AceShowbiz - Andre 3000 a.k.a. Andre Benjamin, once an unpredictable force within Outkast, has charted an even more elusive path in his solo career. His creative journey saw a significant divergence when he delved into instrumental jazz, a transition marked by the release of his debut solo album, "New Blue Sun". The eclectic album set records and garnered Grammy nominations but surprisingly, won't count towards his solo contract with Epic Records.

During an interview on the "Toure Show" podcast, Andre 3000 revealed that "New Blue Sun" doesn't satisfy his contractual obligations because it's not a rap project. The rapper explained, "It's interesting news that artists should hear: that this new album is not counting." Despite initial frustration, he has come to understand the legal stipulation that prevents artists from turning in non-cohesive work just to fulfill contractual terms.

His label, Epic Records, led by CEO Sylvia Rhone, has been supportive despite this technicality. The label's stance highlights a broader industry practice where contracts require new recordings to be stylistically similar to previous ones. "It's something where it says, 'The next recording has to be 90 percent like the recording before,' " Andre shared. This revelation underlines the industry's intent to maintain consistency in artist output.

Despite these contractual nuances, Andre 3000 remains unfazed and is deeply immersed in his artistic evolution. He recently announced plans for new music in 2025 during an appearance at Camp Flog Gnaw, expressing his desire to explore "new ways to distribute and express." While he has not provided specifics, fans are eager to witness what this creative genius will offer next.

Andre's foray into jazz hasn't dampened his impact on the music scene. His contribution to the "Transa: Select" album, the song "Something Is Happening and I may Not Fully Understand but I'm Happy to Stand for the Understanding", not only showcased his instrumental finesse but also marked his vocal return since stepping back from rapping.

The reception to his genre shift has been mixed. While artists like LL Cool J criticize him for straying from rap, others like Pharrell Williams remain optimistic about his return to rapping when he feels genuinely inspired. "What you love about him was when he was compelled. It'll be back. When he does, he's going to come in hot," Pharrell assured fans.