MAVI has released his third studio album titled shadowbox, which dives deep into the emotions experienced during his formative years. Armed with a distinctive creative vision, the 24-year-old rapper likens the album's sound to a blend of powdered charcoal, glitter, and water, creating a juxtaposition of 'dark and murky' yet 'shiny and alluring' feelings.
In curating shadowbox, MAVI drew significant inspiration from The Black Experience in Design: Identity, Expression and Reflection, a collection that presents design practices and conversations through a Black lens. During the album's creation, MAVI found himself 'shadowboxing' with his inner conflicts. "It’s pretty-sounding, but the feelings conveyed aren’t pretty at all," he stated.
The visual aesthetic accompanying the album features intentional black-and-white imagery, effectively mirroring the complex themes explored throughout the project. MAVI articulates a newfound understanding of his past relationships and emotions conveyed on tracks like Drown the snake and drunk prayer, with lyrical themes connected to childhood experiences and personal demons.
A noteworthy influence on the album’s design is MAVI's time spent at museums, particularly the Centre Pompidou in Paris. He found inspiration from Impressionist artists such as Piet Mondrian and Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, along with contemporary photographers like Dawoud Bey and Gordon Parks, which helped him build a narrative that feels museum-like in both audacity and arrangement.
Another element critical to his creative approach has been the culinary concept of 'mis en place,' which MAVI relates directly to the sonic quality of his music. He emphasizes that enhancing the listening experience is a key focus of his artistic direction.
The release of shadowbox continues to showcase MAVI as a dynamic artist who masterfully intertwines personal experiences with visual art, resulting in a unique auditory experience. To stream the album, visit Hypebeast.
Key Tracks:
- Drown the snake
- Drunk prayer
- Tether
- Grindstone
For more information about MAVI and his latest work, check out this interview.