January 31, 2023
Before the invention of TikTok, many music artists gained popularity through YouTube. However, similar to the TikTok stars of today, people in the music industry saw ‘YouTube bands’ as lesser because
Read more.png)
February 1, 2023
Google has done it. They have created an AI that can generate music from text descriptions. The announcement of this is timely because recently Chat GPT, (a language learning model created by OpenAI
Read more.png)
January 28, 2023
What does it take to be a professional singer in South Korea? On stage, these Kpop idols capture our attention with catchy songs and amazing choreographies, but what about off-stage? Behind the ...
Read more.png)
January 26, 2023
Writer’s block is real, and it’s not just authors, but also songwriters and composers. Thinking of top hit songs can be difficult, so how do the pros do it? Where do they get their inspiration from?
Read more.png)
January 26, 2023
What does a TV show based on a video game and the music industry have in common? Near the end of 2021, Arcane took the world by storm after debuting on Netflix. Not only did it dazzle us with its...
Read more.png)
January 23, 2023
As the contract between Blackpink and YG Entertainment nears its end, fans of the popular South Korean girl group are wondering if the group will renew their contract with the agency...
Read more
January 19, 2023
Rapper J. Cole has recently announced that he had been struggling with writer's block, but found a way to break free from it by using a type beat from Youtube music producer BVTMAN's YouTube...
Read more.png)
January 19, 2023
Hania Rani is a Polish pianist and composer whose music has been described as "hauntingly beautiful" and "evocative." She is known for her unique blend of classical and electronic music, which she...
Read more
January 16, 2023
Ryan Tedder is a highly accomplished and sought-after music producer and songwriter. He is known for his work with a wide range of artists including: Adele, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and OneRepublic...
Read more
January 6, 2022
Drake's ghostwriter controversy has been a topic of conversation since the rapper's feud with Meek Mill in 2015. Quentin Miller, a lesser-known rapper from Atlanta, was named as the ghostwriter....
Read more
December 28, 2022
Many artists are using their personal brand and influence to educate artists, from beginners to fellow professionals. Timbaland has partnered with Masterclass to teach musicians how to make unique...
Read more
December 7, 2022
Rina Sawayama has burst into the consciousness of queer music listeners in recent years. My first time listening to her work was Cherry, a track that is bubbly ...
Read more.png)
Photo Credit: GQ Magazine
In the world of hip-hop, André 3000 is a name that commands respect and admiration. As one-half of the iconic rap duo OutKast, he has left an indelible mark on the music industry, and his unique style and lyrical prowess have earned him a devoted fan base. However, in recent years, André 3000 has been challenging the conventional wisdom of age in rap music.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of OutKast's Grammy-winning album "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" and the 25th anniversary of their acclaimed "Aquemini." Despite the celebrations, fans have been eagerly awaiting André 3000's return to solo rap. His last proper solo rap song dates back to 2006 when he and Big Boi recorded their final album together. Since then, André's appearances in the rap world have been sporadic, with memorable but brief features on tracks like Beyoncé's "Party" and barely-there snippets on Kanye West's "30 Hours."
The anticipation for André's return to rap reached a fever pitch with the release of his instrumental flute record, "New Blue Sun." However, in an interview with GQ tied to the album's release, André 3000 dropped a bombshell: he expressed doubts about the authenticity of his rap at this stage of his life. At 48 years old, he questioned what he could rap about, humorously suggesting topics like colonoscopies and failing eyesight.
This candid revelation from André 3000 prompted discussions about ageism in the rap industry. While André's concerns are valid, they raise an important question: Is there a predefined age limit for rap artists? The answer, as demonstrated by several rap icons, is a resounding "no."
Jay-Z, for instance, released "4:44" at the age of 47, a deeply personal and candid album that garnered critical acclaim and eight Grammy nominations. Eminem, another rap legend, continues to release music that resonates with fans and critics alike well into his 40s and 50s.
In the case of André 3000, he has chosen a different path in recent years. While he hasn't released a solo rap album, he has explored new horizons in his career. André has ventured into acting, appearing in films by acclaimed directors such as Noah Baumbach and Kelly Reichardt. He has also continued to showcase his musical talents, often seen with a woodwind instrument in hand.
André 3000's latest album, "New Blue Sun," has garnered acclaim for its ambient and engrossing musical landscape. While he may have reservations about returning to rap, he has demonstrated that his artistic journey is far from over. As he explores new avenues in his career, he remains an influential figure in the world of music.
In conclusion, André 3000's reflections on age and rap challenge the notion that there's an expiration date for artists in the genre. While he may have temporarily stepped away from rap, his legacy and impact endure. The examples set by other rap legends prove that age is not a barrier to creativity and relevance. As André continues to chart his own path, fans eagerly await the day when his velvety voice graces the rap world once again, proving that age is just a number in the world of hip-hop.
