Audiopile Review: We were not completely shocked last year when it was announced that André 3000’s debut album would be a jazz record. Considering his notable appearance on Carlos Niño’s collaborative album last year, (I’m Just) Chillin’, On Fire, alongside random public appearances playing his flute to passersby, this move, which certainly confused many, actually made a lot of sense. Hell, he’s already been chiseled into the hip-hop Mt Rushmore as one of the best MCs of all time, why not chill in the park and play homemade flutes? What is striking about the record is how far André took this new direction. This is not a straight ahead jazz record. It’s an ambient album soaked in new age aesthetics, merely offering a whiff of spiritual jazz through its staggering 90 minute runtime. And don’t let the top billing of André fool you into thinking this is entirely a solo endeavour, this truly is a collaborative effort. He’s joined here by the guiding hand of Carlos Niño, the spiritual centre of the LA ambient/jazz/fourth world/Leaving Records scene that we’ve been tracking for years now, as well as keyboardist Surya Botofasina and guitarist & synth player Nate Mercereau. André’s various woodwind instruments, both digital and acoustic, are the playful centre, working out his peaceful melodies among the slowly unfurling ambience and the shimmering bells, chimes and percussion work of his collaborators. If you’ve already been following the LA scene, you’re likely all over this album. But if you’re just joining us now, a whole new world awaits you.

André Benjamin – best known as André 3000 – is one of the most celebrated artists of the last three decades, an auteur whose work in music, film, fine arts, and fashion, continues to influence the cultural landscape on a global scale. As one half of Outkast, André established a brand new voice within rap that had never been experienced before when the pair emerged in the early ’90s.

New Blue Sun is André 3000’s debut solo album, and a new direction as he explores a merging of new age, ambient jazz, and electronic sounds into a gorgeous flute-centric album. Leading up to the album release, André 3000 made media appearances playing flute in public settings. He appeared as a flautist on the score for the 2022 film Everything Everywhere All at Once.

“New Blue Sun is the continuation of discovery for me. My entire career has been fueled by this and it is the only thing that keeps me honest. This album is the most honest and interesting offering I can give today. I never could have imagined in high school, when I started rapping and doing music that I would be here right now playing wind instruments. Ha. This life ride always surprises me. I’m here for it.” — André 3000

Limited Edition heavyweight triple vinyl produced by Epic Records in 2024. Includes fold out poster, printed inner sleeves and note from the artist.