Andre 3000 Carries Piano on His Back at 2025 Met Gala & Drops New Piano Album at the Same Time
His Met Gala look mimics the cover art for the surprise album.
André 3000 made a sensational return to the Met Gala on May 5, 2025, by ascending the Metropolitan Museum of Art steps with a full-sized piano strapped to his back. This striking visual was more than a fashion statement—it heralded the surprise release of his new instrumental EP, 7 Piano Sketches, marking his first new music since 2023’s Grammy-nominated New Blue Sun
A Harmonious Fusion of Fashion and Music
The 2025 Met Gala, themed "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," celebrated 300 years of Black fashion and dandyism. André 3000's ensemble—a custom midnight navy jumpsuit designed by Burberry's Daniel Lee in collaboration with his own revived fashion label, Benji Bixby—perfectly embodied the theme. Styled by Law Roach, the outfit featured a bright red beret and a literal grand piano affixed to his back, creating a living embodiment of the EP's cover art.
7 Piano Sketches: An Intimate Musical Journey
7 Piano Sketches is a collection of seven improvisational piano pieces, most of which André recorded over a decade ago on his iPhone or laptop. The tracks, bearing whimsical titles like “Bluffing in the Snow” and “Off Rhythm Laughter,” showcase André's spontaneous approach to music-making. He describes the process as spreading his fingers on the keys and moving them until something "feels good or interesting," without concern for specific chords or notes.
Originally, André considered naming the project The Best Worst Rap Album in History due to its complete absence of lyrics. He explained that the EP represents a form of emotional liberation and serves as a creative reset, stating, "It’s the best because it’s the free-est emotionally and best I’ve felt personally."
A Continuation of Artistic Evolution
This EP follows André's 2023 album New Blue Sun, an 87-minute instrumental exploration centered around the flute, which earned him three Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year. 7 Piano Sketches continues this trajectory, delving deeper into ambient and experimental sounds, further distancing André from his rap origins.
A Multifaceted Creative Force
Beyond music, André's Met Gala appearance also signaled the relaunch of his fashion label, Benji Bixby. The brand, originally known as Benjamin Bixby, has been reimagined to blend André's unique style with classic tailoring, as evidenced by his Met Gala attire.
With 7 Piano Sketches, André 3000 continues to defy expectations, merging fashion and music in a way that challenges conventional norms and showcases his boundless creativity.
André 3000's Met Gala Appearance and Surprise EP Release
