André 3000 has surprise-released a new instrumental project titled 7 Piano Sketches. The collection features seven piano-centered tracks, with spoken intros by André himself, Emmy Paalman, or Fatima Robinson announcing the titles. The album includes subtle vocal effects and samples, such as a laugh track in the song “Off Rhythm Laughter.”
In a press release, André revealed the project’s original title was The Best Worst Rap Album in History, explaining, “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.”
The music began taking shape nearly a decade ago while André stayed in a minimally furnished house in Texas with his son—equipped only with a piano, two beds, and a few TV screens. Inspired by those recordings and the spirit of spring, André decided to expand and release the project now. 
The release was timed to coincide with his 2025 Met Gala appearance, where he wore a bespoke piano outfit by Burberry, in collaboration with Benji Bixby and styled by Law Roach. The attire echoed the cover art of 7 Piano Sketches.
This marks André 3000’s first new music since his 2023 flute-focused debut solo album New Blue Sun, which earned three Grammy nominations including Album of the Year. A 2024 short film titled Moving Day, directed by Dexter Navy, documented the making of New Blue Sun and featured a previously unreleased track.
