was a clear rush of excitement. Here, amidst the 60,000-square-feet of creative wonder, I embarked on a journey through the forgotten fantasy of the world’s first art amusement park. The experience began with a mesmerizing introduction to Luna Luna through a fast-moving video. The visual guided readers on the history of the fairground.
As I passed through a midnight blue corridor, I found myself immersed in a world where the fantastical meets the tangible. The exhibition is divided into two rooms. Each room is filled with unique rides and interactive installations by world-renowned artists. In the first space, I took pictures next to Kenny Scharf’s painted chair swing ride, complete with abstract sculptures surrounding it. Next up, David Hockney’s Enchanted Tree and Keith Haring’s vibrant carousel added to the enchantment, while Manfred Deix’s Palace of the Winds stood as a testament to the enchanting nature of the park.
The Jean-Michel Basquiat Ferris Wheel Was A Highlight
Image via Tallie Spencer
Furthermore, crossing through artist’s Sonia Delaunay’s monumental entrance archway, I entered the second space. I was greeted by the marvelous sight of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s painted Ferris wheel. This was one of my favorite areas of the exhibition. As I explored further, I encountered Rebecca Horn’s thought-provoking Love Thermometer, and André Heller’s imaginative Wedding Chapel. It was clear how each installation told a story, further captivating my attention into the world of Luna Luna. The day I went, there were several other visitors enjoying the space and also capturing Instagram-worthy moments.
But the magic didn’t stop there. It’s clear that Luna Luna has so much potential to be a space where the community can come together. In fact, on a separate day (March 19), I even had the opportunity to witness André 3000’s live performance, which took place at Luna Luna, as part of his New Blue Sun Tour. This experience added to the fantasy of the space and Andre 3000 did a great job at setting the atmosphere for what the audience witnessed. In fact, he even gave a short speech about why he decided to pursue his career playing the flute, instead of rapping on this album this time around. “It really all comes from the same place,” he told the crowd.
Moreover, set against the backdrop of Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Ferris wheel, his performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. Musicians Carlos Niño, Nate Mercereau, Surya Botofasina, and Deantoni Parks joined him on stage. André 3000 truly transported the audience to another dimension with his music. The audience felt the same way as the sounds of the wind instruments filled the room. It was a perfect fit for the tour stop to take place at this location. The playful atmosphere combined with the nature of André 3000’s performance served as an excellent background.
As I sat amongst iconic artworks, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the convergence of art and music in this surreal setting. It was a moment that transcended time, bringing together the past and present in a symphony of creativity. In the midst of my experience, I found myself captivated by the rich tapestry of artistic expression. From the vibrant colors of Keith Haring to the surreal landscapes of Salvador Dalí, each artist left a memorable mark on this immersive experience. Overall, Luna Luna is filled with surprises and has a certain whimsical magic to the whole experience. The exhibition is worth the visit!
The 2024 Big Ears Festival will be held from Thursday, March 21, to Sunday, March 24, in Knoxville, Tennessee. The festival features a whopping 13 venues, including Knoxville Civic Auditorium, Tennessee Theatre, Bijou Theatre, Mill & Mine, and The Standard.
Check out the must-know set times below, and see the full four-day schedule here.
Here Are Big Ears Festival Set Times For 2024
Thursday, March 21: The slate will really begin at 6 p.m. local time with Tord Gustavsen Trio at Bijou Theater and include various performances across all stages, including Adrianne Lenker (9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.) at Knoxville Civic Auditorium. It will conclude with Robert Aiki and Aubrey Lowe from 11:45 p.m. to 12:45 a.m. at The Standard. André 3000’s first New Blue Sun Live performance will take place from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at St. John’s Cathedral.
Friday, March 22: Sisters With Transistors will kick the day off at 9 a.m. at Regal Riviera Cinema 2. Steve Keene Live Art Performance will happen throughout the day, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Red Gallery. Joanna Sternberg will perform from 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. at Old City PAC. John Paul Jones can be found from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at Tennessee Theatre. Laurie Anderson & Sexmob: Let X=X is set for 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Knoxville Civic Auditorium, and Rhiannon Giddens will play from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Tennessee Theatre. André 3000’s second New Blue Sun Live performance will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bijou Theatre.
Saturday, March 23:Steve Keene Live Art Performance will again stretch from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Red Gallery. Herbie Hancock is slated from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Knoxville Civic Auditorium. André 3000’s third New Blue Sun Live performance will take place from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Point.
Sunday, March 24: Yes, Steve Keene Live Art Performance will again be available to see from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Red Gallery. American Symphony will perform from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at Regal Riviera Cinema 2. Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens will set up from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. at Mill & Mine. Jon Batiste’s set will last from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Knoxville Civic Auditorium. André 3000 will stage two separateNew Blue Sun Live concerts at The Point on the final day: 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Andre 3000 and Big Boi linked up to give fans a bit of nostalgia. The Outkast duo shared a pair of videos from behind the scenes of one of 3000’s flute shows.
“Antwan & Andre Flutie Hoooooo #NewBlueSun,” Andre wrote online.
Andre 3000 was close to being part of the Fast and Furious franchise. Speaking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, 3 Stacks revealed he auditioned around 2 Fast 2 Furious.
“I think Ludacris took the role,” Andre said.” I actually tried out. I tried out for Fast & Furious, and Ludacris actually took the role.”
You can see the moment below.
With the release of Kamasi Washington’s new album, the spotlight has returned to American rapper and actor André 3000. The analytics team at CEnligneGuru was curious about how much the artist earns from music platforms. For instance, on Spotify, he boasts 2,628,951 monthly listeners, translating to an estimated $10,515.80. Notably, his most popular track on YouTube Music, “Life of the Party,” has amassed 18 million views, which, if monetized, would approximate earnings of $31,500.00.
It’s been a minute since we’ve gotten new Kamasi Washington, as his most recent album is 2018’s Heaven And Earth. His comeback is nigh, though: Today (March 6), he announced the upcoming release of Fearless Movement, a new album. He also shared a video for “Prologue.”
Washington recruited a strong roster of collaborators for the project, including André 3000 (on flute), George Clinton, BJ The Chicago Kid, Thundercat, Terrace Martin, and more.
Per a press release, Washington calls the project his “dance album,” saying, “It’s not literal. Dance is movement and expression, and in a way it’s the same thing as music — expressing your spirit through your body. That’s what this album is pushing.”
The press release also notes, “Where previous albums dealt with cosmic ideas and existential concepts, Fearless Movement focuses in on the everyday, an exploration of life on earth. This change in scope is due in large part to the birth of Washington’s first child a few years ago.”
Washington adds, “Being a father means the horizon of your life all of a sudden shows up. My mortality became more apparent to me, but also my immortality — realizing that my daughter is going to live on and see things that I’m never going to see. I had to become comfortable with this, and that affected the music that I was making.”
Watch the “Prologue” video above and find the Fearless Movement art and tracklist below. Washington also announced new tour dates, so find those below as well.
Kamasi Washington’s Fearless Movement Album Cover Artwork
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Kamasi Washington’s Fearless Movement Tracklist
1. “Lesanu”
2. “Asha The First” Feat. Thundercat, Taj Austin, and Ras Austin
3. “Computer Love” Feat. Patrice Quinn, DJ Battlecat, and Brandon Coleman
4. “The Visionary” Feat. Terrace Martin
5. “Get Lit” Feat. George Clinton and D Smoke
6. “Dream State” Feat. André 3000
7. “Together” Feat. BJ The Chicago Kid
8. “The Garden Path”
9. “Interstellar Peace (The Last Stance)”
10. “Road To Self (KO)”
11. “Lines In The Sand”
12. “Prologue”
Kamasi Washington 2024 Tour Dates
05/04 — New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
05/05 — Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
05/07 — Toronto, QC @ History
05/08 — Cincinnati, OH @ Ludlow Garage
05/09 — Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall
05/10 — Chicago, IL @ Thalia Hall
05/11 — Minneapolis, MN @ Fitzgerald Theater
05/12 — Omaha, NB @ Slowdown
05/14 — Houston, TX @ House of Blues Houston
05/15 — Dallas, TX @ House of Blues Dallas
05/16 — San Antonio, TX @ Empire Theater
05/17 — Austin, TX @ Empire Garage
05/30 — Vancouver, BC @ Vogue
05/31 — Seattle, WA @ The Showbox
06/01 — Eugene, OR @ McDonald Theatre
06/02 — Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
06/05 — Sacramento, CA @ Crest Theatre
06/06 — Monterey, CA @ Golden State Theatre
06/07 — San Francisco, CA @ Warfield
06/08 — Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
06/09 — San Diego, CA @ Belly Up
06/11 — Mesa, AZ @ Mesa Arts Center
06/16 — Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl Jazz Fest
07/31 — Alexandria, VA @ The Birchmere
Andre 3000 and Big Boi paved the way for many of today’s hip-hop superstars thanks to their tireless work together in OutKast. Of course, recent years have seen the pair turn their energy toward solo projects, though they remain supportive of each other in all that they do. During a new interview with High Snobiety, 3 Stacks revealed what his partner in rhyme thought of last year’s New Blue Sun flute album, along with some other interesting music updates.
“He was smiling. He was like, ‘Man… I played it for a lot of buddies, even my son. They were like, ‘It’s the real thing. It’s not a mimic.’ You really did this,’” Andre told the outlet of Big Boi. Elsewhere, the prolific creative played his work for other pals like Tyler, The Creator and Frank Ocean. “We’re all sitting there listening to it. I’m wondering what the young people’s opinions would be. And I’m so happy that what I’m hearing is really good feedback.”
When asked about the possibility of returning to writing rhymes, 3000 sounded hopeful. “I would love to make a rap album. I just think it’d be an awesome challenge to do a fire-a** album at 48 years old,” he noted. “That’s probably one of the hardest things to do! I would love to do that. That’s the cool thing about my whole ride; it really is a ride.”
Andre 3000 knew that not everyone who loves the rest of his discography would understand his vision for New Blue Sun. Still, the response has been positive enough for the OutKast member to take his instrumental LP out on tour over the past few weeks, and perform some of his songs on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert back in January. Read all about that at the link below, and check back later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
(@talliespencer_) 
Flutie Hoooooo #NewBlueSun,” Andre wrote online.