Iconic musician André “3000” Benjamin has delighted fans with the revelation of his highly anticipated debut solo album, ‘New Blue Sun,’ scheduled to drop on November 17th, 2023, via Epic Records. Collaborating with acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Carlos Niño, André crafted an entirely instrumental masterpiece, showcasing his prowess on various wind instruments. This unexpected departure from traditional hip-hop comes after a decade of André’s global exploration and love for wind instruments, particularly the flute, which takes center stage in ‘New Blue Sun.’
The album features an impressive array of wind instruments, including a digital wind instrument, a Maya flute, and others made of wood and bamboo, all skillfully played by André. Collaborations with top healing music players contribute to the album’s depth. Notably, ‘New Blue Sun’ refrains from incorporating any rhymes or words, relying solely on the emotive power of instrumental music, with each track’s title providing insight into André’s intentions and messages.
With the goal of bridging the gap between hip-hop and New Age, ‘New Blue Sun’ challenges preconceptions of ambient music. Influenced by artists such as Laraaji and Pharoah Sanders, André envisions an alternate universe under a blue sun, inviting listeners into a tranquil and reflective soundscape.
In an NPR interview, André discussed his deliberate writing process and the album’s genesis, emphasizing its departure from traditional hip-hop elements with “no bars, no beats, no sub-bass.” The creative process involved sharing four initial songs with a younger audience, including Tyler, the Creator, and Frank Ocean. Their insights, such as Tyler likening one track to “chasing a butterfly through a garden,” played a crucial role in shaping the album.
The tracklist of ‘New Blue Sun’ further reflects André’s creative and unconventional approach:
- I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A “Rap” Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time
- The Slang Word P(*)ssy Rolls Off The Tongue With Far Better Ease Than The Proper Word Vagina. Do You Agree?
- That Night In Hawaii When I Turned Into A Panther And Started Making These Low Register Purring Tones That I Couldn’t Control … Sh¥t Was Wild
- BuyPoloDisorder’s Daughter Wears A 3000™ Button Down Embroidered
- Ninety Three ‘Til Infinity And Beyoncé
- Ghandi, Dalai Lama, Your Lord & Savior J.C. / Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, And John Wayne Gacy
- Ants To You, Gods To Who?
- Dreams Once Buried Beneath The Dungeon Floor Slowly Sprout Into Undying Gardens
‘New Blue Sun’ not only marks André’s evolution as a creative force but also serves as a therapeutic experience for both the artist and listeners. As the November 17th release date approaches, fans are encouraged to immerse themselves in André’s world, under the ‘New Blue Sun,’ and embrace the healing power of instrumental mus
