7 piano sketches is a 16-minute collection of instrumental music recorded solo on the piano by the former Outkast rapper and follows on from his flute-leading jazz instrumental album New Blue Sun from 2023.
The collection was released after André arrived at the Met Gala in New York City where he wore a “bespoke piano creation” by Burberry in collaboration with benji bixby and styled by Law Roach, as part of the Met Gala’s Superfine: Tailoring Black Style themed event celebrating craftsmanship, structure, Black history, and the evolution of dandyism.
The event also marks the debut of benji bixby, an evolution of André’s late 00s fashion line, Benjamin Bixby.
Listen to the album on streaming services.
Partially composed and recorded prior to New Blue Sun, the beginnings of 7 piano sketches came about almost a decade ago, whilst staying in a house in Texas with his son that had only a piano, their beds and TV screens.
Having lived with the recordings for a time, André was drawn to the idea of creating more and sharing them in the Spring, a time of year that promises that life, creativity, and possibility are ever-renewing.
“The original title for it was ‘The Best Worst Rap Album In History’”, says Says Andre.
From the original liner notes:
‘It’s jokingly the worst rap album in history because there are no lyrics on it at all. It’s the best because it’s the free-est emotionally and best I’ve felt personally. It’s the best because it’s like a palette cleanser for me.’”
It was recently announced that André will receive an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Music from Berklee College of Music on May 10th as part of their graduating Class Of 2025. In November, he will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame alongside his Outkast bandmate BigBoi.
Tracklist for 7 piano sketches:
(WARNING: NO BARS)
- bluffing in the snow
- and then one day you’ll …
- when you’re a ant and you wake up in an awesome mood, about to drive your son to school, only to discover that you left the lights on in the car last night so your battery is drained
- hotel lobby pianos
- blueberry mansions
- off rhythm laughter
- i spend all day waiting for the night
