André 3000 Honored with Honorary Doctorate at Berklee College of Music

In a celebrated event, the Berklee College of Music awarded André 3000 an Honorary Doctorate during its 2025 commencement ceremony held on May 10. This distinguished honor places him alongside legendary figures such as Duke Ellington, Missy Elliot, Quincy Jones, and Q-Tip.

Commencement Ceremony Highlights

The ceremony included an inspiring speech by André 3000, which has since been made available for viewing online. His address was marked by a sense of gratitude for the recognition and excitement for the future of the students present.

Reflections on Musical Knowledge

During his address, André candidly admitted to not being adept in technical aspects of music. He presented a relatable analogy: “If someone were to walk up to me right now, and say ‘André, I’ll give you two billion dollars if you can look at this keyboard and with only two seconds on the clock point to a key that would play the E-note,’ I would not be able to.” This humility resonated with the audience, emphasizing his unique approach to music creation.

Insights from a Music Veteran

André shared his journey of falling in love with music, focusing on his early experiences with drum machines and samplers. His narrative provided attendees with valuable insights into the artistic process, supported by his extensive experience in the music industry.

Wisdom for Aspiring Artists

A significant takeaway from André’s message was a focus on the importance of remaining authentic in one’s artistic endeavors. He stated, “People will talk about what you do, good and bad. You will feel good and bad. But none of it matters. Like once it’s recorded, once you’ve done what you have to do, that’s the work. Everything else is chatter and it does not matter, it doesn’t contribute to what you’re doing.” This reinforced the notion that external opinions should not deter one’s passion.

Maintaining Original Passion

As he concluded, André emphasized the need for artists to retain the feelings that inspired them to pursue music in the first place: “So always keep your original reason for doing music, that original feeling that you got when you were a kid when you heard the song in the first place, always keep that original feeling.”

André 3000’s speech serves as a timely reminder of the enthusiasm and sincerity that underpin true artistry, encouraging students and artists alike to remain steadfast in their creative visions as they navigate their musical journeys.