NEW YORK — Last year saw an unexpected debut with André 3000 releasing his first solo album titled “New Blue Sun,” marking 18 years since the last studio release from his iconic rap group Outkast, which was “Idlewild.”

André humorously notes that “New Blue Sun” is devoid of traditional rap lyrics, saying, “there was nothing I was liking enough to rap about, or I didn’t feel it sounded fresh. I’m not about to serve you un-fresh (expletive).” Instead, the album features six tracks of instrumental ambient alt-jazz, notably highlighting the flute.

Reflecting on his affinity for the flute, André explains, “The sound, that’s how I got into it,” mentioning its portability as a significant factor. “You can’t tote around a piano and play in Starbucks.” Alongside his musical ventures, he has explored the historical background of the flute, learning about Mayan instruments crafted from clay and having a replica made from cedar. He shares, “There are all kinds of fables and indigenous stories that go along with playing the flute — playing like the birds or playing your heart like the wind — it kind of met (me) where I was in life.”

He further articulates the essence of wind instruments like the flute, stating, “Flutes — wind instruments in general — are the closest thing you get to actually hearing a human. You’re actually hearing the breath of a person.”

André 3000’s work on “New Blue Sun” has captivated listeners and garnered him three Grammy Award nominations: album of the year, alternative jazz, and instrumental composition. This comes precisely 25 years after Outkast’s first Grammy nomination for the track “Rosa Parks” from their third album, “Aquemini,” and two decades post their album of the year win for “Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.”

Commenting on the significance of these nominations, André states, “It matters because we all want to be acknowledged or recognized. It’s a type of proof of connection, in some type of way … especially with the Grammys, because it’s voted on by a committee of musicians and people in the industry.” He admits to being somewhat taken aback by the attention his album has received, especially given the absence of chart-topping singles. “We have no singles on the radio, not even singles that are hot in the street,” he reflects. “When you’re sitting next to Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, these are highly, hugely popular music artists; I’m satisfied just because of that … we won just to be a part of the whole conversation.”

André observes a shift in music listening patterns, suggesting wider acceptance of diverse musical styles. “A lot of artists are just trying different things,” he mentions, referencing Beyoncé’s non-traditional album, “Cowboy Carter.” “We’re in this place where things are kind of shifting and moving.”

For him, “New Blue Sun” has enabled a rebirth as an artist while also connecting back to his roots. He recalls instances from his time with Outkast, saying, “Being on the road with Outkast and picking up a bass clarinet at a pawn shop in New York…these things have been around.” He has consistently embraced creativity and “newness,” maintaining that his explorative approach remains non-restrictive, even when it appears unrefined. “Even producing for Outkast, I was just learning these instruments. If I … put my hands down and play ‘Ms. Jackson,’ I’m not knowing what I’m playing. But I like it,” he explains.

Regarding the future of Outkast, he coyly states, “I never say never,” but acknowledges, “the older I get, I feel like that time has happened.”

The 67th Grammy Awards are scheduled for February 2, 2025, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with the show set to be broadcast on CBS and streamed via Paramount+.