André 3000 is set to release his highly anticipated debut solo album, “New Blue Sun,” but it’s not the expected rap record.
In a recent interview with GQ’s Zach Baron, the OutKast rapper clarified why the album revolves around woodwind instruments instead of hip-hop. Despite receiving beats and consistently writing, André expressed a sense of inauthenticity in rapping, attributing it partly to his age—48 years old.
André highlighted personal experiences like the loss of his parents, his son entering adulthood, and navigating fame as potential themes. However, he emphasized the challenge of crafting entertaining songs that resonate with both himself and the audience. André compared his role in hip-hop to aging boxers participating in exhibition fights, recognizing that there are still significant aspects of his life to share but emphasizing the importance of meaningful and relatable storytelling in his music.