The latest release from MALI JO$E, El Niño is a product of community and intentional, thoughtful collaboration.
Across 13 tracks and split into two sides, the mixtape is layered with incredible features – Tasman Keith, SHADOW, xmunashe, IJALE, to name only a few of the talented many – that make the record a holistic and varied release.
El Niño is unmatched in its production, featuring the talents of not only MALI JO$E himself but also Percy Flint, OJC43, The Alchemist and so many more. Tracks including ‘operation highjump’ and ‘afreeswan’ 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 – both ‘Intro’ tracks are used as an opportunity to breathe, building scaffolding into the otherwise loose and atmospheric tracklist.
El Niño 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