McKinley Dixon Announces 'Magic, Alive!' Album for June 6 Release

McKinley Dixon’s new album, Magic, Alive!, arrives on June 6 via City Slang. The project opens with lead single Sugar Water feat. Quelle Chris and Anjimile, a track that questions how much energy we invest in keeping memories alive. Inspired by a chance email from English producer Sam Yamaha, Dixon discovered a wealth of beats in London, then returned to Richmond, Virginia, in July 2024 to finalize recordings with longtime collaborators.

The album follows three kids grappling with the death of a close friend, searching for magical ways to reconnect and bend reality. This theme builds on Dixon’s reputation for vivid storytelling, seen in his breakout For My Mama and Anyone Who Look Like Her (2021) and Beloved! Paradise! Jazz!? (2023).

With the help of producers Sam Yamaha and Koff, Magic, Alive! merges rap, jazz, and soul influences into a reflective, surreal tapestry. As Dixon continues to explore literature, grief, and the Southern experience, listeners can expect one of his most ambitious, thought-provoking albums yet.