André 3000 Acknowledges Q-Tip’s Influence on His Early Rap Moniker and Musical Inspiration

In a recent conversation with Highsnobiety, André 3000 paid homage to Q-Tip for being the catalyst behind his initial rap alias, shedding light on the profound influence A Tribe Called Quest had on him and Big Boi during their formative years.

Reflecting on his journey, the revered OutKast luminary shared that he initially adopted the name “Jahz” in admiration of Q-Tip, before eventually transitioning to “Dré,” and eventually embracing the moniker André 3000.

“My first rap name was Jahz because of Q-Tip. We were huge A Tribe Called Quest fans. In high school, they were the pinnacle — them, Grand Puba, Souls of Mischief. I don’t think Q-Tip gets enough credit for introducing a generation of kids to a forgotten music.”

André 3000’s admiration for Tribe extended beyond their lyrical prowess; he was captivated by their innovative fusion of jazz elements into their groundbreaking soundscapes.

“As a kid, jazz music meant some old-people shit that’s in elevators. Q-Tip found a way to make it actually cool. The jazz guys were actually the rap guys of that time. They were doing heroin, they were in clubs.”

In contemplating the evolution of musical genres, André drew parallels between the reception of jazz in its prime and the contemporary embrace of trap music.

“Years from now, people are going to listen to trap music and think, ‘Oh, that’s nice.’ It happens. It happens.”

André 3000’s tribute to Q-Tip serves as a testament to the enduring impact of musical pioneers and their ability to shape the artistic landscape for generations to come.

Through his words, he not only celebrates the legacy of A Tribe Called Quest but also underscores the profound influence of mentors in shaping one’s artistic identity.