Highsnobiety
Double Tap to Zoom

André 3000 hasn't given us any solo material for some time now and, thanks to a recent interview with Rick Rubin on his Broken Record podcast, we finally know why: confidence issues.

"I haven't been making much music, man. My focus is not there. My confidence is not there," he said. "I tinker a lot. I'll just go to a piano and I'll set my iPhone down and just record what I'm doing, moving my fingers and whatever happens, but I haven't been motivated to do a serious project."

He continued, "In my own self, I'm trying to figure out where do I sit. I don't even know what I am and maybe I'm nothing. Maybe I'm not supposed to be anything. Maybe my history is kinda handicapping, in a way."

Apparently, it's random instrumentals that are making him "feel the best right now. They make me feel the most rebellious... I don't like to go with the flow, really. I don't know why but I just feel best when I don't, so I have to honor that."

In response to André 3000's comments on his creative struggles, Rubin implored him to simply let go and "just make a lot."

Press play below to listen to the conversation between André 3000 and Rick Rubin, as they also discuss early influences and OutKast's developmental years.

We Recommend
  • These Blacked-Out New Balances Aren't as Basic as You Think
  • New Balance's Freshest Running Shoe Went Stealth (& Still Looks Good)
  • High-Octane Dressing? 'White Lotus' Talent? Burberry's Been Right On the Money
  • Japan's Coolest Megaretailer & New York's Workwear Savants Kick It Old-School
  • Scientists Analyzed a Rockstar To Create ASICS’ Techtastic Slip-On Sneaker
What To Read Next
  • This New Balance “Dunk” Comes Straight From the Pre-Internet Skate Era
  • Trust Brain Dead To Turn a Fishing Trip Into a Psychedelic Trip
  • Brooks Cascadia 1 Reemerges in Berlin
  • Nike's Crazy Air Max Sneaker-Mule Wants to Rule the Summer
  • HEYDUDE Gets Comfy with Italian Producer Shablo
  • The Return of the Wonderfully Wales Bonner-Ish Samba