In a stunning surprise for fans, André 3000 has released a new instrumental project titled 7 Piano Sketches. This seven-song collection, which showcases the artist's affinity for piano music, features tracks that are prefaced by André himself, Emmy Paalman, or Fatima Robinson reading the song titles. The release, which dropped late on May 5, 2025, aligns perfectly with André's appearance at the prestigious Met Gala in New York City, where he made a bold fashion statement with a bespoke piano designed by Burberry, in collaboration with Benji Bixby.
André 3000, known for his innovative approach to music, explained the creative origins of 7 Piano Sketches. In a press release, he revealed, “The original title for it was The Best Worst Rap Album in History.” He elaborated, “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.” This project marks his first new music since the release of his acclaimed flute-focused album, New Blue Sun, in 2023, which earned him three Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year.
The roots of 7 Piano Sketches trace back almost a decade. During a stay at a sparsely furnished house in Texas with his son—where the only furniture was a piano, two beds, and a few TV screens—André began composing and recording these pieces. He was inspired by the simplicity of his surroundings and the creative possibilities of spring, a season symbolizing renewal and creativity.
In a reflection of his artistic journey, André noted that he has lived with these recordings for some time and felt compelled to share them. “Having lived with the recordings for a time, I was drawn to the idea of creating more and sharing them in the Spring,” he stated.
The release of 7 Piano Sketches was strategically timed to coincide with the Met Gala, an event celebrating craftsmanship and Black history, themed this year as Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. André's outfit, which featured a piano on his back, was styled by Law Roach and represents an evolution of his late 2000s fashion line, Benjamin Bixby, now rebranded as Benji Bixby.
Fans and fashion enthusiasts alike were treated to a unique visual as André walked the red carpet, embodying the spirit of creativity that the Met Gala promotes. His outfit not only made a statement but also echoed the artistic themes present in 7 Piano Sketches. The project itself is a collection of improvisational pieces, with André describing his process: “To conjure them up, I spread my fingers out on the keys and randomly but with purpose move them around until I find something that feels good or interesting.”
While the collection features no lyrics—hence its playful original title—André has infused it with emotional depth and personal significance. He humorously warned listeners with the tagline, “WARNING: NO BARS.” This playful approach reflects his desire to explore music beyond traditional rap formats, allowing him to express himself freely.
The tracklist for 7 Piano Sketches includes:
- Bluffing in the Snow
- And Then One Day You’ll …
- When You’re an 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
- Hotel Lobby Pianos
- Blueberry Mansions
- Off Rhythm Laughter
- I Spend All Day Waiting for the Night
This new release has been met with enthusiasm from fans and critics alike, many of whom appreciate André's willingness to experiment and push the boundaries of his artistry. His previous album, New Blue Sun, was a departure from his rap roots, showcasing his growth as a musician and his ability to engage with different musical styles.
In addition to the excitement surrounding 7 Piano Sketches, André has more significant milestones ahead. He is set to receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music from Berklee College of Music on May 10, 2025, and will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later this year alongside fellow OutKast member Big Boi.
The release of 7 Piano Sketches not only highlights André 3000’s artistic evolution but also reinforces his status as a cultural icon. His ability to blend music, fashion, and personal expression continues to inspire a new generation of artists and fans. As he ventures further into new creative territories, audiences eagerly await what he will conjure up next.
