Mainly because it flies in the face of everything we've come to expect, and selfishly demand, as André 3000 fans. Each song was pure improvisation, with musicians responding to each other in real time. With no intention of making an album, they began recording about a year ago. Their impromptu meeting introduced André to a community of collaborators who contribute to New Blue Sun - from keyboardist and Alice Coltrane acolyte Surya Botofasina to guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Nate Mercereau. Instead of the OutKast origin story that started at Headland and Delowe, where Big Boi and Dre met their future Dungeon Family producers Organized Noize back in the day, this remix began with an unassuming trip to Erewhon - the chic LA health food chain where André bumped into percussionist and experimental jazz heavy, Carlos Niño.īefore long, André started showing up, flute in hand, to Niño's crib where they'd jam in the basement the same way he did in the early Dungeon days. Its making came about organically, once he relocated from New York to LA. The Record Reunited and it feels a little awkward: OutKast at CoachellaĪ departure album in the classic sense, New Blue Sun also feels like André has arrived.

But what of the rapper who comes to see rap itself as old hat? How should we, as fans, react when the poet laureate of our collective psyche trades in his pen for a woodwind? Even 50 years in, hip-hop is still no country for old men. He granted a lineage of ATLiens permission to run amok with melodic, sing-songy rhyme styles that would earn them the same early derision and eventual mass following he'd gained.Īging gracefully is not a luxury afforded most rappers.

Like Coltrane reaching for new heights, he mastered rap's rigidity, pushed it past its limits and eventually reconfigured the entire landscape alongside Big Boi. Even without a solo rap album in his catalog, he's consistently ranked among the greatest of all time. The painstaking standard André 3000 set may have made it harder to entertain himself in the years post-OutKast, but so has the thought of chasing his tail. In place of lyrics, he offers eight provocative song titles, the first of which almost reads like a lowkey apology, with a wink of irony: 'I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A 'Rap' Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time.' What he does do is play flute, and plenty of it - contrabass flute, Mayan flutes, bamboo flutes - along with other digital wind instruments.

André doesn't sing on this joint, either. One thing it is not, however, is a rap record: No bars, no beats, no sub-bass. 17 - is a stunning 87-minute mind-bender, minimalist and experimental, tribal and transcendent. Some of our suggestions, such as shower steamers, lip scrubs and pressed flower art make great last-minute gifts, while others, like the floral monogram door hanger, require more time and materials.ĭon't forget to pair your new creation with a homemade Mother's Day card that comes with a loving note inside.For the first time in over 17 years, André 3000 is releasing an album of new music. Or take your pick from beginner and intermediate projects for adults - bubble candles, clay necklaces and crochet crafts, like the GH Stitch Club's tote bag and chunky pillow. This Mother's Day, show your appreciation for all she does with a present that's truly unique and personalized, like these DIY Mother's Day gifts.īefore May 14, browse this list of homemade Mother's Day gifts that are easy to make and are creative ways to tell her, 'I love you.' You'll find kid-friendly crafts like cupcake liner flower cards and pipe cleaner flower pots. Moms can wear many hats - role model, therapist, brunch buddy - and come in many forms, from birth or adopted mother to stepmom or grandma.

Cool things to draw for your mom