New Blue Sun Archives - Page 2 of 5

How To Buy André 3000’s ‘New Blue Sun’ Vinyl

December 14, 2023 by newhiphopnews

André 3000 desperately wants to deliver the rap album that people have been demanding for at least 15 years. He explained to GQ why “sometimes, it feels inauthentic for me to rap,” and then he doubled down with CBS Mornings (and even offered his thoughts on an OutKast reunion) earlier this month.

“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 good news is that people still loved New Blue Sun, his eight-track album featuring lots of his flute-playing. No verses, just instrumentals. The 12-plus-minute track “I Swear, I Really Wanted To Make A ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time” hit No. 90 on the Billboard Hot 100 dated December 2, becoming the longest song to ever chart on the Hot 100.

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.

How Did André 3000 Learn To Play Flute?

December 13, 2023 by newhiphopnews

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.

Joe Budden Apologizes To Lupe Fiasco For “Clout Chaser” Accusation

December 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Joe Budden has apologized to Lupe Fiasco for recently calling him a “clout chaser” on his podcast. Budden was reacting to the rapper’s remix of Andre 3000’s instrumental track, “I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time,” from New Blue Sun.

“I gotta apologize to Lupe because I called him a ‘clout chaser,’” Budden began. “He tweeted his Grammys and I tweeted some sh*t and then he called me. I answered the phone and said ‘Yo, man, why you tweeting your Grammys at me? What’s going on man?’ He said ‘I didn’t like that clout chaser sh*t. Say what you want about the music. I don’t give a f*ck what you think about music. But, you know I’m not a clout chaser. Come on. I ain’t never done clout chasing.’ I said, ‘I don’t even remember saying that n***a. Who said that about you?’ Freudian slips. I didn’t mean that about Lupe. All I meant to say was that sh*t was ass.”

Lupe Fiasco Performs At Hip-Hop 50 Live Concert

US rapper Lupe Fiasco performs during the Hip Hop 50 Live concert, marking the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip hop, at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City on August 11, 2023. A genre, a culture and a lifestyle all at once: hip hop has traveled from the block party to the billionaire’s club, soundtracked protest and celebration, and asserted seismic influence over the course of pop. The reigning music style evolved in rapid, anarchic ways, rocking the industry establishment that long resisted its power, and fully embodying the culture of youth even as it grew. This year hip hop turns 50, an anniversary that’s offered its elders, its fans and the city that birthed it a milepost to reflect on its cultural weight. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

As for Budden’s original criticism, he said: “Hey Lupe, man, stop. Stop it. He rapping over them damn flutes. I cut that shit right off. Oh Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Yo dawg, it’s women listening…with vaginas. Please. Why would he do that to them? I can’t say nothing ’cause he gonna diss me. … That was some bullshit. That was some clout chasing.” Lupe eventually fired back on social media by comparing his streaming number with Budden’s “We don’t chase whats already been achieved,” he wrote. “Victory laps sometimes look like qualifiers especially from the stands.”

Joe Budden On Feuding With Lupe Fiasco

Check out Budden’s apology to Fiasco above. Be on the lookout for further updates on Joe Budden and Lupe Fiasco on HotNewHipHop.

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Yasiin Bey, F.K.A. Mos Def, Gives Andre 3000 Flute Track A Rap Verse At Dubai Show

December 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

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.

Yasiin Bey Adds Verse To A New Blue Sun Cut: Watch

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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.

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Andre 3000 On Flute Skills: “I Don’t Even Know What Notes I’m Playing”

December 7, 2023 by newhiphopnews

During a recent interview with CBS Mornings, Andre 3000 opened up about the process of creating his instrumental album, New Blue Sun. While he’s spent a fair chunk of time perfecting his flute skills, the hitmaker revealed that he’s not even sure what notes he’s playing. Regardless, he hasn’t let that get in the way of his experimentation with new sounds.

“I’ve gotten so used to it I kinda have a muscle memory of holding [the flute],” he explained, revealing that he feels lost without the instrument nowadays. “When I’m walking with people that’s what they say, ‘I feel like I’m in my movie.’” Though he isn’t a trained musician, the Atlanta native manages to stumble upon greatness as he plays, enjoying how new the whole process feels to him.

Andre 3000 Speaks On Playing The Flute

“I don’t even know what notes I’m playing so every move for me is new,” he says. “Which is kinda cr*zy but it feels great to do it. Because when you find things you’re like, ‘Oh!’” Andre 3000 went on to describe how hip hop has paved the way for his passion for finding new and interesting sounds. “It’s like a reward for searching,” he explained. “I think that’s a Hip Hop thing, to be honest. Because Hip Hop you immediately take something in and put it back out.”

Last month, the artist revealed that he chose not to include any bars on the instrumental project because he was having trouble finding things to rap about. “It actually feels…sometimes it feels inauthentic for me to rap because I don’t have anything to talk about in that way. 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,” he shared. What do you think of Andre 3000 revealing that he’s not actually sure what notes he’s playing on the flute? Are you a fan of his new album, New Blue Sun? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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André 3000 Truly Wishes He Could ‘Be Out Here With Everybody Rapping’ But Just Doesn’t Feel Like He Can

December 7, 2023 by newhiphopnews

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.”

Check out the full interview above.

The LOX Label Andre 3000 The “Greatest Ever” & Plead For Him To Return To Rap

December 6, 2023 by newhiphopnews

The LOX want Andre 3000 to return to hip-hop after the Outkast rapper recently released his debut studio album, New Blue Sun, as an instrumental project. Appearing on The Breakfast Club without Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and Styles P reflected on Andre’s latest effort and labeled him the greatest of all time while doing so.

“Nah, so much to talk about Dre,” Sheek said. “It’s a lot, man. Just how you word it and put it. You don’t gotta — of course we not talking about being in the hallways or trapping and all that too much but it’s a lot. Let us know what you been going through.”

The LOX Perform At Tidal X In Brooklyn

NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 23: (L-R) Styles P, Jadakiss, and Sheek Louch of The Lox perform onstage during the 4th Annual TIDAL X: Brooklyn at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on October 23, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for TIDAL)

Styles added: “Rap about his travels. He’s one of the greatest to ever do it. He could’ve rapped over the flute beats. Straight up. I think rapping about what is he gonna rap about is a good point-of-view. It gives different people different perspectives.” As for why Andre decided against rapping on the new record, he explained during an interview with GQ that doing so wouldn’t feel genuine. “Sometimes it feels inauthentic for me to rap because I don’t have anything to talk about in that way,” Dre admitted. “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.’”

The LOX Discuss Andre 3000

Elsewhere in The LOX’s appearance on The Breakfast Club, they discussed rap lyrics being used as evidence in the courtroom, Diddy’s recent lawsuits, and more. Be on the lookout for further updates on Andre 3000 on HotNewHipHop.

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Andre 3000 Reveals Why He Didn’t Participate In Any Hip Hop 50 Events

December 6, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Andre 3000 is no doubt one of the most definitive voices in rap. His influence on the genre as a whole and particularly on southern rap can’t be overstated. Earlier this year in a list counting down the best rap groups of all time, Billboard declared Andre and Big Boi’s Outkast as the very best of the best. But despite his obvious impact on the genre and how many fans, publications and active artists still show love to him, he declined to participate in any celebrations of rap music’s 50th anniversary this year.

Now in a newly released interview with CBS Mornings, he explained his decision. He explained that he received plenty of offers to participate in various events, but turned them all down. “I wouldn’t want to be — I’m doing it just because I’m trying to meet an expectation. I didn’t get into OutKast for that, you know,” the rapper explained. The lack of participation may be more apparent now that Andre 3000 has released his long-awaited debut solo album. The project also avoids hip-hop entirely even though he’s repeatedly stated that it wasn’t his specific intention to. Check out the full CBS interview below.

Andre 3000 Explains Hip Hop 50 Absence

Last month, Andre 3000 dropped his new album New Blue Sun. Despite fans expecting a hip-hop-oriented project from him, he assured them in his announcement that there were actually “no bars” on the album. He delivered on the promise dropping an ambient jazz album full of long instrumental compositions prominently featuring his flute playing.

Reactions to the album from fans and critics were mostly mixed. Some appreciated the bold genre shift he made stepping so far out of his typical comfort zone. But others resented the fact that the album they had been waiting for for so long didn’t have any rapping on it. What do you think of Andre 3000’s brief explanation of why he skipped out on various Hip Hop 50 events? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Andre 3000 Reveals What He Almost Named His Album

December 6, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Andre 3000 stunned a lot of fans recently when he decided to come out with an album predominantly containing flutes. Overall, the artist has taken quite a liking to the instrument over the last few years. Consequently, it shouldn’t have been too surprising that it would lead to him making an album with the instrument. Of course, fans were hoping for a rap album, but that is not what they got. Instead, they received a dope instrumental project that was made for the vibe sesh.

In a new interview with Citizen Magazine, Andre 3000 got to talk about his new album. During this conversation, he explained his vision and how the album actually had a different name at first. Everything Is Too Loud was the original title. In the end, however, the artist felt like it didn’t suit his vision properly. Overall, he saw it as more of a negative title than a positive one.

Andre 3000 On His Vision

LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 28: Rapper Andre 3000 of Outkast performs onstage during the BET Experience at L.A. Live on June 28, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paul R. Giunta/FilmMagic)

“We’re the loudest that we’ve ever been,” André explained in the interview. “At one point, the album was called Everything Is Too Loud. But then I just felt like that’s a negative title. You know? I didn’t want to put negative energy out. So I was like, ‘What’s a positive way to say the same thing?’ So New Blue Sun is introducing a new kind of volume, you know? It’s looking past the complaint and trying to figure out, well, what can we do about it?”

This new album has gotten quite a bit of critical acclaim. Furthermore, it has created a debate on longevity in hip-hop and whether older artists still have things to talk about. Needless to say, the album is stirring up conversation. Let us know your thoughts on the album, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for updates from around the music world. We will always keep you informed on your favorite artists.

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Big Gipp Comes To Andre 3000’s Defense Over Criticism Of His Experimental New Album

November 30, 2023 by newhiphopnews

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.

Big Gipp Talks New Andre 3000 Album

“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.

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