Andre’ 3000
Outkast is my favorite rap group of all time.
I’ve always favored Andre’ over Big Boi because of his lyricism and his willingness to express his authentic Self–that doesn’t mean I don’t rock with Big Boi; I got to meet him at a concert once and even saw him at Disney World this fall. You can’t be an Outkast fan without liking both artists.
This week Andre’ 3000 released his first solo album but it is not what you would have expected from the rapper. It’s an album with no words and no beats–it’s exclusively Andre’ playing a variety of instruments, but mainly a flute (included in the credits are digital wind instruments, contrabass flute, wood and bamboo flutes, Maya flute, and pedals). In addition to the album being purely instruments, it was also improvised, which will make for an awesome tour where no two shows are the same. I’ve listened to the album a few times since its release on Friday and I love it; it will find itself heavily in my rotation of music to listen to when I writing, working, or taking a walk.
Although it’s not the album hip-hop fans were hoping for, it’s the album he was called to make.
For the last half-decade, Andre’ 3000 has been spotted around LA and other cities playing his flute–oftentimes with the coffee shop or street audiences not knowing who he was. He was playing the flute because he was passionate about it, he enjoyed it, and it was what he wanted to do. So, as I reflect on Andre’ and how he has evolved as a musician, performer, and artist, at least from what I can see, it actually shouldn’t be a surprise that he dropped this album. He has always expressed his Self in a way authentic to who he was at that time.
In addition to getting the new album, we also are privileged to read and listen to a bunch of interviews with Andre’ as he promotes the album. Listening to him share his “why” for the album, how he lives his life, and why he didn’t do a rap album has been a refreshing reminder to pursue your passions, live authentically, and don’t worry about what others might say or think—do what is right for you.
See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,
JC
