André 3000 Honored with Honorary Doctorate and Delivers Inspiring Commencement Speech at Berklee College of Music’s 2025 Ceremony

Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah
By
André 3000 Honored with Honorary Doctorate and Delivers Inspiring Commencement Speech at Berklee College of Music’s 2025 Ceremony
André Benjamin
Written By : Ekow Adjei Mensah



On May 10, 2025, André Benjamin, widely known as André 3000, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree by Berklee College of Music during its commencement ceremony at Boston University’s Agganis Arena. This prestigious recognition celebrated his transformative contributions to music and culture, both as a solo artiste and as one-half of the iconic hip-hop duo Outkast. 

The honor coincided with a milestone year for André, as he was also announced as a 2025 inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Outkast partner Antwan “Big Boi” Patton. His innovative work, including the groundbreaking 2023 solo album NEW BLUE SUN, which became the first instrumental album to chart on the Billboard 200, underscored his lasting impact on the global music landscape.

During the commencement ceremony, André 3000 addressed over 1,500 graduates from 75 countries, sharing reflections on his musical journey and creative evolution. He spoke nostalgically about his childhood influences, recalling how hearing Joe Jackson’s STEPPIN’ OUT inspired a sense of stepping into the future. 

His speech encouraged the graduating class to embrace their unique artistic paths, emphasizing resilience and authenticity in the face of creative challenges. The ceremony, attended by students, faculty, and families, was part of a weekend celebration that began on May 9 with a tribute concert featuring over 200 student performers honoring André and fellow honoree Sara Bareilles, who also received an honorary doctorate.

The conferral of this honorary doctorate places André 3000 among an elite group of past Berklee honorees, including Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, and Missy Elliott, reflecting his profound influence as an artiste and innovator. His recent projects, such as the flute-driven NEW BLUE SUN and the 7 PIANO SKECHES EP, demonstrate his fearless approach to pushing musical boundaries, inspiring the next generation of artistes.

Posts captured the excitement, with users like sharing their experience listening to his commencement speech, highlighting its emotional resonance. As André continues to redefine artistry, his presence at Berklee’s 2025 commencement served as a powerful reminder to graduates to follow their creative instincts, wherever they may lead.

Comments

MORE FROM
music

More From 3Music News

Halle Bailey Unveils Raw New Single BRAVEFACE With Powerful Visuals
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 20th, 2025

Halle Bailey Unveils Raw New Single BRAVEFACE With Powerful Visuals

American singer and actress Halle Bailey has surprised fans with the release of her latest single BRAVEFACE, accompanied by an emotionally charged music video

Billboard Names Stevie Wonder the Greatest R&B Artiste of All Time
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 20th, 2025

Billboard Names Stevie Wonder the Greatest R&B Artiste of All Time

Music icon Stevie Wonder has officially been named the #1 Greatest R&B Artiste of All Time by Billboard’s editorial staff, topping a new list that celebrates the most influential voices and visionaries in R&B history

Beyoncé Surprises Paris Crowd with Star-Studded Miley Cyrus Duet
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 20th, 2025

Beyoncé Surprises Paris Crowd with Star-Studded Miley Cyrus Duet

In a dazzling twist at her Cowboy Carter tour stop in Paris, Beyoncé shocked fans by inviting Miley Cyrus onstage at Stade de France to perform their Grammy-winning country-pop single II MOST WANTED live for the very first time

Lali x Lola Turn Up the Heat with New Single FIRE FIRE Ahead of FIRE & FLOW Concert
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 20th, 2025

Lali x Lola Turn Up the Heat with New Single FIRE FIRE Ahead of FIRE & FLOW Concert

The heatwave isn’t just about the weather; Lali x Lola are officially igniting the summer with the release of their explosive new single FIRE FIRE, produced by the legendary Mix Master Garzy.

Fat Joe Sued for $20 Million by Former Hype Man Over Alleged Exploitation and Abuse
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 20th, 2025

Fat Joe Sued for $20 Million by Former Hype Man Over Alleged Exploitation and Abuse

The long-standing professional relationship between rapper Fat Joe and his former hype man, Terrance “T.A.” Dixon, has taken a dramatic turn, as Dixon has filed a $20 million lawsuit against the Bronx-born artiste

Tribal and Geographic Barriers Hinder Volta Artistes’ Recognition
music | entertainment | BY Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah | June 19th, 2025

Tribal and Geographic Barriers Hinder Volta Artistes’ Recognition

On 3Music TV’s Culture Daily, industry experts Selecta, Flexel, and Disc Master Bone delved into the persistent tribal and geographic biases that stifle the mainstream success of Volta region artistes, shedding light on a systemic issue within Ghana’s music industry.

Experts Reveal that Volta Artistes Struggle with Investment and Brand Support
music | entertainment | BY Jephthah Nana Adjei Osei - Mensah | June 19th, 2025

Experts Reveal that Volta Artistes Struggle with Investment and Brand Support

The music scene in Ghana’s Volta region, while burgeoning with talent, faces significant hurdles in securing investment and brand support, as revealed by industry stakeholders Selecta, Flexel, and Disc Master Bone during a dynamic panel discussion on 3Music TV’s Culture Daily.

Cardi B Debuts New Single OUTSIDE Live at Spotify Beach During Cannes Lions 2025
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 19th, 2025

Cardi B Debuts New Single OUTSIDE Live at Spotify Beach During Cannes Lions 2025

Global rap powerhouse Cardi B gave fans a taste of her new music this week, unveiling her upcoming single OUTSIDE live at Spotify Beach during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity

Adekunle Gold Launches 5 STAR CARE on World Sickle Cell Day, Donates Free Health Insurance to 1,000 Patients
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 19th, 2025

Adekunle Gold Launches 5 STAR CARE on World Sickle Cell Day, Donates Free Health Insurance to 1,000 Patients

In a powerful act of compassion and advocacy, award-winning Nigerian artiste Adekunle Gold has launched a new initiative called 5 STAR CARE, aimed at supporting individuals living with sickle cell disease

Burna Boy Announces No Sign of Weakness World Tour Ahead of Album Release
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 19th, 2025

Burna Boy Announces No Sign of Weakness World Tour Ahead of Album Release

Global Afrobeats icon Burna Boy has officially unveiled the world tour for his upcoming album No Sign of Weakness, which is set for release on July 11th, 2025

Tems To Headline First-Ever FIFA Club World Cup Halftime Show Alongside Doja Cat and J Balvin
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | sports | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 19th, 2025

Tems To Headline First-Ever FIFA Club World Cup Halftime Show Alongside Doja Cat and J Balvin

Award-winning Nigerian singer Tems has been officially announced as one of the headline performers for the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup Halftime Show, taking place this July at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, USA

End of an Era: Garage Ghana to Close Its Doors After 5.5 Years of Iconic Nightlife
music | entertainment | fashion & lifestyle | culture | BY Aimee Cherry Quartey | June 19th, 2025

End of an Era: Garage Ghana to Close Its Doors After 5.5 Years of Iconic Nightlife

One of Accra’s most beloved nightlife destinations, Garage Ghana, has announced it will be shutting down for good on Sunday, June 29th, 2025, marking the end of a vibrant 5.5-year journey that helped shape the city’s after-dark culture

More Similar Videos

No similar videos to show related to this post. Explore other sections.