El Michels Affair Announces New Album Featuring Clairo

El Michels Affair has officially announced the upcoming release of their new album, titled “24 Hr Sports,” set to drop on September 5 via Big Crown Records. This exciting news comes with a teaser in the form of the lead single, “Anticipate,” featuring the talented Clairo. Their collaboration marks a significant progression in their work together, following their earlier partnership on Clairo’s 2024 album, “Charm.” The inclusion of Clairo is just the beginning, as the album also boasts an impressive lineup of guest artists including Norah Jones, Shintaro Sakamoto, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk, promising a rich tapestry of sounds that blend diverse musical influences.

The creative nucleus behind “24 Hr Sports” draws inspiration from a fascinating mix of cultural references, primarily the nostalgic aesthetics of ‘80s and ‘90s Sports Illustrated magazines, along with the underground vibes of MF DOOM’s Special Herbs series and gospel sounds that hark back to Pastor T.L. Barrett. This eclectic mix positions El Michels Affair’s latest work as not just a musical project but an artistic homage to a stylistic era that embraced rich visuals and profound narratives. Following their 2023 effort “Glorious Game,” which featured collaborations with Black Thought of The Roots, this new project continues to showcase the group’s ability to mesh their adept musicianship with cultural touchpoints.

The track listing for “24 Hr Sports” displays a captivating range of compositions, with titles that evoke both playfulness and deep exploration. Songs such as “Drumline” and “Victory Lap” suggest a spirited energy, while tracks like “Carry Me Away” featuring Norah Jones hint at a more contemplative tone. With the album’s versatility and its promise of collaborative magic, El Michels Affair is set to deliver an auditory experience that transcends genres, blending soul, funk, and gospel into a cohesive work that invites both casual listeners and devoted aficionados to engage with its beats and grooves.

Summary

El Michels Affair has announced the upcoming release of their new album, 24 Hr Sports, set to drop on September 5 via Big Crown, with the lead single “Anticipate” featuring Clairo. This follows the duo’s recent collaboration on Clairo’s 2024 album, Charm. The album also includes contributions from prominent artists such as Norah Jones, Shintaro Sakamoto, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk, among others. In crafting the album, El Michels Affair drew inspiration from the aesthetics of ‘80s and ‘90s Sports Illustrated magazines, MF DOOM’s Special Herbs series, and gospel music reminiscent of Pastor T.L. Barrett. This latest work continues the momentum from their previous album, Glorious Game, which featured Black Thought of the Roots.