André 3000 Releases Surprise New Instrumental Album ‘7 piano sketches’

André 3000 surprise released an instrumental new album, 7 piano sketches, through Epic Records. The seven-track collection follows his acclaimed 2023 debut solo album, New Blue Sun.

André 3000, who will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame with his Outkast bandmate Big Boi later this year, wrote and recorded parts of 7 piano sketches before New Blue Sun. Nearly 10 years ago, the influential rapper was residing in Texas, living with his son in a house outfitted with only their beds, televisions and a piano. André 3000 revisited the recordings he made on that piano and expanded on them to create 7 piano sketches.

In a statement regarding the new record, André 3000 shared:

“The original title for it was ‘The Best Worst Rap Album In History’ and here is an excerpt from the original liner notes:

‘It’s jokingly the worst rap album in history because there are no lyrics on it at all. It’s the best because it’s the free-est emotionally and best I’ve felt personally. It’s the best because it’s like a palette cleanser for me.’”

The release of 7 piano sketches coincided with André 3000 attending last night’s Met Gala in New York City. The event featured the debut of benji bixby, the next phase of André 3000’s Benjamin Bixby fashion line.

Stream 7 piano sketches below:

7 piano sketches Tracklist

(WARNING: NO BARS)

1. bluffing in the snow
2. and then one day you’ll …
3. when you’re a ant and you wake up in an awesome mood, about to drive your son to school, only to discover that you left the lights on in the car last night so your battery is drained
4. hotel lobby pianos
5. blueberry mansions
6. off rhythm laughter
7. i spend all day waiting for the night