André 3000 on his influence on music: “Every artist is a catalyst artist”
nme.comAndré 3000 has shared what he thinks about his musical legacy, and the artists that inspired his latest release.Earlier this week, the music innovator went on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to talk about his latest album ‘New Blue Sun‘ – a record of flute instrumental music – and upcoming tour.
The host asked 3000 what he meant when he called himself “a catalyst artist.”The host was referring to the rapper’s interview last year with NPR, where he said: “I’ve noticed that I’m a catalyst kind of artist… I’m being used in ways to be watched, to be inspiring to people.
And to me, that’s the best thing ever, man; to inspire someone else to do something else.”3000 replied to Colbert: “Every artist is a catalyst artist, but – we [him and Big Boi as OutKast] started this when we were 17 – I’ve lived long enough to see it [his artistry] affect other artists.
And it’s like, ‘Woah!’. You’re happy that you meant something.”When asked about who influenced him, 3000 cited jazz innovators George Clinton, Sly Stone, Jimi Hendrix, John Coltrane and Eric Dolphy as well as Southern hip-hop juggernauts Underground Kingz, 8-ball & MJG, Odd Squad, and electronic group Kraftwerk.Last November, the Atlanta heavyweight released his debut solo album, ‘New Blue Sun’.
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