Mustafa Shakir Shares His Groundbreaking Album, “A Harlem Boi Biopic”
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
Cinematic & Musical sensation, Mustafa Shakir, may have the album of the year. Known for his strong delivery, witty lyrics, & unmatched energy, he has been a pioneer within the music & film industry. He’s not here for the show or the gimmicks. Mustafa Shakir is here to flex his skill and use his bravado to build demand around his music. Although that seems like an easy feat, it has become harder & harder to make it in the music industry. Every day we see blogs, record labels, and listeners applaud and salivate over artists that chase virality. The new generation craze over Tik-Toks and mediocre hits, and then question why music is falling off. However, in that time of questioning, they don’t realize they have the REAL artists right in front of them. That is where Mustafa Shakir enters the chat. The rapper’s consistency and eye for detail has made him one of the most polarizing artists out at the moment. Now, he enters our pages with his new album “A Harlem Boi Biopic”.
The 16-track album is a cohesive body of work that showcases the refined skills of one of the best rappers & talents in the industry. “A Harlem Boi Biopic” wasn’t built in one day. The album is a colossal follow-up for his previous album "Masterpeace Theater”, and this one is a chef’s kiss. On his latest album, Shakir transports listeners back to the vibrant summers of 90s Harlem in his latest cinematic masterpiece. He delves into the raw tales of his tumultuous youth, captivating self-reflection, and the complexities of mental health within the Black community. All of this is expertly woven together over a backdrop of the new-era Boom Bap production skillfully crafted by Goldfingz with features by 4-time Grammy Winner India Arie & D1. Unlike many artists, he wasn’t chasing perfection. Shakir was only interested in telling his truth.
Over the album’s duration, Shakir is prolific with his delivery, and his innate ability to draw you in with his sensible songwriting will have you captivated once you press play. He’s raw, in your face, and he makes sure that you feel his presence. Although there are no skips, my personal favorite has to be "His Eyes" featuring 4-time Grammy Winner India Arie. The record was produced by Goldfingz, and it was the most complete song in my opinion. You can feel the raw emotion within India’s vocals, and Shakir’s vocals are exceptional. His vocal tone and cadence will have you yearning for more. Sonically, I loved the buildup and percussion on the record. In addition, the sonic arrangement kept the song interesting.
“A Harlem Boi Biopic” is a true testament to Mustafa Shakir’s artistic talent. This man can act & rap. He has made an entire life for himself due to the talents he was blessed with. I consider this to be a victory lap for him. With that being said, stream the album below and vibe out!
