Editor’s note: The following article is an op-ed, and the views expressed are the author’s own. Read more opinions on theGrio.
André 3000’s new album “New Blue Sun” is his first album in over 17 years, but, tragically, he’s not rapping on it. One of the greatest rappers of all time has returned with an album of instrumental improvised jazz straight out of the Philip Glass school of music. This, even though millions of hip-hop fans are still hungry to hear André rhyme. As you wrap your head around “New Blue Sun,” which drops Friday, you will surely find yourself saying, “Why isn’t he rapping? I wish he was rapping.” But, for now, something in him just doesn’t want to do that.
I interviewed André recently for my podcast, “Toure Show.” The episode comes out Nov. 22. I asked him, why aren’t you rapping? I actually said, “When I hear a new instrumental album from you I’m like, OK, this is cool, but, like, this person is one of the very best in the world at this other thing, and he’s not doing that thing. I want that.”
His answer was deep.
“I know, I know,” he said. “It’s funny, I want that, too.”
He reminded me that truly transcendent artists pay close attention to the vibes. They tap into the spirit of the universe and follow what it tells them no matter what. André is definitely one who goes where the universe blows him. He reminded me that the first song on “New Blue Sun” is titled “Swear I Really Wanted To Make a Rap Album But This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time.”
André said his whole career has been like that. Outkast wasn’t birthed from a plan. “I never planned any of that shit,” he said. “I’m just along for the ride. So for me, I’m still on the ride. And people are watching as much as I’m watching.”
He talks about his art as though he’s not in direct control over it; he’s just a vessel….
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