Legendary rapper André 3000 has opened up about his decision to step away from the iconic duo OutKast during the pinnacle of their success. In an exclusive video interview with GQ, André candidly discussed how age has affected his ability to continue rapping.
Key Takeaway
In a candid interview, André 3000 of OutKast revealed that age has influenced his decision to step away from rap. Feeling that rapping sometimes feels inauthentic due to his age, André is exploring new musical avenues with his flute recordings instead. Despite leaving OutKast, André remains passionate about his artistic pursuits.
Losing the Drive to Rap
At 48 years old, André admitted that the creative spark for rapping has diminished over time. He revealed that sometimes he feels “inauthentic” when rapping and believes that he would have to create more age-appropriate music. In his case, this would involve crafting lyrics about everyday experiences such as having a colonoscopy or visiting the eye doctor.
No Stockpile of Unreleased Raps
Contrary to popular belief, André debunked the notion that he has a plethora of unreleased raps hidden away. He expressed that his motivation for leaving OutKast was not driven by a desire to withhold new music.
A New Musical Journey
While OutKast’s 2004 album “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” achieved tremendous success and was recently certified 13x Platinum, André hinted at embarking on a different artistic path. His current project, “New Blue Sun,” predominantly features his flute recordings. Interestingly, the album’s opening track, titled “I Really Wanted To Make A ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time,” clearly sets the tone for a departure from traditional rap, with a warning label informing fans that it does not include any bars.
Changing Dynamics with Big Boi
André acknowledged that his chemistry with his OutKast partner, Big Boi, had evolved over time. While he did not desire to return to the limelight, he recognized the necessity of a promotional press run to support his latest musical endeavor, which he deeply believes in. Ultimately, André is content with fans either embracing or rejecting his new direction, as he is willing to revert to his passion for painting if necessary.
