Denzel Curry, a powerhouse in alternative rap known for his raw energy and genre-defying versatility, owes much of his artistic evolution to the legendary André 3000 of OutKast fame. From musical inspiration to transformative personal advice, André’s influence has driven Curry’s ever-changing sound, notably shaping his 2015 breakout single “Ultimate” and his broader career trajectory. Drawing from interviews, articles, and Curry’s reflections, this connection highlights the profound impact of mentorship in hip-hop.
André 3000’s musical journey—from the Southern hip-hop roots of OutKast’s Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik (1994) to the experimental brilliance of Speakerboxxx/The Love Below (2003)—served as a roadmap for Curry’s sound evolution. Curry has openly admired André’s lyrical mastery, particularly his punchline-driven style. In an interview with Kerrang, Curry praised André, saying,
“He was the punchline king before Lil Wayne was even in the picture.
In 2014, Denzel Curry met André 3000, one of his musical idols from the groundbreaking duo OutKast. The emotional weight of this moment was immense—Curry later recalled,
“The first time I met him [in 2014], I went home and cried. I was like dawg, I just met one of my favorite rappers…”
During this encounter, André offered a simple yet transformative piece of advice:
“Don’t let the fans tie you down to shit, and don’t get bored.”
This resonated deeply with Curry, who later recalled,
“I didn’t think it was that simple, but ever since then, I changed my hair, started working out a lot, changed my whole name.”
For Curry, a young artist at the time, this guidance from a figure known for his genre-defying innovation struck a deep chord. André’s own career, marked by constant reinvention—most recently with his 2023 instrumental album ”New Blue Sun”, where he traded rap for ambient flute compositions—served as a living example of the philosophy he imparted.
André’s advice became a creative cornerstone for Curry, inspiring him to avoid stagnation and embrace evolution in his music. As Curry himself explained,
“That’s why all my albums kept changing. That’s why Melt doesn’t sound like KOTMS, that’s why Taboo doesn’t sound like Melt or Zuu. All that stuff was inspired by me meeting André that one time.”
Albums like Nostalgic 64 and Melt My Eyez See Your Future showcase his willingness to blend genres and push boundaries, mirroring André’s constant reinvention. Below is a breakdown of André’s key musical contributions to Curry’s artistry:
| Aspect | André 3000’s Contribution | Impact on Curry’s Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Lyrical Style | Punchlines and intricate wordplay | Shaped Curry’s sharp, dynamic lyrics |
| Album Evolution | Shift from Southern rap to eclectic sounds | Inspired Curry’s genre experimentation |
| Artistic Reinvention | Frequent style and sound changes | Fueled Curry’s ever-evolving approach |
Curry’s reverence for André places him alongside icons like MF Doom and Kanye West in shaping his musical identity, cementing André’s role as a foundational influence.
André’s encouragement to experiment bore fruit in Curry’s 2015 hit “Ultimate.” Speaking to Kerrang, Curry linked the track directly to André’s advice, noting how André’s emphasis on avoiding boredom and exploring new avenues inspired its creation.
André’s impact extends beyond a single track, permeating Curry’s discography and creative outlook. His philosophy of “ULT” (Ultimately Liberating Together, Unity Love Trust, Utilizing Limitless Talent), highlighted in Knoxville Mercury, reflects André’s guidance and has pushed Curry to explore comics, cartoons, and film alongside music. This holistic evolution underscores André’s role as both a musical and personal mentor.
In November 2024, nearly a decade after their initial meeting, Curry reunited with André 3000 at Blue Note Tokyo, where André was performing material from New Blue Sun. This event highlighted André’s own artistic evolution, having shifted from revolutionary rap to experimental instrumental music.
Determined to reconnect, Curry waited until he could speak with André again. When they did, André’s recognition of Curry—now a respected artist in his own right—marked a poignant “full-circle moment.” This encounter validated Curry’s journey, affirming that the philosophy of constant reinvention had borne fruit, elevating him from an awestruck fan to a peer acknowledged by his idol.
