André 3000, one half of Outkast, has been MIA from solo rap since 2006. Fans have had to settle for brief cameos (like his verse on Beyoncé’s “Party”) and fleeting moments (his two-word appearance on Kanye West’s “30 Hours”). Unfortunately, Dré’s interview with GQ, tied to his recent instrumental flute album “New Blue Sun”, revealed that he’s not ready to return to rap, feeling it would be “inauthentic” since he has nothing to share in that way. The wait continues.
André 3000 expressed his concerns about rapping at age 48 to GQ, wondering what he’d rap about – colonoscopies and failing eyesight? While he doubts his relevance, many rappers like Jay-Z, Eminem, Missy Elliott, and Big Boi have continued to find inspiration in their late 40s and 50s. Others like Pharrell and Dr. Dre have transitioned beyond music, exploring new career paths like fashion and entrepreneurship. Despite this, fans would love to hear Dré’s candid take on aging, proving that rap has no age limits.
André 3000 is forging his own unique path, making appearances in films by renowned directors and casually playing woodwinds in public. He’s even hinted at contributing to flute-heavy tracks by other rappers. His latest album has received acclaim for its immersive soundscapes. If he chooses to return to rap, he has examples set by influential artists like Jay-Z, Eminem, and others who have continued to create compelling music well into their 40s and 50s. The possibility of Dré’s return has fans eagerly waiting.
Rappers have sustained their careers over the years by discovering new talents and avenues for creativity, adapting to changes in the industry, and exploring fresh perspectives.
As teenagers, André and Big Boi began recording their debut OutKast album, “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik”, shedding light on growing up in the previously overlooked South. Their rap evolved through critically acclaimed albums, with André showcasing his unique funk love songs à la Prince on the 2003 double album “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below”, cementing his distinctive style.
Two decades later, André introduces a new side, prominent in woodwinds. Fellow rappers of his generation continue pushing boundaries, achieving new heights of success and acclaim as they age. Jay-Z, at 47, released “4:44” (2017), a candid masterpiece exploring marriage, family, racism, and success’ shadows. Hailed as his best work in years, it earned eight Grammy nominations, showcasing how veteran rappers continue to thrive creatively.
Defying age, seasoned rappers like Killer Mike (of Run the Jewels) continue to deliver prolific output. With four albums in ten years, Mike’s socially conscious lyrics have evolved into activism, cementing his influence across industries. A veteran of the Atlanta rap scene, Mike’s collaboration with Outkast dates back to the early 2000s. Now 48, he shows no signs of slowing down.
Rappers often face heightened anticipation upon their return, even after years or decades between albums. Black Star, comprised of Mos Def (now Yasiin Bey) and Talib Kweli, reunited in 2022 with “No Fear of Time” after successful solo careers. Their comeback was met with critical acclaim, including a five-star review from Rolling Stone. Veteran rappers are celebrated, not discarded, as evidenced by Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Eminem, and Missy Elliott’s inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with most still actively contributing to the music scene.
Artists like Big Boi, André’s longtime friend and Outkast partner, have maintained relevance in rap despite shifting trends and new styles by staying authentic. Big Boi’s 2017 solo album “Boomiverse” stood out alongside notable releases from Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, and Migos. Pitchfork critic Jayson Greene praised Big Boi for eschewing hip-hop’s dominant trends, creating something uniquely his own: “Everyone on Boomiverse sounds out of touch and fantastic.”
André 3000’s fans have warmly received “New Blue Sun” as a new direction, but many still crave his return to rapping. Aware of this hunger, André titled the opening track “I Swear…” revealing his desire to make a rap album. He hasn’t left fans completely empty-handed, contributing a meditative verse on Killer Mike’s “Michael” with a hint of hope for a future solo album. Though his unique rhymes and distinct tone may not be readily available, fans hold onto the possibility of new music, even if it takes time.
