After a nearly two-decade hiatus from solo music, hip-hop legend André 3000 has emerged with a captivating and unexpected offering: an 87-minute instrumental album titled New Blue Sun.
Released on November 17, 2023, this sonic odyssey marks a departure from the rapper’s hip-hop roots, delving into the realms of ambient music, new-age music, and spiritual jazz.
At the heart of New Blue Sun lies André 3000’s profound love for the flute. The rap icon has has been quietly mastering the instrument for years. The album showcases his virtuosity on a variety of flutes, including the digital wind instruments, contrabass flute, wood and bamboo flutes, Maya flute, and pedals.
During a recent sit down with GQ, André talks about his new album and exploring life after Outkast.
From the first notes of the album, “I Swear, I Really Wanted To Make A “Rap” Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time,” a sense of tranquility washes over the listener.
André 3000’s flute weaves a mesmerizing melody, accompanied by the gentle hum of ambient synths and the subtle percussion of Nate Mercereau.
André 3000 and his collaborators, including Carlos Niño, Surya Botofasina, Deantoni Parks, Diego Gaeta, Matthewdavid, V.C.R, Jesse Peterson, and Mia Doi Todd, create a soundscape that is both meditative and exhilarating. The music flows seamlessly from one track to the next, inviting listeners to embark on a journey of sonic exploration and spiritual awakening.
“That Night in Hawaii When I Turned Into a Panther and Started Making These Low Register Purring Tones That I Couldn’t Control … Sh¥t Was Wild” stands out as a particularly captivating track.
André 3000’s flute mimics the purring of a panther, creating an atmosphere of raw emotion and primal energy. The track is a testament to the album’s ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and transport listeners to different worlds.
With New Blue Sun, André 3000 has crafted a sonic experience that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The album is a testament to his artistry and his willingness to push creative boundaries.
It is a journey into the depths of human emotion and the vastness of the cosmos, a meditation on the interconnectedness of all things.
André 3000’s New Blue Sun is a gift to the music world, a reminder of the power of music to transport, transform, and inspire.
It is an album that will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come, a testament to the boundless creativity of one of hip-hop’s most revered figures.
Listen to the masterpiece now!
The calmness of the album
André 3000 exploring genres outside of Hip Hop
Fans supporting André musical exploration
Not long enough
This might be the only time we get to take this musical journey with André, and that sucks!
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