André 3000 has surprise release a new project called 7 piano sketches. True to its name, it’s a collection of piano instrumentals, which André has been sitting on for nearly a decade.
André had first recorded parts of this project nearly a decade ago while living in Texas with his son, in a house decorated with televisions, beds, and a piano, according to press materials. “These piano sketches are improvisations. To conjure them up, I spread my fingers out on the keys and randomly but with purpose move them around until I find something that feels good or interesting,” he explained in an Instagram post. “I cannot name which notes, keys or chords that I’m playing. I simply like the sound and mechanics of piano playing.”
“These piano pieces weren’t recorded with the intention of presenting them in any formal way to the public,” he added. “They were personal, at home recordings. I would sometimes text them to my family and friends.”
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He went on to explain that he recorded the project on his iPhone and originally titled it The Best Worst Rap Album in History. In the liner notes, he wrote, “It’s jokingly the worst rap album in history because there are no lyrics at all. It’s the best because it’s the freest emotionally and the best I’ve felt personally.”
At tonight’s Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” André 3000 arrived dressed in Burberry with a custom piano strapped to his back. The outfit, styled by Law Roach, also features collaborations from benji bixby, a new iteration of 3000’s former fashion line, Benjamin Bixby. The cover art for 7 Piano Sketches seems to offer a first glimpse of the outfit he wore to the Gala.
André 3000 released his debut solo album, New Blue Sun, in 2023. It was nominated for Album of the Year at the 67th Grammy Awards and Consequence named the album the 47th best album of 2023. Later this year, André 3000 and BigBoi will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as OutKast.
7 piano sketches Album Artwork:
7 piano sketches Tracklist:
01. bluffing in the snow
02. and then one day you’ll …
03. when you’re a 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
04. hotel lobby pianos
05. blueberry mansions
06. off rhythm laughter
07. i spend all day waiting for the night