Jazz Pianist Matthew Shipp Slams André 3000’s Piano EP as “Complete and Utter Crap”

Jazz pianist Matthew Shipp harshly criticizes André 3000’s improvisational piano EP, calling it “complete and utter crap” in a scathing review.

Matthew Shipp’s Brutal Take on André 3000’s New Piano EP

André 3000 at the Met Gala carrying a giant piano on his back.

Jazz pianist and composer Matthew Shipp did not hold back in his reaction to André 3000’s surprise piano EP titled 7 Piano Sketches. The former OutKast member dropped this improvisational piano project on May 5, following up on his 2023 avant-garde flute album New Blue Sun.

Shipp, known for his collaborations with jazz legends like David S. Ware and William Parker, took to Facebook to share his unfiltered opinion, calling the EP “complete and utter crap.” He described the work as "horrific, god-awful insipidly wretched nothing," questioning André’s credentials as a pianist.

What’s Behind the ‘7 Piano Sketches’ EP?

André 3000 revealed that the EP consists of a series of piano improvisations mostly recorded at home in Texas. He emphasized that these pieces were originally personal recordings, not intended for public release.

“These piano pieces weren’t recorded with the intention of presenting them in any formal way to the public,” André explained. “They were personal, at home recordings. I would sometimes text them to my family and friends.”

The EP arrived fresh off André’s Met Gala appearance, where he made waves walking around strapped with a massive piano on his back — a visual echo of the album’s raw and unpolished spirit.

Check out one of the EP’s tracks below:

Matthew Shipp’s Harsh Criticism in Full

In his detailed Facebook critique, Shipp expressed utter disbelief and disappointment:

“So a friend called me up and mentioned that Andre 3000 has a piano album out. I was like what. I checked it out on YouTube – my impression of it. I think it is complete and utter crap – horrific, god-awful insipidly wretched nothing.”

He went on, lambasting the piano sound and André’s technique:

“Oh my [expletive] god this is some atrocious shite – is he some type of [expletive] asshole? Is he a complete and utter dilettante? I could go into detail about why each cut is stillborn – but why bother – it does not even deserve the attention of a critique it is so dreadful. The guy is not a pianist – that is the beginning and the end of it – what an ugly piano sound.”

Here’s a screenshot of Shipp’s original Facebook post:

Shipp Further Digs In: "Pure Fraud" and Disrespect

Shipp didn’t stop with technique alone — he attacked the artistic integrity of the album, claiming André 3000 showed disrespect for the craft of piano playing:

“This sounds to me like pure fraud – what a lack of respect for the discipline by someone who in my opinion is a complete asshole for doing this – it is depressing that this garbage will get any attention because he has a name and fame – there is nothing refreshing about the naivety of it – it is just downright dreadful and awful – true [expletive] crap – insipidly wretched nothing.”

André 3000’s Explanation Behind the EP

In announcing 7 Piano Sketches, André disclosed that the recordings were made nearly a decade before his flute album New Blue Sun. Initially, the project was humorously titled The Best Worst Rap Album In History — a name reflecting its unconventional nature:

“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.”

This instrumental project captures a deeply personal and experimental phase for André, far removed from his rap roots.

Why André 3000 Stepped Away from Rapping

In 2023, André shared with GQ that he “aged out of raps,” explaining his shift away from traditional rap music:

“Sometimes it feels inauthentic for me to rap because I don’t have anything to talk about in that way. I’m 48 years old. And not to say that age is a thing that dictates what you rap about, but in a way it does.
And things that happen in my life, like, what are you talking about? ‘I got to go get a colonoscopy.’ What are you rapping about? ‘My eyesight is going bad.’ You can find cool ways to say it, but….”

This candid reflection reveals the evolving nature of André 3000’s artistry and personal expression.

No New OutKast Music on the Horizon

Adding to the news, André 3000 recently stated that OutKast is “further away” from new music than ever before, leaving fans to wonder about the future of the iconic duo.

What do you think about the clash between Matthew Shipp’s jazz expertise and André 3000’s experimental piano venture? Can art be critiqued so harshly when coming from such personal expression?

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is André 3000’s new EP about?
  7 Piano Sketches is an improvisational piano album consisting of personal recordings made mostly at home, reflecting André’s experimental side.
• Why did Matthew Shipp criticize the EP so heavily?
  Shipp believes André lacks the skill and respect required for piano playing, calling the album amateurish and poorly executed.
• When were the piano sketches recorded?
  Most tracks were recorded almost a decade before André’s 2023 album New Blue Sun.
• Has André 3000 retired from rapping?
  He hasn’t officially retired but has expressed feeling “aged out” of rapping due to changes in his life and perspective.
• Is there new OutKast music coming soon?
  André 3000 recently said new OutKast music is “further away” than ever, suggesting no immediate plans for a reunion album.

Ready to add some iconic album art to your space? Shop your favorite album cover posters at our store for a splash of music history! Visit Architeg Prints now.