Yesterday, Andre 3000 presented a masterclass on releasing a new album.

There was buzz on the internet after he posted on social media that he had a missing blue notebook, which led people to wonder if a new album, specifically a new rap album from 3000 was on the way.

Last night, we found out that a new album was on the way, and in fact, it was released yesterday (most new albums are released on Fridays and announced in advance). The album was not a rap album. Instead, it was a seven-track, sixteen-minute album of Andre playing the piano. I read that the album was composed of songs he played in his house with no intention of ever releasing them to the world.

The album’s title is 7 piano sketches, and it has a drawing of a man with a piano strapped to his back on the cover.

Remember that cover image…

As if a surprise new album drop wasn’t enough, Andre showed up to the Met Gala with a piano strapped to his back, dressed as the illustration on his album cover. If you weren’t aware of his new album before he appeared on the red carpet, you certainly would be once the media began making the connections.

What I loved about this was:

First, a new creative experiment by Andre 3000. I loved his last flute album—the vinyl is in heavy rotation in my office while I work.

Second, Andre showed us not to be afraid to share creative efforts with the world, even if the original intention was to keep the work for our Self.

Third, the coordinated effort was beautiful: dropping a record on a Monday that no one knew about and was slightly teased the week before, making that album a brand new genre, and including a red carpet appearance in the announcement.

Finally, Andre encouraged us to be bold, do things our way, and not worry about what the world thinks.

On a personal note, I'm working on my own little coordinated effort, and seeing Andre 3000 pull this off excites me to try what I have planned. It is also a sign that I'm supposed to do it—this will make more sense in a couple of weeks.

Not only a masterclass on releasing an album, but a masterclass on living an authentic life.

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See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,

JC