Mahalia firmly establishes her motives on IRL

In the four years since the release of first album LOVE AND COMPROMISE Mahalia has kept her head in the game. She has released plenty of one-off tracks (including brilliant collabs with AJ Tracey and Rico Nasty) as well as a couple of EPs, the last of which was released only last year. She hasn't left her seat at the table but it feels like she hasn't been rewarded enough for it.

The ambivalence between pent-up frustration and hope for more success permeates album bookends “Ready” and “IRL”. “From now on I know I can take what comes my way”, she sings on the former, clearing her mind before launching into the rest of the album.

Throughout, Mahalia operates a significant change of frame. There’s little compromise on IRL. She is now more set on clear boundaries and a no-negotiation policy when it comes to romantic and friendly relationships alike. “If you want my love, then let’s discuss / The man you’re required to be”, she playfully sings in “Terms and Conditions”’ infectious chorus. She also regrets giving second chances on the catchy “Cheat” with JoJo and asks an ex to stop reaching out in “Hey Stranger”, echoing a sentiment already expressed in “Letter To Ur Ex” (2022).

The one constant across Mahalia’s oeuvre is a knack for peppy party anthems. As already evidenced in 2019 tracks “I Wished I Missed My Ex” and “Do Not Disturb”, she further flexes that muscle on IRL albeit more sparingly this time around. “In My Bag” and “Terms and Conditions” are the standouts on that front, the latter being a pretty compelling first single.

All in all, Mahalia is not casting as wide a net as she did in her career-defining debut. She anchors the new project in standout performances alongside Stormzy (“November”), JoJo and Joyce Wrice (“In My Head”), but some of her other collabs almost sound redundant. “It’s Not Me, It’s You” with DESTIN KONRAD doesn’t really take off beyond its witty premise. “Wassup” also sounds like a wasted opportunity and is begging for an additional Kehlani feature.

If IRL is not as consistent as her previous output, this new album still cements Mahalia as a major R&B/Soul fixture both nationally and abroad. It’s high time the genre and its players get the recognition they deserve.