Andre 3000 Debuts Album, Straps Piano at 2025 Met Gala

André 3000 made a striking return to the 2025 Met Gala after 17 years, debuting a memorable look featuring a navy jumpsuit, red hat, and a baby grand piano strapped to his back, which echoed the cover art of his newly released instrumental album, '7 Piano Sketches.' The ensemble, designed by Burberry and benji bixby, was both a fashion statement and clever album promotion, as he announced the release of the album just before walking the red carpet. The project consists of seven improvisational piano tracks, most of which were personal, home recordings, with one studio piece, and were originally intended solely for friends and family. André described the album as emotionally freeing and playfully dubbed it 'The Best Worst Rap Album in History' due to its lack of lyrics. His appearance and album announcement were widely discussed online, with fans interpreting the piano-on-his-back as a metaphor for carrying the music industry and culture. This new piano album follows his 2023 flute project, 'New Blue Sun,' and comes ahead of his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with Outkast bandmate Big Boi.