André 3000’s jazz flute album “New Blue Sun” got three Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year. The former Outkast member didn’t see it coming.
The 49-year-old artist, known for shaking up mainstream music with Outkast and the hit “Hey Ya!”, released his experimental flute album in November 2023. It’s a big change from his hip-hop roots.
André 3000 said he only hoped for a nod in the alternative jazz or ambient category. He didn’t think many people knew about the album.
“I’m used to people feeling a way, but at the same time, it’s just proof for me that I can only do what I’m into,” André 3000 said about the nominations.
The album faces tough competition for Album of the Year. It’s up against big names like Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” and Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department.”
“New Blue Sun” also got nominations for Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Instrumental Composition. The latter is for a track with a long title: “I Swear, I Really Wanted To Make A ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time.”
At first, some people didn’t believe the album was real. Others thought it was just a flute album or expected it to have lyrics. Interest grew after a YouTube film about the album came out.
André 3000 says he’s always faced doubts with each new release. He focuses on expanding himself and enjoying his work. The artist doesn’t think about awards when he’s making music.
He sees the music industry at an interesting point, with each generation responding to the one before. André 3000 appreciates exploration and doesn’t judge music negatively.
The artist has faced criticism throughout his career. He notes that the meanness of criticism has increased over time. Still, he keeps pushing boundaries and influencing younger artists.
This isn’t André 3000’s first time at the Grammys. In 2004, Outkast’s “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below” won Album of the Year. It was only the second hip-hop album to win that award at the time.
The 2025 Grammy Awards will show if André 3000’s jazz experiment can repeat that success. Either way, he’s happy people paid attention to his new musical direction.
