McKinley Dixon - Beloved! Paradise! Jazz​!​? ALBUM REVIEW

[@McKinleyDixonOfficial]

Wow thank you so much for this one. It’s such a thoughtful and affirming review in such a precise time.

[@astanakazakhstan3220]

thanks for the great album

[@DHaines6]

You're a hell of a talent man, keep up the great work!

[@adibou9262]

Amazing album bro!

[@Midna__]

I’m not even a huge fan of rap, but your music is actually fantastic. Keep up the amazing work bro!

[@tommymckai]

one of the mos beautiful rap albums i've heard. amazing stuff my man

[@ArizonanSummer]

I love this album, it reminds me of music.

[@goldengrill769]

This looks like a meme but contains deep truth.

[@kylewilliams640]

Same

[@PEGGY18MAFIA]

This is exactly why I follow you. Without this review I would never have known about this album. I'm listening to it right now and it is truly amazing

[@melissaroberts9035]

@Rock Mork Yah I found this a week ago on rym

[@ekuude]

​@@tokeshed yeah that's kinda the point lol. I come here to get a personal distillation of RYM and AOTY. And it's free 🤷‍♂️

[@IKMapper]

​@@ekuudeYou're saying this like you have to pay for RYM and AOTY lol

[@wadestokan5855]

This album absolutely rules. Such a deserved 9/10.

[@bradyoactivity]

More like an 8.7 but okay dude

[@bradyoactivity]

Jk

[@1imag337]

@@bradyoactivity character development

[@yakijacob]

@@bradyoactivityA story

[@bradyoactivity]

@@yakijacob y'all are slow

[@nate5203]

I WAS WAITING FOR THIS FOR SO LONG. McKinley Dixon is one of the best rappers on the underground right now, he deserves his accolades.

[@tescobesco]

Up there with billy woods for me. They’re absolutely brilliant

[@quizzicalsteve]

FACTS

[@julionhyde4839]

Loved “when for mama and anyone who looked like her” came out and i was shocked it didnt get enough attention than it deserved. i dont think its a perfect album, though it has plenty of heartfelt songs with phenomenal and unique instrumentals

[@abedozier4212]

@@julionhyde4839i was shocked fantano hadnt reviewed it. It was one of my favorites of 2021

[@connor6148]

ghais guevara featured on one of the tracks in this album is amazing too. All very very underrated

[@time4football232]

"it is my ambition to say in ten sentences what others say in a whole book" is a quote from Nietzsche that sums up what might be the most masterful part of this record and something I personally search for in a great album. Succinctness is beautiful. 28 minutes of amazing composition that feels like it took you on an immense journey in such a short period is a rarity in music and the mark of a thoughtful artist.

[@thegroove14]

Every time I see a yellow flannel, I scramble to see if it’s a 10/10 score. It’s like finding a golden ticket.

[@thecinematicmind]

I cannot wait for another 10/10 eventually.

[@nobodyburgen4594]

Same lmao

[@quentinbringthenumetalchil5125]

We all do.

[@very250]

I spend 5 seconds checking the description then click away every time fr

[@MyBeautifulDarkTwistedFantasy6]

@@thecinematicmind what if it never happens again

[@timothylunt2907]

This is my first time hearing Mckinley and what a project. Blown away by how great this is. Run, Run, Run hits so fucking hard

[@sei6ou]

Same, brotha. It won't be my last time hearing him tho...

[@Aryeh487]

Love McKinley! This has been on my list for a minute. So glad Ant likes it.

[@moimobiili_101]

Same

[@hand__banana]

he likes it so now we're allowed to say we like it!

[@bernardoalvarezdelcastillo]

It's hard to turn the prhrase "it feels longer than it is" into a compliment, but hey, this one truly deserves it.

[@ASCENSiON_]

This album is now tied with Jessie Ware's album for my favorite album of the entire year so far. I'm glad you reviewed this, as it deserves way more attention than it's getting.

[@rydersblock2817]

two good choices

[@levwhitelaw5561]

you must really love exclamation marks!

[@Cantpickgoodhandlename]

They both have exclamations in the titles too

[@AlexandreDuqueque]

Must love! Albums with! Exclamation marks!

[@mybluguitar6051]

Is it bad to admit I like both these albums more than Caroline Polachek and the jpegmafia/Danny Brown albums? Don't get me wrong, both those albums are amazing, but it just doesn't hit me the same way jessie ware and mckinley dixon do

[@arunistrying]

Met McKinley after a show he had last week in my local record store, super sweet down to earth guy, love to see him getting praise!

[@Eldude909]

Glad to see Ghais Guevara having a feature on this great of an album. Hope to see fantano review some future work of his! Hes been outputting solid projects, and i only see him getting better if this feature is anything to go off of.

[@xXMachineGunPhillyXx]

I haven’t watched this review yet. I can’t wait until I do, though. That’ll be great. Update: loved the review, I’m definitely streaming this tonight and listening to it while I play Resident Evil 2. Contrary to many people, I’ve loved music in 2023 so far. Really excited to see what the rest of the year holds for us.

[@joedorben3504]

If yall are only just finding out about McKinley Dixon from this album, you BETTER go listen to his debut album from last year. Melon has an amazing way of minimizing albums he didnt choose to review such that people won't bother listening to them, do not fall victim to this. That album was every bit as amazing as this one and was one of my favorite albums of 2022

[@Gustavo-so7zk]

Absolutely, well put. I listened to this album after watching this video, really enjoyed it, and then went back and listened to debut and enjoyed it even more, seriously blew my mind.

[@doctorpepper3519]

So glad fantano reviewed this. Ive been obsessed with dixon since his last album. Very underrated!

[@samuelcrouch8692]

Saw him live at a music festival without knowing who he was and was instantly caught by how good a performer he was

[@colehdlr]

The Great Escape?

[@samuelcrouch8692]

@colehdlr No this was back in 2019. He was definitely a highlight

[@speak_no_evil]

Did he perform with a live band?

[@samuelcrouch8692]

@@speak_no_evil yeah pretty sure. Mainly remember his incredible movement and energy matching the tone of all his songs so well

[@kylewilliams640]

About time Mckinley got his flowers. Been making amazing art work way too long

[@SilentPhoenix__]

I met Mckinley for the first time after one of his shows. He's such a passionate and genuine person. I had several questions about this album and the process of its creation and he happily answered all of my questions in fine detail with so much passion. It was amazing. Definitely still my favorite album of 2023

[@justinmayhew6848]

This album is beautiful and profound, as well as just a great listen in terms of the music. Some of the songs actually brought me to tears which is absolutely not common for me. McKinley is a truly great artist, I'm so happy to have discovered him.

[@Circusbreaker]

WOAH. As a Richmond, VA resident, it's wild to see him here.

[@baifor7]

i think this even beats out danny and peggy for my favorite hip hop album this year so far. dixon's one of the most promising rising artists we've got 🔥

[@chopstickingstylus]

Almost a year, this album is a 10/10. The Story So Far is an amazing song and insight Mckinley's life. The instrumental and Seline grew on me

[@JohnsDough1918]

The yellow flannel extravaganza continues! Let's hope it keeps on going with the QOTSA review.

[@tomasrocha612]

And KingGizz

[@OttoSomething]

Expect the yellow fannel on that one. It's gotta be a strong 9

[@JohnsDough1918]

@@tomasrocha612 Can't do without the Queens and the King. Except for you know, real kings and queens, because fuck monarchies.

[@murphy7959]

My favourite album of the year so far! McKinley Dixon needs so much more respect

[@suhndoo]

wow lol the seline haze feature was my favorite part about the album besides the instrumentals and musicality

[@PeterBarkerMusic]

Seen this record getting a lot of love on RYM and music circles generally as of late - gonna have to give it a try

[@HeisenbergFam]

You know you are in for a ride when Fantano starts off with charismatic grunt

[@nektarpanagiotis6707]

Why are you everywhere are you Justin Y's successor

[@WigglyTurdMan]

bot

[@shrubs5098]

HE ACTUALLY REVIEWED IT!!!! This album is fucking amazing

[@shrubs5098]

Live! at the Kitchen Table is my favorite song of this year

[@AriButOnYouTube]

I wish that Who Taught You To Hate Yourself got a review too as that's my fav McKinley record if not one of my fav records of all time.

[@_honeypotband]

i did sound for mckinley dixion a few years ago he was very nice and very talented, it's cool to see his name keep popping up more

[@aviioc_6449]

The Ladon Alex cover is so good as well 🔥

[@youtubepeace]

glad he's getting some recognition, this guy is something special

[@GameJunkyard11]

Thank you so much for covering this! I was sad you didn't cover the 2021 album, but hell yeah!

[@dillontaylor2569]

Calling the year mid right before this barrage of yellow flannels is awesome to see

[@unk9192]

i've been trying to get people to listen to mckinley dixon for YEARS, i'm so glad you made this video to help him get more exposure, even just a little bit.

[@JD-uu3xm]

Ahhhhh - I heard this guy on 6Music last month and Craig Charles was absolutely raving about him. Delighted to see Melon love him too

[@AriButOnYouTube]

I've been a fan of his for so long, there's no one that I thought deserved a 10/10 more than he does, especially with his previous records.

[@AlexSartell]

omg my bf did the cover art for this album !!! :D

[@AlexSartell]

Ladon Alex ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@GameJunkyard11]

For real? You've got a great bf!

[@MinorCirrus]

"Sun, I Rise" is phenomenal.

[@williamoconnell12]

it’s been a slow year for music but i think this is the most fantano has ever used the yellow flannel and it’s only june. i’m using this as evidence that the pink tape will be a 10.

[@samatkinson3436]

Holy shit I’ve known McKinley for a decade. Dude is mad talented at so many fucking things.

[@extaliumok5141]

Never expected you to review this album but it's a pleasure knowing you love it

[@thevinyltruffle]

Jazz rap really levels up when done w live instrumentation.

[@marshallstewart4675]

This album is fucking incredible. So I’m with Anthony 100%. I get chills whenever I hear the title track. I do wish it was longer but it’s still just amazing song after amazing song. Fully deserved 9/10

[@castaholic8665]

Fuck yea, I listened to this a few weeks back and was hoping you would review it. Totally deserved, best jazz rap album we’re getting all year

[@oh_banana]

You missed reviewing his amazing 2021 record so I am happy you got to him this time and liked it.

[@diegomo1413]

I first became aware of Dixon from his verse on the last song of the latest Soul Glo album. Been a fan ever since

[@kyanowo]

SO GLAD THIS ONE GOT REVIEWED ITS WONDERFUL

[@Jappy11]

Underrated McKinley really deserves the 9!

[@thutsman.]

Yup. Been in rotation since it came out. Waiting on the IDK review now.

[@Army_of_One_]

idk was already in a YUNOREVIEW, he thought it was aight

[@thutsman.]

@@Army_of_One_ ugh. Missed it. Thanks for the heads up.

[@leecourtney1225]

Thank you Mt Fantano, real music nerd here across most genres but particularly the Black Diaspora and Hiphop/Jazz. This had passed me by but is absolute fire, wax immediately purchased. Know there are always limits but Yunoreview the new Gaslamp Killer and Heliocentrics record?

[@crumbmoment]

ive been rocking this for weeks now i love it so much

[@robf1557]

Fuck yeah, was rooting for at least an 8 on this, super glad you liked it as well. The album feels twice as long just from how long it lingers around in your mind and also how much of the content sticks with you after you've listened to it

[@itsjvck1]

Love seeing McKinley representing the Richmond scene so well

[@realtetria]

So much for saying 2023 was mid now we getting back to back yellows

[@OGBeyond]

yellow flannel definitely getting its use in recently

[@santiagoreyes1635]

Shoutout Avantdale Bowling Club, self titled is one of my favorite albums of all time

[@AmerikanSuperSoldier]

Ladon went crazy with the art!!

[@mitchelltreaty7269]

Yeah this album is great. Up there with the new Jason Isbell for my favorite of the year.

[@thewisefromwest6941]

FINALLY HE REVIEWED MC KINLEY

[@Hummabubba]

Wow, three yellow flannel reviews in a row! That hasn't happened in almost 2 years

[@dimevomit]

shout out to ladon alex for the amazing cover art

[@casey8950]

3 yellow flannels in a row. Gotta love it

[@Torbinsky]

I think this is my AOTY if not my second runner, great record

[@cadenmeyer414]

Wow, an album named after the exact three Toni Morrison books I’ve read, weird coincidence

[@ekuude]

Surely that's where the title comes from, no? Can't be a coincidence. It's literally in the same order of the Morrison trilogy

[@fatsleepyotter8181]

Would love to see you review any Oddisee album! To What End is his most recent LP, and The Good Fight is excellent too

[@patrickball4556]

For my mama is my favorite album i am so excited about this

[@samescourt3801]

PLEASE GUYS START GIVING MCKINLEY DIXON THE ATTENTION HE ABSOLUTELY DESERVES PLEASEEEEEEEEE

[@loftona5682]

Ladon Alex did the art for this album hes the goat

[@sdf1000]

Brooo i found this dude lile 2 years ago its sooo great to see him on your channel

[@InsertCleverNameHere0]

Like two weeks ago, Melon was saying the year was rpetty mid and there hadnt been many yellow flannels, and now he's had like 6 yellow flannels almost in a row

[@SpectrumPulse]

Fucking FINALLY

[@GameJunkyard11]

I'm glad that you chose THIS to be your first ever comment on Anthony's channel, Mark 😂

[@vocecaiunocontodomalakoi7541]

Damn, we've been having a LOT of yellow flannels recently

[@carlmilton6122]

Fully waiting for queens of the Stone Age album review honestly

[@CHARVYMAX]

I would love to hear you review on-The Omnichord Real Book by Meshell Ndegeocello.

[@diarmuidtherat]

review KNOWER FOREVER!

[@treywilson9901]

Digging this album for sure. He's even from my state of Maryland!

[@AToolyTime]

I don't know a lot of rap music but I like jazz, so I checked this one out based on the title. I really liked it! I know there's a lot of old-school hip-hop like this but I don't know where to find it. If anyone has any recommendations, please let me know.

[@jenconvertibles]

if you liked this album it’s quite heavily inspired by tpab era kendrick, so check that out if you haven’t already

[@ssbperidot5574]

IM SO HAPPY YOU REVIEWED THIS!!! My AOTY!!!

[@MNTNPG]

Wow, this is a surprise. I saw this album get some attention on RYM but if it’s apparently that good then I guess I should tap in

[@GizzyDillespee]

I liked conscious jazz rap back around the turn of the century. Will I still? I think I'll place my entire opinion, of this genre's contemporary expression, on this one album that's barely not an EP. Let's go!

[@GizzyDillespee]

The title track and Run Run Run both have that same conscious rap flow I remember from back when! I don't know why I thought things would be different. It was good back then, still will be today.

[@goldengrill769]

Supposedly, HipHop is dying and hasn't had a hit song this year, this music I can see reviving the genre. The song Sun I Rise is beyond any instrumental I have heard since I dunno Digable Planets maybe? I am not a jazz hiphop expert as you can tell but this song blew my mind. People should be playing music like this on the radio/spotify its like when Jazz evolved over 20 years and became Funk.

[@R-H-B]

Hiphop really isn’t dying dude. Look harder

[@cd-ramos]

​@@R-H-B "supposedly"

[@jacksonwright5145]

I was immediately struck by the rich instrumentals. Awesome album.

[@gatsu.]

You know The Album is good when you think to yourself „Man this right here is Music“

[@ishall9956]

We are a day closer until we see another 10/10 from the music melon himself

[@jessechuff]

Yoooooo McKinley!!! Went to college with him and knew he would be making a splash but damn. 9/10 is sick.

[@1fujitaro]

such a great album he really needs more love

[@gertkryeziu1759]

When will the big time rush's album review come out?

[@AriButOnYouTube]

This

[@yancancel]

i wasn't expecting you to review this

[@mckinley6960]

I'm feeling called out by Anthony on this one

[@guillermomorales3482]

yellow flannel is getting sweaty lately

[@lfkw2484]

So happy that this gets the love it deserves

[@rampageraptor3589]

theneedledrop Thoughts on (any of) the following albums melon? Gunna - a Gift & a Curse Lil B - Bitch Mob tha Album 6ix9ine - Leyenda Viva Mike Dimes - TEXAS BOY Hit-Boy - SURF OR DROWN, Vol. 2 Kool Keith - Black Elvis 2 Killer Mike - MICHAEL

[@MisterBrimm]

Nice I love me some jazzy raps.

[@DontRobMe13]

finally 2023 has stepped up to become a decent year in music realases :)

[@alphaaaA8074]

Three yellow flannels in a row? Wow, Kendrick Lamar outdoes himself every day 😍

[@marcuscoster6529]

I really like the cover art

[@real_ajr]

We, AJR, are starting to think that we are gonna have to end this yellow flannel streak soon.

[@yetiiiiiiiiiiiiiii]

This album gives me eargasms every time I listen to it