Released: February 22, 2024

Genre: Electronic / Hip-hop

From: UK

Label: 10k Records

Why you should listen: elijah maja is a London-based multidisciplinary artist electronic and hip-hop artist I’ve been familiar with for a few years now, having worked on some impressive visual exhibitions as well as collaborating with the likes of MIKE, Goya Gumbani and Oliver Palfreyman, to name a few. Chariot is his new body of work, a 13-track project with electronic, R&B and Hip-Hop sounds that glisten throughout. Including production from redLee, Omari Lyseight, King Krule, Joy Orbison, and elijah himself. The album as a whole feels warm and embracing, as elijah’s subtle but beautiful vocals invite you into his world of sonic experimentation. From the vocal sample and subtle instrumentation on the opener “Stay 4 Long” to the atmospheric yet dynamic closer “Let Me Rmx”, the projects ebbs and flows between various different soundscapes, whether its the upbeat and colourful “Kilode?” or the smooth electronica of “Gentle + Jeje”. His singing is subtle but also really complementary to the tone and soundscapes throughout the album as a whole, such as on the emotive “Something Still” and the dynamic and energetic “Ache Distance”. Thematically, elijah explores the depth of platonic, romantic and family relationships and how they can be nurtured and cared for, using his London upbringing and Nigerian roots in the process. It’s an atmospheric and beautifully composed body of work I really enjoy immersing myself in, and it’s a testament to elijah maja’s creative vision.

The album: