Dear André 3000,
I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your recent album, “New Blue Sun.” The tracks to your album have been a source of inspiration, resonating deeply as I navigate my own journey of evolution.
As I close down my mental health private practice to delve into more macro-level mental health work, your album has been a companion, a soundtrack to my reflections on growth and change. Your implicit messaging about giving oneself the permission to evolve struck a chord, echoing in my mind as a powerful affirmation.
Listening to your genius, playing instruments, it dawned on me that evolution is not only a natural process but a courageous one. Your ability to embrace the unknown, to redefine your narrative beyond societal expectations, has been a beacon of bravery for me.
As a mental health clinician, I’ve often felt confined by the label society has placed on me. Your music, however, has been a reminder that we are not limited to one role or identity. We are intersectional human beings capable of growth, change, and evolution.
Your courage in exploring new avenues despite the pressures to conform to familiar roles has been an encouragement for me to pursue my own path beyond being just a therapist. Your music has been my soundtrack as I continue gathering the courage to brave the unknown, to redefine my narrative, and to evolve.
In a world that often insists we stay within predefined boxes, your example has been a breath of fresh air. Your willingness to challenge expectations, even when faced with opinions suggesting you’re “better off” sticking to a familiar path as a rapper, has inspired me to do the same.
So, André Lauren Benjamin, “Thank you.” Thank you for being a guiding light in the exploration of self, for showing that evolution is not just a choice but a necessity for a fulfilling and authentic life. May your journey continue to inspire not only artists but anyone seeking the courage to redefine their narrative and evolve. May I too bear witness to the miracle of my own evolution and liberation.
With gratitude,
Can
