By Chris Richburg
Despite having a string of hit songs and multi-platinum albums under his belt, John Legend was happy to work with Outkast’s Andre 3000 for his forthcoming album Evolver.
The pair collaborated on Evolver's first single, "Green Light." According to Legend, the experience proved to be a dream come true.
"I am a true Andre fan and he doesn't rap much any more so I was really happy that he wanted to do this," Legend said. "I knew he wouldn't have chosen to be on the song if it wasn't hot."
"Green Light" isn’t the only high profile collaboration Legend has lined up for Evolver, which he hopes will add to the 5 million records he has already sold during his career.
Guests include Pharell Williams, who wrote the song "It's Over" featuring Kanye West and reggae star Buju Banton, who turns up on the bonus track "Can't Be My Lover."
"Buju brings the dance hall authenticity to this song," Legend said about the track, which finds the crooner resisting a relentless seductress. "No one sounds like him."
Evolver is the follow up to Legend’s 2006 effort Once Again.
For his new album, Legend explores various issues which include taking a platonic relationship to the next level, the emotional complexities of relationships, persuading an overnight guest to stay to watch the sun rise and pledging to abandon the playboy lifestyle.
In addition, Evolver will feature "If You're Out There," a song the singer debuted during his performance at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in support of Barack Obama.
"The song is a rallying cry and when I was writing it I knew I didn't want to temper it with cynicism," Legend revealed. "I wanted to be unabashedly hopeful: ‘Let's go all the way.’"
John Legend’s Evolver is slated to hit stores on Oct. 28.