André 3000 Says He's Lost Confidence to Create New Music

André 3000 fans will have to continue to wait for new music.

Speaking with Rick Rubin for the “Broken Record” podcast, the Outkast legend revealed that he is not working on a new album because he’s been at a loss creatively.

“I haven’t been making much music, man,” said the 44-year-old rapper. “My focus is not there, my confidence is not there.”

While he “tinkers” in the studio, he hasn’t found the inspiration. “I haven’t been motivated to do a serious project,” he added. “I’d like to, but it’s just not coming. In my own self, I’m tryna figure out where do I sit. I don’t even know what I am and maybe I’m nothing. Maybe I’m not supposed to be anything.”

If and when he decides to release new music, he may forgo rap in favor of something else. “I’m just trying to find out what makes me feel the best right now, and what makes me feel the best is when I just do these random kind of instrumental kind of things. They make me feel the most rebellious.”

The criticism has also affected his creative process. “Any little thing I put out is instantly attacked, not in a good or bad way. People nitpick it with fine-tooth combs. ‘Oh, he said that word!’ And that’s not a great place to create from. And it makes you draw back and maybe I don’t have the confidence that I want or the space to experiment like I used to.”

While he hasn’t released a full-length album since Outkast’s 2006 soundtrack to Idlewild, he did collaborate with James Blake on “Where’s the Catch?” earlier this year. Last year, he released two songs, “Me&My (To Bury Your Parents)” and the 17-minute instrumental “Look Ma No Hands,” in honor of Mother’s Day.