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‘New Blue Sun’: An Honest Review of the New Andre 3000 Album

Andre 3000, the eccentric, freewheeling half of the venerable Hip-hop group OutKast, shocked the world when he announced he was dropping an album on Nov. 17. We all celebrated because most of us have been clamoring for an Andre 3000 solo project for at least two decades.  Before details of the album were released, speculation […]
The post ‘New Blue Sun’: An Honest Review of the New Andre 3000 Album first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Andre 3000, the eccentric, freewheeling half of the venerable Hip-hop group OutKast, shocked the world when he announced he was dropping an album on Nov. 17. We all celebrated because most of us have been clamoring for an Andre 3000 solo project for at least two decades. 

Before details of the album were released, speculation about the shape, sound and substance of an Andre 3000 project in 2023, the year of our Lord, ran amuck. The record would have to feature his signature, thought-provoking rhymes that stick to your brain like dialogue from your favorite film or the nickname of a best friend.  

But when we learned that the “New Blue Sun” project would be centered on him playing the flute and not rhyming, many of us were disappointed and apprehensive. 

Do we really need a flute album from one of the greatest emcees to ever do it, a whole, entire project? His playing the instrument in Japan and at a Starbucks is enough.  

Going in, I had fears that “New Blue Sun” would be another case of a great rapper producing less-than-ideal results with an instrument they hadn’t mastered, like Lauryn Hill playing the acoustic guitar on her “MTV Unplugged” project. 

‘New Blue Sun’ is an Odyssey

When I finally mustered the courage to download “New Blue Sun” to my Apple Music library and pressed play, I did so, knowing I would need to imbibe this record and allow myself to be transported. 

That’s just what I did, and boy, it is an odyssey.

Listening to this project, with its unconventional track titles, is like trekking through a dense cloud of noise that, at various points, sounds unstructured, somewhat dissonant, rhythmic, meditative, searching and somber. 

The album’s eight tracks clock in at one hour and 28 minutes, making it a lengthy trip. 

The 13-minute composition, “BuyPoloDisorder’s Daughter Wears a 3000® Button Down Embroidered,” pops off with flourishes from Andre’s flute, backed by these dense, ominous sounds that, around the four-minute mark, give way to airy synths replete with shakers and flecks of light. 

Another favorite is “The Slang Word P(*)ssy Rolls Off the Tongue With Far Better Ease Than the Proper Word Vagina . Do You Agree?” As one of his more conventional-sounding compositions, it dreamily ambles along at its own pace, inviting you in.

Besides Andre’s flute, you hear woodwinds, electric piano, chimes and other sounds.

Experience ‘New Blue Sun’

But to be honest with you, I am still processing this record. I cannot tell you whether Andre 3000 has mastered this instrument. I also cannot determine whether it holds up to other ambient, New Age jazz records of today or from the past. Nor do I want to compare it to anything.  

What I will say is that if you allow yourself to experience “New Blue Sun,” it can serve as a worthy accompaniment to studying, doing chores or simply just being a lot like that lo-fi Hip-hop channel on YouTube that you like to stream.

Plus, the album feels like a healing yet welcome departure from the cacophony of our modern world, from the screens that hijack our lives to the local news and Citizen app reports of gun violence to all the racial and political dissension in Washington and our gentrified neighborhoods.

I messaged a friend about “New Blue Sun” and expressed my wish that it serve as a gateway drug to other flute-centric and New Age Jazz records by legendary Black artists like Alice Coane and Bobbi Humphrey.  

Ambient music deserves our presence. 

In “New Blue Sun,” Andre 3000 and friends concoct a world worth retreating to, where it’s just you, these sounds, your thoughts and the God you believe in.

Having good headphones helps, too. 

The post ‘New Blue Sun’: An Honest Review of the New Andre 3000 Album appeared first on Chicago Defender.

The post ‘New Blue Sun’: An Honest Review of the New Andre 3000 Album first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Chicago Defender Staff

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

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Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

 

 

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

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The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for connection, marking a significant step toward creating a more inclusive parenting community.

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org

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Election Night on The Yard at Howard University

Election Night on The Yard at Howard University

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