Andre 3000 thanks Drake for leaking Kanye West’s “Life of the party”

Andre 3000 has shared his thoughts on the unexpected release of his collaboration with Kanye West, “Life of the Party,” expressing gratitude toward Drake for ensuring the heartfelt track reached fans. In an interview with The New York Times’ Popcast, the iconic Outkast rapper discussed the emotional process behind the song, its connection to Kanye’s Donda album, and the controversial leak that introduced it to the public.

A Deep Connection to Kanye West’s “Donda”

Andre 3000’s involvement in “Life of the Party” stemmed from a shared experience of loss with Kanye West. The Donda album, named after Kanye’s late mother, struck a chord with Andre, who had also lost his own mother.

“Kanye wanted me to hear the album because he knew I’d understand the subject matter,” Andre explained. “He played me the whole Donda album and asked for my thoughts on the songs.” Kanye later invited him to contribute, asking if there was a track that resonated with him.

Andre gravitated toward “Life of the Party”, crafting a verse that delves into themes of grief, love, and memory. However, creative differences emerged when Kanye requested that Andre rewrite the verse to remove explicit language. Andre preferred to keep his original take, even if it meant being left off the track.

Drake’s Role in the Song’s Release

Before its official release, “Life of the Party” became a flashpoint in the ongoing feud between Kanye West and Drake. In the heat of their rivalry, Drake leaked the song on his radio show, unexpectedly giving fans a first listen to Andre’s emotional verse.

Reflecting on the incident, Andre expressed mixed emotions but acknowledged the silver lining. “Finally, Drake puts it out. So, I kinda have to thank Drake for letting that song see the light of day,” he said.

He also addressed misconceptions about the track, clarifying that he had been aware of Kanye’s decision to include a diss verse aimed at Drake. “I told Kanye, ‘Do you really want to do this on a song like this? It’s like going and shooting up your mom’s funeral.’” Despite Andre’s concerns, Kanye proceeded with the verse, underscoring the tension between the two artists at the time.

The Legacy of “Life of the Party”

Despite the drama surrounding its release, “Life of the Party” eventually found its place on the deluxe edition of Donda. For Andre 3000, the track remains one of his most personal and introspective pieces.

The song has been widely praised for its emotional depth, with Andre’s verse highlighting his ability to channel profound feelings into his lyrics. Reflecting on the journey, Andre remarked, “It’s a piece of art that I’m proud of, and I’m glad people got to hear it—even if it happened in an unexpected way.”

As part of Donda’s legacy, “Life of the Party” continues to resonate with fans, offering a powerful reflection on loss and healing.

A Song That Bridges Emotion and Controversy

“Life of the Party” stands as a poignant reminder of music’s ability to connect people through shared experiences. While its release was marred by controversy, the track transcended the feud between Kanye West and Drake, leaving a lasting impact on listeners.

For Andre 3000, the song represents more than just a collaboration—it’s a testament to artistic authenticity and emotional expression. “At its core, the song isn’t about Kanye, Drake, or me—it’s about something deeper: grief, love, and the bonds that keep us going,” he concluded.

Through its unexpected journey to the public, “Life of the Party” has solidified its place as a timeless and meaningful piece of music.