King of Diamonds

Growing up in the South as a teenager, Andre 3000 showed me that being different could also be cool—something that wasn’t always embraced in the ‘90s. At a time when individuality often made you an outcast, he stood out unapologetically, redefining what it meant to be an artist, a rapper, and a cultural icon. His bold fashion, abstract lyrics, and fearless creativity made him feel like the cool older cousin I never had—someone who gave me permission to embrace my own uniqueness. Even now, as he steps away from hip-hop to play the flute, he continues to walk his own path, unconcerned with expectations. That’s something I admire deeply and strive to do in my own art—carving out a lane that’s true to me, no matter what anyone else thinks.