After nearly 20 years, André 3000 returned to music with a bold and unexpected shift: a flute-based jazz album titled New Blue Sun. Known for his groundbreaking work with OutKast, many fans eagerly anticipated a new rap album from the iconic artist. However, André’s latest release took listeners in an entirely different direction, leaving some confused, while others praised his creative evolution.
In a recent interview with the Chicago Tribune, André 3000 addressed the mixed reactions to his album, explaining, “It’s kind of funny. The backlash is actually not from the rap community or the jazz community. There’s actually more support — surprising support — from both sides.” He added that the disappointment mainly came from OutKast fans who expected him to return to rapping.
André 3000 Understanding the Fans’ Frustration
Despite the criticism, André expressed empathy for his fans, recognizing how they might feel let down by his musical shift. “I always try to put myself in their shoes,” he said. “If my favorite rapper said, ‘I’m not rapping,’ and I like it, I like it. But if I don’t, I move on.”
He acknowledged that some fans might feel his transition to jazz is “blasphemy” after his legendary rap career. However, he remained confident in his decision. “I understand where they’re coming from, but I’ve grown and evolved,” he shared.
No Regrets About the Name
While many wondered why André didn’t release the album under a new alias to avoid the weight of fan expectations, he explained his choice to keep his well-known moniker. “I’ve asked myself, ‘Would I have been better off releasing it under a new name?’ But I’m glad I didn’t,” he said. For André, the decision to keep the name reflects his journey from where he started to where he is now.
“I felt like the name ‘André 3000’ showed the bigger story,” he explained, emphasizing that this project represents a natural part of his artistic evolution.