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Forbes
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
André 3000's No Bars Era: What It Means For Hip-Hop And Jazz Fans
As André 3000 turns 50, the backlash over his refusal to rap on recent projects like 'New Blue Sun' and '7 Piano Sketches,' reveals more about the hip-hop community's resistance to artistic growth than any failure on his part. People were expecting the 'Da Art of Storytellin'' 3K. The 'Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik' 3K. The 'Ms. Jackson' 3K. The 'Hey Ya!' 3K. However, that was over two decades ago. André was in his early thirties when Outkast released their last album, Idlewild, in 2006. Before dropping his first solo album, he certainly dropped bars across the hip-hop universe. Three Stacks and Big Boi reunited Outkast for the highly anticipated 2007 UGK collaboration 'International Players Anthem,' hopped on Erykah Badu's 2015 'Hello,' worked with Frank Ocean twice ('Pink Matter' and 'Solo'), appeared on N.E.R.D.'s 'Rollinem 7s,' and made several more surprise features with Rick Ross, Anderson .Paak, and James Blake. His last collaboration before 2023's New Blue Sun was with Kanye West, where he dropped bars on 'Life of the Party,' once again fueling hip-hop fans' desire to witness a living 3 Stacks bless the masses with profound, modernized bars. However, they were not prepared for what the Outkast emcee had in store. On Tuesday, the world commemorated André 3000 as he welcomed the ripe age of 50. For an adult man, this is typically a time for thorough self-reassessment. According to a German study by Dr. Kurt Seikowski on men and midlife crisis, as a man approaches 50, he is poised to qualitatively reorient himself. I am not suggesting that André 3000's recent projects are a reflection of the negative aspects often associated with a midlife crisis. Rather, I advocate the view that these works are the product of a legendary emcee's personal reinvention as he officially enters the next phase of his life—also a testament to his intellectual rigor. Moreover, the backlash that New Blue Sun and its successor EP, 7 Piano Sketches, received from a fraction of the hip-hop community suggests a growing forgetfulness of hip-hop's long-standing relationship with jazz. New Blue Sun was foreseen as the highly anticipated solo debut of André 3000, a man who, alongside Big Boi, is solidified as a hip-hop legend as a member of one of the most influential duos in hip-hop history, Outkast. Of course, it is 3 Stacks' signature cadential flow, displayed throughout the Outkast discography, that hip-hop heads were anticipating an aural blessing from. As warned on the cover of the work—adorned with an outline of the seasoned flutist and featuring a hard-to-miss lime green label: No Bars. The album is almost entirely instrumental, featuring a polyphonic blend of percussion, strings, keyboards, synths, and woodwinds, with André's flute driving the downbeat. There are only faint, textural vocals performed by Mia Doi Todd. Other than that, no vocals. No bars. This ruffled some hip-hop heads, who utterly dismissed André's official foray into jazz musicianship. Not only did a portion of hip-hop heads criticize the lack of rapping, but others accused the album and its various movements of lacking rhythm—a critique reminiscent of Western composers who once dismissed the advent of jazz. This is ironic, given that jazz is a precursor to hip-hop culture, forms a subgenre within it, and is heavily in classic hip-hop records, from Duke Ellington and John Coltrane to Miles Davis. The defining mark of jazz music is the act of improvisation. André 3000's recent works, including 7 Piano Sketches, feature an elementary approach to improv, as the hip-hop icon describes it, he simply spreads his 'fingers out on the keys and randomly but with purpose moves them around until' he found 'something that feels good or interesting.' This same 'feel good' spontaneity is present in Louis Armstrong's trumpet cadenza on 'West End Blues,' in Miles Davis' open trumpet solo on 'So What,' and in the four-note motif John Coltrane springs in 'A Love Supreme.' For those who listen to Fela Kuti, the Afrobeat pioneer and jazz enthusiast—improvisation is also the signature of his infectious musical movements. Some 20th-century critics held biased views about jazz, deeming it unoriginal, nonlinguistic, and musically untutored, ultimately suggesting a certain feebleness in the genre due to its embrace of improvisation. Sociologist William Bruce Cameron described jazz 'non-literate,' while others, such as British composer Constant Lambert, initially expressed a racist, anti-jazz bias. Lambert later conceded that a 'small section' of the jazz technique was 'genuinely negroid' and based on 'sophisticated material,' ultimately acknowledging its intellectual rigor. The criticism of the lack of rapping on André 3000's recent works is telling as to a certain forgetfulness, or perhaps unawareness, among some hip-hop heads, particularly those who value lyrical virtuosity, regarding hip-hop's historical connection to jazz. During hip-hop's golden era in the late 1980s and early 1990s, jazz rap emerged just as gangsta rap and pop rap were dominating the airwaves and climbing the charts. Thanks to crews like the Native Tongues (A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, etc), Digable Planets, and Gangstarr, jazz class acts like Ron Carter, Sonny Rollins, Charlie Parker, Herbie Hancock, alongside a plethora of jazz-infused funk records (including the drum breaks on Bill Wither's 'Use Me' and the horn licks from Kool and the Gang's 'N.T')—jazz rap came into fruition through sampling and brewed a profound subculture. This subgenre stands out for its socially, politically, and spiritually charged lyrics and themes rooted in Afrocentricism. The culture of jazz rap often thrived in underground cafés, jazz clubs, record stores, niche unauthorized radio stations, and college campuses—including HBCUs like Howard, R1 institutions like NYU, and Ivy Leagues like Columbia. Its grand favor among college students is attributed to the subgenre's lyrical complexity, philosophical depth, and pro-Black rhetoric, all of which are seen as intellectually engaging. Jazz rap has frequently been regarded as an elite cerebral art form, with a magnetic pull for a highbrow, cultivated, and educated audience. With the documented history between jazz and hip-hop, it's reasonable to expect any practitioner of the genre to pursue a jazz musicianship in singularity. André 3000 appeared at this year's Black Dandyism-themed Met Gala, dawning a seven key piano shaped ensemble—a clever marketing ploy for his latest work, 7 Piano Sketches. Time and space are central to this work, as André revealed, most of the album was recorded over a decade ago on his iPhone and laptop while he and his son were renting a house in Texas. The music was recorded through pure emotional trial and error, rendezvousing his favorite piano composers, including Thelonious Monk, Phillip Glass, and Joni Mitchell. Though the release may have seemed sporadic and impromptu, it ultimately moreover solidifies the Outkast emcee's commitment to creating and releasing instrumental movements, professionally. These last two works are not the first time he is showcasing this ability. It has been burgeoning since the prime of Outkast. On Outkast's 2003 'My Favorite Things,' 3 Stacks played and arranged the piano which was a tribute to the great John Coltrane. In 2018, he released the EP Look Ma No Hands, featuring James Blake on the piano, which André himself on the base clarinetist—a straight up jazz piece and ode to his late mother, marking his first true jazz project which also shocked hip-hop heads. Over the past decade, he has also been spotted amid the wilderness of American civilization, unapologetically playing his flute on the corners of Soho, on church steps in Philly, and at airports throughout. New Blue Sun was nominated for two Grammys this year—Album of the Year and Best Alternative Jazz Album. While a portion of hip-hop heads disfavored the absence of rapping, jazz enthusiasts and abstract music lovers embraced the work. It is a reality to face regarding the nature of this backlash: although hip-hop heads are under no obligation to favor the work, it is fair to suggest that objectivity should be applied when evaluating the work. Consider the stage of life 3 Stacks is in, and acknowledge a potentially haunting reality for hip-hop heads: one of your top three might just evolve out of rap.
Vogue
27-05-2025
- Business
- Vogue
Tyler, the Creator on Delusion, Gatekeeping, and His Latest Collaboration With Converse
The impetus for the new collection came just over a year ago, when Tyler headlined Coachella and created a dossier of printouts from the back catalogue to give a presentation to the Converse team. 'It's the fastest we've ever made a shoe,' confirms Lindsay Almeida, Converse's global senior director of entertainment and sports marketing. For Almeida's part, working with Tyler just makes sense. 'Nine-point-nine times out of 10, we say yes to [Tyler's ideas]. That's the kind of trust we've built over the years. Everything you do, it might not click in the moment, but overall, it's right. We've been on this ride for a long time and we just keep it real.' This trust didn't come out of the blue. 'From 2011 to 2016, I was building a resumé of things that worked in my realm. So when I did link [with Converse in 2016], they had a reference point to say, 'You know what, let's trust this guy's idea, because it clearly worked in some type of way,'' Tyler explained, fielding questions from the crowd. 'That's the importance of trusting yourself and just putting shit out so you can build that resumé.' It's a testament to the working relationships Tyler has fostered almost 20 years into his career, too. From exploding onto the scene with his friends (via the now disbanded music collective Odd Future) to creating a de-facto record label in his teens, he's always had an entrepreneurial streak, boosted by his tight-knit network of kindred spirits. Odd Future alumni include the likes of Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt, and Syd, who, through their comedy sketches and outrageous beats, would go on on to change the face of music-making, one genre-defying, agenda-setting project at a time. The now 34-year-old has worked with his managers, Kelly and Christian Clancy, for 15 years, no small feat in a fickle industry: They ditched their high-flying jobs at Interscope Records to join forces with Tyler. '[Tyler] exists in a world where, if he follows the algorithm, that's not him,' says Christian. 'He has to go over there and let the algorithm adjust to him.' It's clear that inside the sprawling, kaleidoscopic machine that is Tyler's brain, Clancy et al are the driving force that facilitates his self-described 'delusion.' 'To make stuff, you have to be delusional,' Tyler says. 'And when you're delusional, you need people around you that trust you… I knew what I wanted to do since I was legit five years old. This is the only thing I was supposed to do.'
Newsweek
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Why Frank Ocean Fans Think a New Album Is Coming
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Frank Ocean fans have been waiting nearly ten years for a third album from the elusive star, and now some believe it may finally be due to be released, following clues linked to both Ocean and The Wizard of Oz. Ocean was hailed as a once-in-a-generation talent when his debut album Channel Orange was released in 2012 and he was named as one of the most influential people in the world the following year. Newsweek has reached out to a representative for Ocean via email outside of regular working hours for comment. Why It Matters Ocean is something of an enigma, and rumors of his third project have circulated for so long, they now have an almost mythical quality. Since 2011, he has released two studio albums, Channel Orange (2012) and Blonde (2016), a mixtape (Nostalgia, Ultra released in 2011), and a visual album Endless (2016). Frank Ocean performs at The Parklife Festival 2017 at Heaton Park on June 11, 2017 in Manchester, England. Frank Ocean performs at The Parklife Festival 2017 at Heaton Park on June 11, 2017 in Manchester, England. Visionhaus#GP/Corbis via Getty Images In 2023, Ocean headlined Coachella in what marked his first live performance since 2017. He began his first set nearly an hour after the scheduled start time, and the performance was criticized by fans and critics alike. He canceled his performance at the second weekend, citing a leg injury. Two years after this performance, rumors started to circulate that Ocean was making a foray into film, with his directorial debut confirmed in January 2025. What To Know So, what's got fans' hopes up that a new release could be on the horizon? A series of very cryptic clues have been dropping over the past week, hinting that the Grammy-award winning artist could be up to something. On Thursday, May 15, the Instagram user @tedchildish posted an Instagram story with the text: "how have i just seen people putting up Frank posters in Tokyo." Said posters included a QR code which linked out to an Instagram page with the name @franciswupperman. Francis Wuppermann was best known as actor Frank Morgan, who played the title role in The Wizard of Oz, the 1939 classic starring Judy Garland On May 22, @franciswupperman shared their first post on Instagram, where the name 'frank' appeared against different colored backgrounds on different slides. The font echoes the one used on Blonde. The caption reads: "FRANK a tale of three parts … begins next week." Outlander Magazine posted about the account on Instagram on May 20, reporting that the accounts' bio at that time was "FRANK: May 22nd." The post speculated that the account belonged to Ocean and was connected to a film release, though this is unconfirmed. As of reporting, the account's bio reads "Wonderment and joy are retained, heartaches and nightmares are lost," a quote from the 1900 introduction to the original book in the Oz series, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by Baum. The account has garnered over 75,000 followers and only follows one account: Frank Ocean's Blonded account. The assumption has been that these hints are about new music; but it is unclear how, if at all, this account is connected to Ocean, something which fans have highlighted and the account could be linked to Ocean's reported upcoming directorial debut, rather than an album. In January of 2025, following prolonged rumors, it was reported that Ocean would be directing a film starring the actress and model, Taylor Russel and that shooting had begun in Mexico City. What People Are Saying @ commenting on @franciswupperman Instagram post: "frank i have loved u since i was 13 pls understand how crucial this is." @utkarshoncoke commenting on @franciswupperman Instagram post: "Istg bro if this is some prank." What's Next Any details of a potential upcoming musical release, along with the title, plot and cast of Ocean's directorial debut, are unconfirmed.
Khaleej Times
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Restaurant Review: Savour South American, Levantine flavours at Soul Kitchen
Dubai's restaurant scene is packed with high-end spots, but too often, they feel soulless and repetitive. What's truly rare is a place with a beating heart, a story, and a genuinely cool energy. Soul Kitchen nails this in a way that sets it far apart from anywhere else. The concept is a fusion I've never seen before — South American and Levantine. On paper, it might seem like an unlikely match, but in reality, it's the most seamless marriage, resulting in bold, unforgettable flavours. We started with their homemade sesame baguette, served with dukkah and Lebanese olive oil, quickly followed by chimichurri hummus and chicken shawarma empanadas topped with mango salsa. Then came the true showstopper: the wagyu kafta arepa. The kafta patty was insanely juicy and rich, balanced perfectly by vinegary pickled red cabbage and a light, fluffy arepa casing. The mains were just as striking, each unlike anything I'd tried before. The standout dish of the night had to be the tamarind lamb chops, served with delicate, 1,000-layer yucca potatoes and a strained labneh dressing. Every bite had it all — the sweet tang of the perfectly cooked chops, the crisp saltiness of the yucca, and the creamy richness of the labneh. We also tried the beef short rib birria with chocolate and cauliflower purée, which was enjoyable but didn't pack quite the same punch as the other dishes. Another favourite was the Caribbean red snapper, paired with an incredibly unique tomato and coconut sofrito, bringing a fresh contrast to the heavier dishes. Beyond the food, the restaurant itself is effortlessly cool. The soft pink interiors, moody dim lighting, and a layout designed around the stage at the back all align with the energy of the menu. Elevating the entire experience, the live band took the stage. The lead singer — reminiscent of Frank Ocean — delivered jazzy soul and R&B, blending seamlessly into the atmosphere.
Forbes
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Frank Ocean's Debut Album Breaks Back Onto The Charts
Frank Ocean's Channel Orange is a near-constant on the charts in both the United States and the United Kingdom, as it's one of the most successful R&B albums of the past few decades. The set's staying power is incredible, and it ensures that the man behind it is still a superstar, even though he's been largely quiet for years on the music front. This week, the collection experiences a mixed frame in the U.K., slipping on a few charts while simultaneously returning to a handful of tallies at the same time. Channel Orange bounces back onto a pair of U.K. music rankings this week, making this frame yet another strong showing for the acclaimed full-length. The set returns to the Official Physical Albums chart at No. 77. At the same time, it reappears at No. 82 on the Official Albums Sales list. On the list that ranks the bestselling physical releases in the U.K., Channel Orange once climbed as high as No. 30. On the most all-encompassing sales ranking, however, its current spot is almost on par with its personal best, as the set has only ever reached No. 71 on that tally. Channel Orange isn't climbing everywhere, even as it returns to multiple rankings. The project dips on the Official Albums chart, the all-genre ranking that blends sales and streaming activity into one comprehensive look at what's being consumed in the U.K. each week. There, it slips slightly to No. 98. It also falls on the Official Albums Streaming chart, which focuses only on streaming data. This week, Channel Orange declines to No. 96. Neither drop is particularly steep, based on where the set landed last period. On one chart, Channel Orange actually improves its standing. The set lifts on the Official Hip-Hop and R&B Albums chart, rebounding from No. 12 to No. 7. That push brings it back to the top 10, which is huge for a decade-plus-old effort. Channel Orange isn't the only studio effort by Ocean that shows up on the U.K. charts this week. His other eligible release, Blonde, is still present on a few rankings as well, though it is on the decline. The full-length falls on both the Official Albums Streaming and Official Albums charts, dipping to No. 78 and No. 94, respectively.
