André 3000 is following his own path. Always one of rap’s true originals, his time with OutKast helped to redefine Southern hip-hop, providing modern pop culture with one of its most impressive catalogs. As a solo artist, the Atlanta native has firmly rejected traditional routes—he’s abandoned rap, calling it a young person’s game, and instead focused on his passion for flute on his 2023 album ‘New Blue Sun.’
While some performances—most notably his late afternoon set at London’s All Points East—were met with mixed reactions, the record itself has shown staying power, its delightful, bubbling atmosphere carving its niche in the musical landscape.
Released just moments after his appearance on the Met Gala red carpet, ‘7 Piano Sketches’ takes a more utilitarian approach. We should really take him at his word; this album comprises just 16 minutes of music, and the tracks are even less structured than his previous flute ventures.
The opener, ‘bluffing in the snow,’ is lovely yet aimless; ‘and then one day you’ll…’ is pleasant but meandering. Known for his unconventional titles, André 3000 presents an enormous suggestion that is particularly helpful for writers struggling to meet their word counts:
‘when you’re an ant and you wake up in an awesome mood, about to drive your son to school, only to discover that you left the lights on in the car last night so your battery is drained’
As the project progresses, it seems that while the melodic clarity is intact, the focus is lacking. The title ‘hotel lobby pianos’ encapsulates the essence of the seven-track album—it feels more like finger exercises than something solid or lasting, even featuring a nod to the lounge classic ‘Take Five’ by Dave Brubeck.
The recording style shifts on the slightly rougher ‘blueberry mansions,’ with subtle differences allowing for a more jagged, angular melodic direction compared to the earlier Debussy influences.
The spoken intro of ‘off rhythm laughter’ is slowed and elongated, creating a hazy feel throughout the performance. The sonorous, dreamlike ‘I spend all day waiting for the night’ is enveloped in richness, with a hint of a hip-hop beat lingering in the background as a finale.
For fans, anything André 3000 creates is captivating. A heroic figure who has turned down repeated attempts at major, financially rewarding OutKast tours, he is truly out there doing his own thing. However, objectively, ‘7 Piano Sketches’ comes across as slight—a bookmark rather than a full-length work.
5/10
Words: Robin Murray
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André 3000 is following his own path. Always a genuine individual in the rap scene, his tenure with OutKast played a significant role in reshaping Southern hip-hop, offering a fresh perspective to contemporary music.