During a wide-ranging interview with Rolling Stone, André 3000 opened up about the status of a new OutKast album. His solo musical journey, which has ventured into experimental jazz and instrumental atmospherics, has taken him in a different direction. His recent Grammy-nominated solo flute album, New Blue Sun, showcases this evolution.

Unraveling the Future of OutKast - André 3000's Perspective

Chemistry and the Will to Create

André emphasized that the chemistry between him and Big Boi is crucial. He stated, "We have to be wanting to do it. It's hard for me to make a rap, period. Sometimes I'm in the belief of, 'Let things be.' There's a certain energy required to make an OutKast album, and that might not be there at the moment." This sentiment highlights the significance of their creative connection.

He also mentioned that perhaps 10 or 15 years ago, the possibility of a new album seemed more feasible. But as time has passed and their musical paths have diverged, it has become more challenging to recapture that magic.

The Reunion Tour and Beyond

OutKast did come together for a massive reunion tour in 2014, but André dismissed the idea of a farewell tour. He explained, "When I was 25, I knew that at a certain age, I wouldn't want to be onstage doing those songs. They required a certain energy." This shows his awareness of the changing nature of their artistic pursuits and the limitations that come with age.

The group released six albums during their legendary run in the Nineties and early 2000s, with their final album, Idlewild, arriving in 2006. André reflected on that time, saying, "It was a great time in life, and our chemistry was at a certain place that was undeniable. But it's not like a product that can be replicated at will."

Artist-Audience Gap and Fan Expectation

Speaking on fan entitlement and expectation, André recognized the gap between artist and audience. He said, "I know there's often a gap, but I don't blame the fan for wanting what they've known. People will always be asking for 'one more OutKast album,' but we can't always give them what they want."

He used the example of his solo album, New Blue Sun, coming out after 17 years. He questioned if people really expected it to happen. This highlights the complexity of meeting fan expectations and the importance of not over-promising.

Overall, André 3000 expressed gratitude for the OutKast era but also acknowledged that times change and art is not meant to last forever. He remains focused on his own musical journey while leaving the future of OutKast in a state of uncertainty.