Rapper and singer-songwriter Stilo Magolide’s latest chapter is one written in the full exertion and potential of his free will thanks to his latest album titled Stiloway. Self-explanatory as the name of the project is, the album comes four years after the release of Infinite Melanin, with the album marking a pivotal checkpoint that sees him ask questions of growth, being himself, and aspiring for greater musical heights.
“One of the most important things I learned over the years is being patient with myself, taking my time and simply respecting the process. Another thing that’s been important is not allowing anybody to deter my plan or mission. Those are the two things that I’ve learned in my journey leading up to this album,” said Stilo, speaking of his mindset going into the album.
Stilo Magolide | SUPPLIED
Seasoned and versed in the game, Stilo spoke about the album having a two-way function, with the first being that the album serves as a compilation of his chronology and the second being that the album works as a relational compass.
“Doing things my way was a very critical motive in the making of this project. It’s one of those projects that sums it all up about it me: from where I started, where I am, and where I’m trying to take it in this music thing. And because of that, the album is more for the day one fans, but it’s also meant to help the newer fans understand who I am and what I represent
“I could even go as far as saying that Stiloway is an invitation into my home, so that people can get a better picture of who I am and where I’m from. More than that, though, I would really love all my fans to enjoy the music,” he said.
Key to creating the album was Stilo looking inward and over his shoulder, documenting both better and bitter days that have made him that man he is today.
“As for the writing process, I wrote this album from a deep place—the heart. If you listen to most of the music, the stories are very personal and the tracks mainly revolve around things I’ve experienced, from my upbringing to my rises and my falls. Everything I’ve faced,” he said.
Stilo Magolide | SUPPLIED
Stilo shared the creation behind the forerunning single of the album, “Kenny G”, a hearty treatise and a soulful beckoning pointing the listener to the doorstep of Magolide’s softer side.
“The process behind making ‘Kenny G’ began with creating a melody first, and I fell in love with the hook melody enough to write on top of it. When I was done, I sent it over to my producer and asked him to create a beat around it, which he got done. When I got to studio Sastii and Ekow [Saxx] were there, and the rest of the song’s making was organic. All my verses were pretty much from the heart, no writing. It was just me going in and sharing my truth. You know that feeling you get every time you listen to a song, and it feels like the first time hearing it? That’s what I felt whenever we played back the finished product,” he said.
Magolide talked about the changes he’s undergone, positives and progressions of character and artistry.
“Maturity is definitely one thing that has changed me—I’ve grown in the way I express myself. But one particular aspect I love about my development is my attention to detail, which is something I feel I’ve become more in tune with. It’s something I put a lot of energy into. I like to put out stuff I myself would be happy to consume,” he said.
Listen to “Kenny G”:
Stilo talked about his strengths as a musician and what has helped him to evolve overtime.
“One of my biggest superpowers when it comes to creating is my ability to diversify in terms of sounds and exploring different sonics. I don’t box myself in, and try do so many different vibes and artists. Doing that helps me to do something new every day, whether it’s collaboration or something I’ve learnt by myself,” he said.
With the year drawing to a close, he divulged what his next moves would be.
“People should expect music videos from me for the project. I’ll also be doing launches and activations and performing throughout the country for Stiloway. So, my goal is to connect with people and creating product around the album such as merch,” he said.
