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André 3000'S 'New Blue Sun' Earns Three Grammy Nominations

Andre Benjamin, also known as Andre 3000, arrives at the 30th Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, Calif., on Feb. 21, 2015. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

Late last year, André 3000 surprised fans with the release of his debut solo album, 'New Blue Sun,' marking his return to the music scene after 18 years since Outkast's last studio album, 'Idlewild.'

Describing his album as a departure from traditional rap, André 3000 humorously mentioned that 'New Blue Sun' has 'no bars' because he didn't find anything compelling enough to rap about. Instead, the album features six instrumental tracks of ambient alt-jazz, with a notable focus on the flute.

André 3000 shared his fascination with the flute, citing its sound and portability as key factors that drew him to the instrument. He delved into the flute's history, including exploring Mayan flute designs and even having a clay flute recreated in cedarwood.

He emphasized the unique quality of wind instruments like the flute, noting that they capture the essence of human breath, making them particularly resonant and emotive.

The release of 'New Blue Sun' has garnered André 3000 three Grammy Award nominations in categories such as album of the year, alternative jazz, and instrumental composition, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Reflecting on the nominations, André 3000 expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the importance of being acknowledged within the music industry.

He acknowledged the evolving landscape of popular music, noting that artists are increasingly exploring new genres and styles, as seen in the diverse range of Grammy nominations this year.

While 'New Blue Sun' represents a new artistic chapter for André 3000, he sees it as a natural progression of his creative journey, rooted in a lifelong pursuit of experimentation and innovation.

Regarding the possibility of a new Outkast album, André 3000 remained open to the idea but hinted at a sense of closure, suggesting that the era of Outkast may have run its course.

The 67th Grammy Awards are scheduled to take place on February 2, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with the ceremony set to be broadcast on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.

For more updates and coverage on the Grammy Awards, visit AP News.

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