André 3000 Believes Kendrick Lamar and Drake Could Inspire Him to Create a Rap Album
André 3000, the legendary member of OutKast, has often been hesitant about the idea of releasing a solo rap album. However, he recently acknowledged that Kendrick Lamar and Drake could be the motivating forces he needs to take that leap.
In a new interview with Rolling Stone, André discussed the possibility of recording a full-length rap project and how the energy from these two prominent figures could potentially ignite his creative process.
“I think what would help me make a rap album is being around rappers,” he shared. “When I moved to California, I wasn’t writing. I’ve spoken to Kendrick [Lamar] and we’ve listened to beats together. The same goes for Drake.”
He further explained, “As a rapper, it might surprise them to hear me say this, but I once thought, ‘It’d be cool to hang out with them and feel the energy of rapping.’ They’re in the studio all the time, and being around that could really inspire me.”
André emphasized the impressive work ethic of both Lamar and Drake, noting, “They do four or five songs a day, and I’m like, ‘What?’ I haven’t been in the studio like that in ages. It’s been a while since I’ve even touched my drum machine. I’m just now getting back into producing.”
He elaborated on this idea, saying, “I didn’t say it out loud, but I thought it in my head. Sometimes, just being around that energy can lead to new songs. I’ve never communicated this to them, but their output has truly inspired me. When you’re in a groove, it can be infectious, unlike the casual approach I’ve been taking lately.”
André 3000 previously collaborated with Drake on the latter’s 2011 album Take Care but has yet to release a track with Kendrick Lamar. However, he was seen in the studio with Lamar back in 2012, listening to what would eventually become the track “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe.”
Last year, André polarized his fanbase when he released New Blue Sun, an ambient instrumental project devoid of lyrics. He has spoken about how playing the flute has become a fulfilling outlet for his creativity, while writing lyrics has become more challenging for him.
Despite this, André expressed in an earlier interview with Highsnobiety that he would be excited about the challenge of creating a “fire-ass” rap album. When asked if he misses rapping, he admitted, “I do,” adding, “I would love to make a rap album. I think it’d be an awesome challenge to create something great at 48 years old. That’s probably one of the hardest things to do! I would love to do that. It’s all part of my journey.”
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