The latest release from MALI JO$E, El NiƱo is a product of community and intentional, thoughtful collaboration.
Across 13 tracks and split into two sides, the mixtape is layered with incredible featuresĀ āĀ Tasman Keith, SHADOW, xmunashe, IJALE, to name only a few of the talented many ā that make the record a holistic and varied release.
El NiƱo is unmatched in its production, featuring the talents of not only MALI JO$E himself but also Percy Flint, OJC43, The Alchemist and so many more. Tracks including āoperation highjumpā and āafreeswanā are textural experiences that weave together tender and clean cut samples with beautiful resonant instrumentals and smooth lyricism. The mixtape is in touch with its medium ā both āIntroā tracks are used as an opportunity to breathe, building scaffolding into the otherwise loose and atmospheric tracklist.
El NiƱo is inspired and courageous to say the very least, urging for creative and emotional freedom of expression as a path forward.
Words by Rhea Thomas