Brandon Mitchell drops new album ‘Gametime’

Over the years, Brandon Mitchell’s artistic adventure has been a masterclass in versatility. From Kansas City origins to a flourishing life in Los Angeles, he wears many hats as a dancer, choreographer, actor, DJ, hip hop artist and philanthropist, with the sort of fluid grace that seems second nature. But behind the resume is something even more compelling; a man with a mission. From performing and producing to being present for his family, Brandon Mitchell carries a profound sense of purpose, wrapping his creative output around themes of perseverance, spirituality and genuine connection.

Long before he became a familiar face on Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance in season nine, he’d already confirmed his status as an exciting figure in the dance world, appearing in feature films like Step Up Revolution and Honey 2. His work was magnetic on screen, offering a physical expression of the passion that continues to drive his multidimensional career today, but dance was just the opening chapter.

Brandon’s creative story found new form in music and as a hip hop artist, he’s always used his voice for testimony, reflection and invitation. Across projects like the Conditioning series and in tracks like “The Lesson,” which found its way onto MTV’s The Challenge, Mitchell’s music resists the flash-in-the-pan nature of much of today’s scene. His words aim higher, offering grounded messages drawn from real life, informed by a strong moral compass. Outside the studio, he continues to build an impressive film and television portfolio, appearing in series such as Insecure, Dave, The Rookie and Blindspotting, as well as films like Sinister Assistant and Like Blood.

First unveiling his original sonic vision back in 2014 with the debut single “Alignment,” he’s since released multiple singles and full-length records while linking up with the likes of Nia Cheri, J. Monty, Q4ad, Jasmine Delece, Rockomal and Sasha Marie among others along the way. Now he brings us his latest release with his brand new album titled Gametime. Across 15 tracks, Brandon Mitchell takes listeners into the layered metaphor of the game of life. Each song plays like a quarter of a big match, complete with its setbacks, breakthroughs and triumphant moments, constructing a story-focused arc based in growth, pain, gratitude and ultimately, victory.

Setting up with release with the opener “Gametime Title Track,” bright brass tones and rolling percussion jumps into a bold hip hop soundscape of snapping beats and slick vocal delivery, instilling a sense of exultant aesthetic for the rest of the release. Following with the shimmering swell of instrumentation and smooth vocalisations on “Dirty Dishes,” Brandon spins laid back rapped flows over a dreamy instrumental, allowing his storytelling lyricism to shine on a hazy, mellow hip hop jam built on downtempo groove and tinged with jazz-inflected vibes.

“Sugar” serves up an infectious groover of shuffling beats, pulsing bass lines and elegant instrumental flutters capped by Brandon’s razor sharp rap performance, resulting in a superb outing that’s catchy and instantly memorable. Linking up with previous collaborator Nia Cheri on “Legendary Elevation” the pair craft a graceful piano-driven hip hop cut where Brandon’s stellar rapped bars give way to Nia’s alluring voice, adding a touch of sparkling soul to the track. Other highlights on the release include tracks like “What We Doin,” a moody alternative hip hop outing featuring Bussy B, where the two rappers combine to deliver a brooding soundscape driven by rattling beats and subtly intense synth arrangement.

“Brooklyn’s Song,” featuring Brooklyn Aviel, offers an atmospheric scene of intricate vocal samples, which wobble and chop before the delicate flicker of piano ushers in a stripped back, jazzy hip hop listening experience cut with a charming child monologue, adding an angelic quality to the sound. Closing the album with “We Already Won,” Brandon brings the album to a sensational conclusion with a full-circle message on a stunning hip hop piece that deftly balances impactful vocal delivery and crisp beats with a misty arrangement of warm instrumental tones and twinkling textures.

Listen to Gametime below