Chicago-based rapper McKinley Dixon unveils ‘Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?’ (ft Ms Jaylin Brown)‘, the title track from his upcoming debut album set for release on 2nd June via City Slang Records. The track follows the single ‘Run Run Run‘ which is still on the BBC Radio6 Music playlist. ‘Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?’ begins with a full choir hymning the title before McKinley kicks off the track spitting, “keep my braids, braids for the summer. I’m less likely to falter.” Jaylin Brown is simply singing an excerpt from Toni Morrison’s bibliography thus the three words ‘Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?’ but there is nothing simple about the delivery with its gorgeous syrupy silky vocal. Dixon calls Morrison “The greatest rapper of all time” and is a huge inspiration to his creativity. This track is more gently paced than other releases by Dixon. His rap vocal here almost tips into being sung at times but perhaps that is completely appropriate for this track- Full of passion and emotion. The saxophone solo is simply soaring and divine.
McKinley Dixon shares the following ahead of the album ‘s release:
“I’m aiming for making my stories accessible, while also still keeping it to the heart of what I love.”
There are plenty of opportunities to see McKinley Dixon live over the next few months as he celebrates the release of his new album Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? on 2nd June via City Slang Records.
McKinley Dixon Live Dates
May 11th | Brighton, UK – The Great Escape @ One Church [8pm]
May 12th | Brighton, UK – The Great Escape @ Republic of Music Party [1.45pm]
May 13th | 2023 Brighton, UK – The Great Escape @ Patterns Up (City Slang Showcase) [1.15pm]
June 7th | London, UK – Rough Trade East (In-store)
June 12th | Paris, FR – Le Hasard Ludique
June 15th | Berlin, DE – HHV (In-store)
June 16th | Berlin, DE – CS33 Anniversary Festival // Festsaal Kreuzberg
Sept 9th | Chicago, IL – Schubas
Sept 13th | Brooklyn, NY – Baby’s All Right
Sept 15th | Richmond, VA – Gallery 5
Nov 9th | London, UK – Pitchfork Festival @ EartH Hall
For more information on McKinley Dixon please check out his facebook and twitter.