Andre 3000 delves into the feedback surrounding his recent release, New Blue Sun. Transitioning from the realm of rap to jazz as a woodwind artist, he showcases his skills as a flutist. Prior to an upcoming concert in support of the album, the 49-year-old artist opened up about the reception he has received, both in terms of critique and approval.
“It’s quite amusing,” shared the Georgia native with the Chicago Tribune. “The criticism isn’t coming from the rap community or the jazz and spiritual jazz community. Surprisingly, there is more support from both sides.”
He further elaborated, stating, “I believe it’s mainly (OutKast) fans who are expressing their opinions, which I can empathize with. I always try to see things from their perspective: If my favorite rapper announced, ‘I’m not rapping anymore,’ and I enjoy the new direction, then I’m on board. However, some individuals view it as sacrilegious or something of that nature.”
Andre 3000 attends the GQ Men of the Year Party 2023 VIP dinner at Chateau Marmont on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for GQ
In another part of the conversation, the renowned artist shed light on his choice to release the project under the name Andre 3000 rather than opting for a complete rebrand.
“In hindsight, I’ve questioned whether it would have been wiser to launch it under a new moniker. However, I’m content with my decision. The ridicule that has come my way was unexpected. As a fan myself, I wouldn’t wait 17 years for a new rap album to drop. I’d think, ‘That ship has sailed.’ I felt that retaining the name ‘André 3000’ conveyed a larger narrative — the journey from where I started to where I am now. I wanted to ensure that story wasn’t lost.”
New Blue Sun made its debut in November 2023 and made history with the track “I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time,” becoming the longest track to grace Billboard’s Hot 100 Chart at 12 minutes and 20 seconds.
“Even now, some people assume, ‘Oh, he’s just holding onto these raps, or he’s keeping them hostage.’ I don’t have any raps like that,” he previously expressed regarding his artistic shift. “At times, it feels inauthentic for me to rap because I don’t have that same content to share. I’m 48 years old.”
Take a listen to New Blue Sun below.
Credit: www.vibe.com
