In a recent conversation with High Snobiety, André 3000, the innovative half of OutKast, disclosed the reception of his latest album, “New Blue Sun,” especially from his OutKast partner, Big Boi. Despite not collaborating on the project, André ensured Big Boi heard it before its public release, garnering his approval.
Describing Big Boi’s reaction, André remarked, “He was smiling… He was like, ‘Man…’” This endorsement from his longtime collaborator was significant to André, who also sought feedback from other trusted ears, including his son and friends like Tyler, The Creator, and Frank Ocean.
“I was in Tyler’s living room listening to it, and then Frank just shows up. And so 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,” André shared, reflecting on the positive responses to his experimental musical venture.
Beyond his musical pursuits, André delved into his other creative endeavors, teasing an upcoming workwear line. Discussing his affinity for overalls, he expressed his intention to gift them to enthusiasts he encounters on the streets, describing them as “grown-people baby clothes” that exude comfort.
Looking ahead, André 3000 contemplated future musical projects, hinting at the possibility of releasing rap songs that fans have long awaited. “I would love to make a rap album. I just think it’d be an awesome challenge to do a fire-ass album at 48 years old. That’s probably one of the hardest things to do! I would love to do that,” he mused, emphasizing the personal and artistic challenges such an endeavor would present.
In a separate interview segment, André reminisced about his early rap days and his admiration for A Tribe Called Quest, revealing that his first rap moniker was Jahz, inspired by Q-Tip. Reflecting on the impact of Tribe’s fusion of jazz with hip-hop, he highlighted Q-Tip’s role in introducing a generation to a genre previously perceived as “old-people shit.”
“As a kid, jazz music meant some old-people shit that’s in elevators,” André shared, praising Q-Tip’s ability to make jazz cool and relatable to a younger audience. He drew parallels between the jazz musicians of yesteryears and today’s trap artists, foreseeing a similar appreciation for trap music in the future.
The bond between OutKast and A Tribe Called Quest runs deep, as evidenced by André’s eulogy at Phife Dawg’s funeral in 2016, where he disclosed discussions about a collaborative album between the two legendary groups. Expressing regret for not seizing the opportunity, André urged listeners not to let similar chances slip away, emphasizing the importance of seizing creative opportunities when they arise.