Following on from last year's memorable performance by young British rapper Kofi Stone, Prague Sounds returns to showcase one of the brightest lights in US hiphop. McKinley Dixon's breakout record, 2021's For My Mama and Anyone Who Look Like Her, announced the arrival of a singular new voice on the scene. With its jazz-rap influences and lush, improvisatory production providing the perfect backdrop for Dixon's beguiling, free, and inventive flow, the album won the hearts of critics and fans alike. Lyrically, Dixon's work is eloquent, poetic, and wide-ranging, and it's perhaps no surprise that he cites author Toni Morrison as 'the greatest rapper of all time.'

'Juxtaposes compellingly-delivered tales of contemporary life with lusciously-arranged jazz instrumentation.'

DIY Magazine

Dixon's latest album Beloved! Paradise?Jazz! is named after three of Morrison's most famous works, and it stands out from the contemporary hip-hop crowd: its vigorous, resonant production, use of live instruments, literary and self-reflective lyrics, and the sheer skill and vivacity of Dixon's delivery makes it a powerful listen. It's a record that feels fully alive, pulsing with lyrical and musical dexterity: a breath of fresh air in new hip-hop. He sees the record as a distillation of two years in his life, and is more than ready to put them across to live audiences: 'I sat with these thoughts for so long that honestly, I can't wait to get out there!'

McKinley Dixon was born in Maryland but is now based in Chicago, a city he says inspires him and is 'full of so much magic.' And 'magic' is a word some have used to describe this poetic jazz-rapper's live shows. His Czech debut at Prague Sounds promises to be quite a night.

Line-up

McKinley Dixon – vocals

Stephen Roach – keys

Anthony Cavanaugh – bass

Desean Gault – drums