There’s no doubt that 2023 has been the year to celebrate our hip-hop greats.  Hip-Hop 50 has been a year-long series of events to enjoy the music, fashion and entrepreneurship of the culture, blessing us with performances by pioneers such as DJ Kool Herc, Sugar Hill Gang and Run-DMC. Then, this month,  Andre 3000 entered the scene with his flute. 

People worldwide had been hoping for a new album from Andre for years so when he announced his new album “New Blue Sun” earlier this year, the internet was abuzz with excitement. When we found out that it was a complete flute album, the vibes shifted. This announcement came as a surprise to a lot of us, but it's a decision that deserves celebration and support.

Every hip-hop head remembers when Andre 3000 took the mic at the 1995 Source Awards and put everyone on notice that, “The South got something to say,” with his whole chest. Since then OutKast released nine platinum projects and Big Boi and 3 Stacks have been lauded as two of the best lyricists in the game. I’ve been a fan since 8th grade and even created a playlist of his best bars. But, what happens when you run out of things to say?

In an interview with GQ prior to the release of his “New Blue Sun” flute album he said that his content isn’t relatable anymore. “I’m 48 years old… And things that happen in my life, like, what are you talking about? ‘I got to go get a colonoscopy.‘My eyesight is going bad.’ You can find cool ways to say it, but….” 3000 joked.

He also stated he doesn’t have a vault of stored verses. When he’s got something to say, he’ll still bless a track as he did for “Donda” with Kanye West and more recently, the expertly crafted verse for Killer Mike on “Scientists and Engineers.” But, it’s important for us to allow artists to be artists and it’s clear that playing flute brings 3K joy.

Evolution is an important part of the human experience and we’ve got to stop putting people in boxes. Andre 3000 has gone on record multiple times to say that rapping is something that’s in his rearview mirror. As an artist deeply connected to his craft, he has the right to pursue avenues that challenge him creatively and allow him to express himself in different ways. If we respect him as much as people have claimed we have to allow him to grow and explore music and everything else that life has to offer at the pace that works for him.

My hope is that by Andre being true to himself and doing what sparks joy you’ll also have “permission” to do what truly serves your spirit. It may not be cool, profitable or expected, but if you sleep a little better after playing flute, tap dancing, collecting rare coins or selling cacti at the monthly farmer’s market then Mr. Benjamin has done his job. Because what’s more hip-hop than creating your own lane?