Andre 3000 wearing a baby grand piano to advertise his latest album 7 Piano Sketches

Photo Credit: Vogue / YouTube

If Taylor Swift can name drop her newest album at the Grammys, André 3000 is right behind her with an album drop at the Met Gala. The rapper made an appearance at the Met Gala sporting a (modified) baby grand piano on his back. His latest solo album 7 piano sketches dropped as he walked up the stairs.

The origin of the album started more than a decade ago, when André was living in Texas with his son. He says the house was pretty empty, including just a few beds, a TV, and a piano. André began playing the piano and most of the tracks that appear on the album were recorded informally at home, using an iPhone or a laptop microphone. Only “blueberry mansions” was recorded in a studio.

André says he originally called the project ‘The Best Worst Rap Album in History’ as a joke, since it doesn’t contain any lyrics. “It’s jokingly the worst rap album in history because there are no lyrics at all,” he told the press. “It’s the best because it’s the freest emotionally and the best I’ve felt personally. It serves as a palate cleanser for me.”

The album itself is comprised of improvisational tunes that André says he conjures 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. I cannot name which notes, keys, or chords that I’m playing and I simply like the sound and mechanics of piano playing.”

“These piano pieces weren’t recorded with the intention of presenting them in any formal way to the public,” he writes on Instagram. “They were personal, at home recordings. I would sometimes text them to my family and friends.”

7 Piano Sketches Tracklist

  1. “bluffing in the snow”
  2. “and then one day you’ll…”
  3. “when you’re a ant you wake up in an awesome mood, about to drive your son to school, only to discover that you left the lights on int he car last night so your battery is drained”
  4. “hotel lobby pianos”
  5. “blueberry mansions”
  6. “off rhythm laughter”
  7. “i spend all day waiting for the night”