André 3000 Responds to LL COOL J’s Criticism of His Flute Album. André 3000 finally addressed LL Cool J’s criticism on his debut solo album, New Blue Sun. The November album departs from André’s rap roots with ambient instrumental compositions that emphasise flute playing. His shift from his signature rapping style split fans, and LL Cool J expressed his dismay.
LL Cool J bluntly expressed his views on The Shop with LeBron James and Maverick Carter. Listen—he’s wonderful. His bars are high. Not the flute, B. Not the flute, he said. We shouldn’t deceive ourselves. His flute playing bothers me. Want to hear my violin album? He also encouraged André to return to rap, saying, “I wanna hear him get with Big Boi, I want them to make an OutKast album or a solo album.” Each verse is enough for an album! He’s talented. So, “Come on, B.” Not the flute. That man needs the truth.”
André 3000 was asked about LL Cool J’s criticism on the same YouTube series. He answered with his usual grace and care.
“To me, I feel like if it’s in you — ’cause I got homies my age and older than me that still rap — so if it’s in you, you should rap until you die. You should perform until you die,” he said.
André explained his creative approach and why he tried new music. What it takes for me to do it is continuously looking for the next. I’m not attempting to repeat what I’ve done,” he said. Yes, I have things to say, but if I can’t convey them in a new, inventive way or feel like I’m just hanging onto the same flow, that’s not enough. I can’t speak for another rapper and their work. I urge, “Man, go for it.” If you have it.
André told GQ last year that he doesn’t feel obligated to rap at 50. “People think, ‘Oh, man, he’s just sitting on raps or holding them hostage.’” I said, ‘I ain’t have no raps like that,’” he added. “Rapping sometimes feels inauthentic because I don’t have anything to say.”
He explained how age influences his rhyming viewpoint. “I’m 48, and age does influence what I rap about, but not entirely. What will I rap about? Must I get a colonoscopy? My eyesight is failing?”
André says the flute is essential to his creativity. He told NPR, “This is the realest thing that’s coming right now. Although I might rap again, the song title, ‘I Really Wanted To Make A Rap Album, But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time’, is about wind and breathing. That’s true. It blows me this way and I blow flutes and digital instruments.”
André 3000’s response to LL Cool J shows his dedication to musical growth. André will continue on his artistic path, even though fans and fellow musicians want him to return to his roots.
André 3000’s honest answer shows the complexities of artistic evolution and the obstacles of changing one’s image. His transition from rap star to flute player shows his dedication to self-expression.
What do you think about André 3000’s response to LL Cool J’s criticism? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for more updates on your favorite artists.
