If It's Too Loud...

2025 seemed to be a year that hip hop stepped up, and multiple albums were released that moved the genre forward in unique ways. My personal favorite hip hop album of the year is McKinley Dixon's Magic, Alive! There's nothing out there today that sounds anything like this album. It's a mix of hip hop and jazz, with elements of noise rock, choral groups, and maybe a dozen other styles. Hip hop this experimental and creative doesn't usually have mainstream appeal, but I truly think most hip hop fans could fine something to like about Magic, Alive! if it reached them. The songs swing from laid back and chill to more intense bangers, and sometimes are both at the same time. It's like a modern equilvelent of artists like Gang Starr or A Tribe Called Quest. Plus, the album features appearances from Anjimile, Quelle Chris, Ghais Guevera, and more. McKinley Dixon gave us one of those albums that keeps blowing minds more with each and every listen, and gets better every time...

Photo by Dennis Larance We've been going pretty nuts about the singles for McKinley Dixon's upcoming album due out tomorrow (June 6). We didn't think we could get more excited for it, and then Dixon went out and released the title track, and we're completely blown away. "Magic, Alive!" is one of the most exciting tracks of the year. It's a pure hip hop track, but it doesn't sound like any hip hop song I've heard before. It's a high energy song based in jazz, but with an attitude more like indie rock and punk. "Magic, Alive!" shows Dixon moving the genre forward, whether or not the mainstream wants it to. This is a giant hip hop track, and I can almost guarantee that even those that refuse to enjoy hip hop are going to like this one. Buckle up, because you're about to hear a strong song of the year contender from an album of the year favorite. McKinley Dixon says of his latest single and video: "‘Magic, Alive!’ is me telling t...

Photo by Dennis Larance McKinley Dixon is one of the most creative rappers out there today. The Richmond-born, Chicago-based MC has released "Recitatif," which is a song that flows through multiple styles throughout its four minute length. It starts off more chill and almost orchestral, and then evolves into a more intense hip hop track that sounds kind of space age-esque. From there it becomes almost a horror rock song to close out. The song doesn't sound like anyone else in modern hip hop, and each section sounds and feels completely unique while flowing together as a cohesive artwork. Dixon is an artist that simply must be heard. McKinley Dixon says of his new single: “‘Recitatif’ is a song in three parts! The story is told through a dream sequence, a boy woken up by his destination, and a feeling personified. One of my favorite songs from the album, and a pivotal moment in the sequencing of the record.” You can watch the video for "Recitatif" below. Magic, A...

Photo by Dennis Larance The connection between punk and rap is evident in the latest single from McKinley Dixon. "Sugar Water" is a two minute burst of hip hop that is a huge and emotional journey for the listener. The track bursts right out of the gate and changes up its sound a few times without losing a step. It includes a chorus that is more gospel choir than R&B, along with some of the coolest hand claps in music. "Sugar Water" is the kind of track that will unite old school hip hop fans along with modern ones, with each side being able to claim an equal stake in the song. And if the song couldn't possibly get better, it also features Quelle Chris and Anjimile. McKinley Dixon says of his new single: "'Sugar Water' is a discussion on how to make fleeting moments last forever, and how to carry those not here with you through time and space. It raises the question 'what’s the price to pay for an eternal life lived through others memories?’...