André 3000’s Piano Sketches & Met Gala Style: A Night of Surprises
In a whirlwind of unexpected releases and high-fashion statements, André 3000 has once again captivated the music and fashion worlds. From dropping a surprise instrumental album to sporting a piano-inspired look at the Met Gala, the multi-talented artist is proving that he's far from predictable.
Just when fans were still absorbing the ambient soundscapes of his flute-driven album, *New Blue Sun* (which, remarkably, earned a 2025 Grammy nod for Album of the Year!), André 3000 unveiled another unexpected project: 7 Piano Sketches. This instrumental album takes a drastically different approach, offering stripped-down, meditative piano tracks that echo the freeform energy of *New Blue Sun* but through a different lens.
According to a press release, these sketches were born almost a decade ago during a stay in Texas. In André 3000's own words, it was initially titled “The Best Worst Rap Album in History,” jokingly described as "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.”
The seven tracks offer a quiet brilliance, showcasing André 3000's musical versatility and willingness to experiment. Titles include "Bluffing in the Snow”, “Hotel Lobby Pianos,” and “Off Rhythm Laughter.”
But the surprises didn't stop there. Simultaneously, André 3000 made a bold statement at the 2025 Met Gala. Coinciding with the release of 7 Piano Sketches, he graced the event wearing a bespoke piano by Burberry, designed in collaboration with Benji Bixby—an evolution of his late aughts fashion line, Benjamin Bixby—and styled by Law Roach. His unique outfit appeared to align with the illustration on the album's cover, blurring the lines between music and high fashion.
The 2025 Met Gala theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," celebrated the history of Black fashion and dandyism, a perfect backdrop for André 3000's artistic expression. The event, which raises money for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, saw individual tickets costing $75,000 and tables starting at $350,000. This year's gala raised a record $31 million.
The star-studded event also saw appearances from Rihanna (with A$AP Rocky confirming their third child is on the way), Cardi B with Halle Berry, Kim Kardashian, Russell Wilson with Ciara, Lizzo, Stevie Wonder, Shakira, and many more. Other notable attendees included Zendaya, who surprised attendees with two different looks, and Diana Ross who shut down the blue carpet with her all-white 18-foot train.
From surprise album drops to avant-garde Met Gala looks, André 3000 continues to push boundaries and defy expectations. What do you think of André 3000's latest artistic endeavors? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
Related issues news
What is the Met Gala theme in 2025?
Understanding Black dandyism The 2025 Met Gala theme is 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.' It goes hand-in-hand with The Met's spring exhibition, celebrating the history of Black fashion and dandyism.
Who wore a piano to the Met Gala?
Andru00e9 3000 Wore a Grand Piano to the 2025 Met Gala. The 2025 Met Gala was an evening for theatricality and extravaganceu2014and few understood this assignment quite like Andru00e9 3000.
When was Met Gala 2025 time?
Held on the first Monday of May, the gala will take place May 5. The carpet usually kicks off with first arrivals around 5 p.m., and coverage airs and streams beginning at 6 p.m.
