New album from Mustafa Shakir

Mustafa Shakir is a multi-faceted artist, donning various creative hats as an actor, writer, rapper and director. Born in Winston-Salem in North Carolina, he embarked on a journey that would lead him from the Bronx to Harlem, shaping his formative years and artistic soul. Mustafa’s path to bring an artist was paved with an array of jobs, from being a barber to a personal trainer and a small business owner.

His theatrical journey commenced at The Negro Ensemble Company, where he developed his talent and caught the eye of casting director Jeff Block, paving his way into television and film. Mustafa Shakir’s impressive career includes starring roles in critically acclaimed shows like Quarry, The Night Of, Brawl in Cell Block 99, The Deuce, and most recently, the second season of Marvel’s Luke Cage as the formidable John McIver, also known as Bushmaster. Currently, he’s in the process of bringing the beloved anime Cowboy Bebop to life in a live-action adaptation for Netflix.

But Mustafa’s artistic repertoire extends beyond the screen. He’s a seasoned hip hop artist, known for his instant classic, MasterPeace Theater Volume 1, released in August 2019 in collaboration with producer James ‘Goldfingz’ Wheeler of the Suicide Squad, under the iBreaK Records banner.

Now, Mustafa Shakir returns to the music scene with his latest offering, the album titled A Harlem Boi Biopic. This expansive 17-track epic is a sonic journey that showcases his sensational hip hop sound and is jointly released by iBreakrecords & Calm Bomb Collective.

The album kicks off with “Showtime (Intro),” instantly immersing listeners in Mustafa’s world with a beat-driven sound and well-placed vocal elements. “Without Your Love” follows, revealing his vocal flair and lyrical prowess. This slick hip hop cut features Mustafa’s compelling vocal flows riding smoothly over a shuffling beat, enriched by bold brass instrumental touches and skilfully pitched backing vocals.

Throughout the album, we encounter five short interludes, the first being “Tape #1.” These serve as moments of reflection and contrast, with Mustafa adopting a restrained spoken-word vocal style over smooth lounge jazz instrumentals. Among the record’s other highlights is “Just A Soul,” which starts off with a sample of Nina Simone’s “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.” It swiftly transitions into an all-out rap groove, driven by a lively beat, bright instrumental tones, and Mustafa Shakir’s razor-sharp vocal delivery.

The album’s lead single, “His Eyes,” featuring the four-time Grammy winner India Arie, produced by Goldfingz, is a standout track. This collaboration between the two vocalists creates a superb blend of alternative R&B and hip hop. They effortlessly trade verses and choruses, resulting in a stunning musical moment that shines brightly on the record.

With A Harlem Boi Biopic, Mustafa Shakir transports listeners back to the vibrant summers of Harlem in the 90s, while diving into the raw tales of Mustafa’s turbulent youth, self-reflection and the intricate exploration of mental health within the Black community. All of this is expertly woven together over a backdrop of slick production by Goldfingz. With notable features from India Arie and D1, this album is a powerful and soul-stirring showcase of Mustafa Shakir’s artistic panache and storytelling abilities, and a must listen for fans of hip hop and beyond.

Listen to A Harlem Boi Biopic below

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