André Benjamin's Evolution: From OutKast to Flute Player

André Benjamin, better known as André 3000, said he sees a "completely different person" when he looks back at his early career, when he rose to fame in the 1990s as half of the best-selling hip-hop group OutKast.

"Like I'm 48 now," he said in an interview with CBS News. "I think like the older you get, you kind of get this skin or this...protective layer that's like...things kind of roll off or you better because you have a better understanding of the rollercoaster in a way."

That rollercoaster has included a pivot from hip-hop to a passion for playing the flute.

"I don't sit and try to rap every day like when I was younger, and that's all I did when I was younger," he said. "I miss those times a lot, but it's like: life changes, life moves on."

André 3000 now has a collection of some 30 woodwinds. And at record producer Rick Rubin's Shangri-La Studios in Malibu, he recorded his new instrumental album, "New Blue Sun," which was released in November.

André 3000, known for his rap roots, has surprised fans with a new album that deviates from his usual style. The album's first song, titled "I swear, I Really Wanted To Make A 'Rap' Album But This Is Literally The Way The Wind Blew Me This Time," sets the tone for the rest of the album.

Addressing the disappointment some fans may feel after waiting 17 years for a new album, André 3000 expressed understanding. He acknowledged that the album is not what fans are used to or expected.

While fans have been eagerly anticipating a rap album, André 3000 explained that he wants to create music that truly inspires him. He admitted to not being "on it" at the moment and expressed the need to find a new way to approach rap.

Despite the surprise shift in style, André 3000's impact on the hip-hop scene cannot be denied. As part of OutKast, he helped shape the southern hip-hop scene and the group became the biggest crossover rap group in history. Their 2003 album, "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below," even became the best-selling hip-hop album of all time in September.

As hip-hop celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, André 3000 declined all invitations to join in the festivities.

Flute Enthusiasm - André 3000

André 3000, known for his role in OutKast, has recently expressed his passion for the flute. Despite not being a trained musician, André finds himself drawn to the instrument's "humanness" and immediate sound.

"I've gotten so used to it. I kind of have a muscle memory of holding it. So when I don't have it, like I'm trying to find something to do with my hands when I end up putting them in my pockets, you know, but because I'm used to kind of like fiddling around," he said.

André admits that he doesn't even know what notes he's playing, but that every move feels new and rewarding. The shift from rap icon to flute enthusiast represents not only a change in musical style, but also the importance of doing things he enjoys.

"Of course, people are making judgments about you, which is only natural," he expressed. "While I believe that the audience is significant, I don't believe that pandering to them is important in any way."