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Katy Perry Teases New Album with Single "Woman’s World"

June 22, 2024

Katy Perry is once again stirring excitement in the music world with the announcement of her upcoming single, "Woman’s World," heralding a new album that promises to continue her dynamic presence...

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Carrie Underwood Marks 50th Show of "Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency"

Carrie Underwood celebrated a major milestone in her illustrious career on June 1, as she performed her 50th show in the "Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency" at Resorts World Theatre. This...

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Inside Taylor Swift's feud with Charli XCX from song dig to ex-boyfriend connection

June 22, 2024

Charli XCX's latest album, BRAT, has garnered critical acclaim, yet it has also reignited rumors of a feud with Taylor Swift. Despite having opened for Taylor on her Reputation tour, Charli's new...

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Post Malone Announces Highly Anticipated New Album 'F-1 Trillion' Set for August Release

June 22, 2024

Post Malone is currently riding a wave of success, standing at the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot 100 with his Morgan Wallen duet "I Had Some Help." In an exciting development, he has announced the...

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Rihanna Says New Album Will Represent ‘Evolution’ of Time She ‘Spent Away’ From Music

June 22, 2024

Rihanna, the multifaceted artist and entrepreneur, has kept fans eagerly awaiting her next album since the release of ANTI in 2016. In a recent interview with Extra TV, she finally provided some...

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Coldplay To Make New Album On Vinyl From Recycled Plastic Bottles

June 22, 2024

Coldplay has announced an innovative and eco-friendly initiative for their upcoming album Moon Music, which will be produced on vinyl made from recycled plastic bottles. The British band aims to...

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Jimin of BTS Announces Second Solo Album 'MUSE,' Set for Release This Summer

June 22, 2024

Jimin, one of the standout members of the globally renowned boy band BTS, has stirred excitement once again with the announcement of his second solo album, titled "MUSE." The announcement was made...

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BLACKPINK’s LISA Gears Up for Solo Stardom with New Single ‘Rockstar’

June 22, 2024

BLACKPINK’s LISA has just announced her new solo single, “Rockstar,” set to arrive on June 27 at 8 p.m. ET. This highly anticipated track marks her first release since signing with RCA Records...

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Celebrating Independence: The 2024 Libera Awards Shine a Spotlight on Independent Music

June 22, 2024

The 2024 Libera Awards, held on June 11 at Gotham Hall, marked a significant celebration of the vibrant and diverse achievements in independent music. Presented by the American Association of...

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Khalid: The Voice of a New Generation

June 22, 2024

Khalid Donnel Robinson, known simply as Khalid, has become a defining voice of his generation with his soulful voice, relatable lyrics, and genre-blending sound. Since his breakthrough with the hit...

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Shakira Recalls Putting Her Music Career on Hold to Support Gerard Piqué’s Pro Soccer Dreams

June 21, 2024

Two years after her split from Gerard Piqué, Shakira has achieved significant milestones, including four major hits and a VMAs Vanguard Award, while preparing to release her next album, Las Mujeres...

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Selena Gomez, Ryan Gosling and More Celebrities Reveal Favorite Taylor Swift Era or Song

June 21, 2024

Taylor Swift's songwriting prowess has garnered admiration from numerous celebrities, who each hold special attachments to different tracks from her extensive catalog. Ryan Gosling, for instance...

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André 3000: Challenging the Notion of Age in Rap Music

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Photo Credit: GQ Magazine

In the world of hip-hop, André 3000 is a name that commands respect and admiration. As one-half of the iconic rap duo OutKast, he has left an indelible mark on the music industry, and his unique style and lyrical prowess have earned him a devoted fan base. However, in recent years, André 3000 has been challenging the conventional wisdom of age in rap music.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of OutKast's Grammy-winning album "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" and the 25th anniversary of their acclaimed "Aquemini." Despite the celebrations, fans have been eagerly awaiting André 3000's return to solo rap. His last proper solo rap song dates back to 2006 when he and Big Boi recorded their final album together. Since then, André's appearances in the rap world have been sporadic, with memorable but brief features on tracks like Beyoncé's "Party" and barely-there snippets on Kanye West's "30 Hours."

The anticipation for André's return to rap reached a fever pitch with the release of his instrumental flute record, "New Blue Sun." However, in an interview with GQ tied to the album's release, André 3000 dropped a bombshell: he expressed doubts about the authenticity of his rap at this stage of his life. At 48 years old, he questioned what he could rap about, humorously suggesting topics like colonoscopies and failing eyesight.

This candid revelation from André 3000 prompted discussions about ageism in the rap industry. While André's concerns are valid, they raise an important question: Is there a predefined age limit for rap artists? The answer, as demonstrated by several rap icons, is a resounding "no."

Jay-Z, for instance, released "4:44" at the age of 47, a deeply personal and candid album that garnered critical acclaim and eight Grammy nominations. Eminem, another rap legend, continues to release music that resonates with fans and critics alike well into his 40s and 50s.

In the case of André 3000, he has chosen a different path in recent years. While he hasn't released a solo rap album, he has explored new horizons in his career. André has ventured into acting, appearing in films by acclaimed directors such as Noah Baumbach and Kelly Reichardt. He has also continued to showcase his musical talents, often seen with a woodwind instrument in hand.

André 3000's latest album, "New Blue Sun," has garnered acclaim for its ambient and engrossing musical landscape. While he may have reservations about returning to rap, he has demonstrated that his artistic journey is far from over. As he explores new avenues in his career, he remains an influential figure in the world of music.

In conclusion, André 3000's reflections on age and rap challenge the notion that there's an expiration date for artists in the genre. While he may have temporarily stepped away from rap, his legacy and impact endure. The examples set by other rap legends prove that age is not a barrier to creativity and relevance. As André continues to chart his own path, fans eagerly await the day when his velvety voice graces the rap world once again, proving that age is just a number in the world of hip-hop.

André 3000: Challenging the Notion of Age in Rap Musicandre-3000-challenging-the-notion-of-age-in-rap-musicBy Nady El KhouryNov 24, 2023In the world of hip-hop, André 3000 is a name that commands respect and admiration. As one-half of the iconic rap duo OutKast, he has left an indelible mark on the music industry...