André 3000 opened up about his surprising career shift.

On Friday (July 12), The OutKast band member appeared on LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s “The Shop” and reflected on his flute pivot.

James spoke about the times he went to André 3000’s first jazz shows in New York. André 3000 replied, “I don’t want people to think I’m trying to be a jazz musician. I kind of look at myself as a sonic displayist. I don’t know what notes I’m playing, to be completely honest.” 

He continued, “I’m not trying to pretend like I know what I’m doing, in a way. I actually don’t know what I’m doing and that’s part of the art.”

In November 2023, the “Hey Ya!” hitmaker made a shocking return with his first solo album, New Blue Sun. The eight-track project did not feature any rapping or singing. Instead, he was playing the flute. 

André 3000 left Outkast after they completed their sixth album, Idlewild, which was released in 2006. During an interview with GQ, the Atlanta native stated, “There’s a certain chemistry that me and Big Boi had and have…I think over time, people don’t understand that chemistry changes.”