MCKINLEY DIXON Schallplatten & CDs

Review: When English producer Sam Yamaha emailed Dixon, crediting his early beats as inspiration, Magic, Alive! began. Intrigued by the mail, Dixon met Yamaha in London and unearthed a trove of beats that fit his evolving vision. Then, back in Richmond, Virginia, in mid-2024, Dixon built this resulting album from those sounds after teaming with past collaborator Koff and a vibrant crew including the likes of Anjimile, Pink Siifu, Reggie Pace, Eli Owens and more. Together, they sculpted a dreamlike world of hooks, horns and flowing interludes. Following the emotional depth of For My Mama... and Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!?, Magic, Alive! is a fine sonic reinvention that's playful, surreal and defiantly alive.