Sema Fonkem 21 March 2025

In November 2023, GQ magazine published an interview with André 3000, sparking a heated controversy about the rapper’s decision to leave rap music.

André 3000, who was 48 years old at the time of the interview, told GQ that he does not find any relevant topic to write about because of his age. He believes he is not in a position to talk about current hip hop music industry trends.

“I’ve worked with some of the newest, freshest, youngest, and old-school producers. I get beats all the time. I try to write all the time.” But rap is not what comes. “Even now people think, Oh, man, he’s just sitting on raps, or he’s just holding these raps hostage. I ain’t got no raps like that. It actually feels…sometimes it feels inauthentic for me to rap because I don’t have anything to talk about in that way. I’m 48 years old. And not to say that age is a thing that dictates what you rap about, but in a way it does. And things that happen in my life, like, what are you talking about? ‘I got to go get a colonoscopy.’ What are you rapping about? ‘My eyesight is going bad.’ You can find cool ways to say it, but….” he said during the 34-minute feature.

According to his statement, André 3000 feels that his music should be relevant to his reality and condition of health and mind. At this stage of his life, he believes rap music will not make him more relatable to many people.

Some Hip Hop fans who did not grasp the context of the interview claimed André 3000 was just terrified of competition from younger artists and could no longer make good music, while those who remain faithful to his craft showed true admiration for his craft and choice. Others still believe he has a wealth of songs and material but has become greedy with his talent.

André 3000 has openly spoken about having social anxiety, which he is continually working on with his therapist. The fear of being judged may be the reason he believes he rap music will no longer be accepted and hence it is best to let go.

André 3000’s honesty in the GQ interview exemplifies the saying “The honour of a man is his words.”  It is rare for people to tell the truth on such a high level. His integrity is applauded.

With his 2023 solo instrumental album New Blue Sun, the legendary rapper has transitioned to an ambient flutist. The production continues to receive positive feedback from music experts.

Big Boi, Andre’s musical partner from Outkast duo group, fully supports his artistic evolution.

It is critical for an individual to reinvent themselves when they are no longer comfortable and desire self-love, growth and happiness.