North Carolina’s beloved miracle baby paints a portrait of beautiful struggle with his most inspiring and endearing record to date.

“I made this for you and your shadow.”

The self-proclaimed mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina known by the moniker Mavi has returned with his third studio album, Shadowbox. The long-awaited sequel to his sophomore record has become a shining light in a world of darkness. With Shadowbox, Mavi has risen above all expectations to deliver an opus at the zenith of his artistry.

Mavi traverses a world of darkness through pen and sword. A beast is unleashed with the release of “drunk prayer,” the gut-wrenching lead single to the album. The philosophy of Shadowbox is laid bare as he panders to a higher power for salvation against the clinking of bottles. “I drink ’til I can’t feel it, at least I think ’cause I can’t remember shit,” Mavi repeats. The abyss widens with the unveiling of the second single, “I’m so tired.” Presenting the most tragic moments of the album first immerses the listener into the world he has built for us. We are familiar with his struggle before we hear its resolution just as we must confront darkness before we can bask in the light. During his interview with Turning the Tables, Mavi says “I’m not taking you to the dark, I’m taking you through the dark.”

Shadowbox delivers a nostalgic familiarity that holds you like a warm hug or fond memory of adolescence. The synth instrumental of “tether” resembles the soundtrack of an early childhood video game, while the bright and colorful loop of “latch” feels fun and carefree. The outro “my own way” centers around a hummed melody that sounds like a soft lullaby. “It was really important that we have a flourish,” Mavi speaks on the closer. He compares the erupting drums and guitar solo at climax to the celebratory conclusion of a worship services. “I didn’t want to give an empty optimism,” he says.

The latter end of Shadowbox is characterized by a major shift in tone. The emotional turning point arrives at the end of the soulful piano-rap ballad “the giver.” The otherwise melancholy track transforms into a beautiful repetition of the phrase “Make it make sense to me,” as Mavi finds solace in the struggle. The album expands into a joyous spirit until its conclusion. “You’re kind of entranced. Then you’re like, ‘Oh my God.’ And it’s over,” Mavi tells Turning the Tables. He reminds us that healing is a journey that promises triumph as much as it deals with defeat.

Shadowbox is nothing sort of a personal triumph for Mavi. In a recent interview with Stereogum, he reflects on his dissatisfaction with his previous album. “I had to come back and really learn to make art all over again.” His complicated relationship with his own music stitches a double meaning into shadowboxing. He is at war with himself with simultaneously fighting to escape the shadow of his previous work. “My path back was centered around visual art, fashion, interior design, and design as an artistic framework and organizational force in society,” he says. These inspirations are manifested in a series of artworks accompanying the release of the record. The album cover itself is encased in a shadow box frame evoking an art gallery piece. Shadowbox is more than just a work of art; it is a homage to the arts.

Artwork via Instagram (@mavi4mayor)

The Shadowbox World Tour

I had the pleasure of experiencing Mavi at Charlotte’s The Underground venue twice after previously attending the Laughing So Hard, It Hurts tour. Mavi performing in North Carolina feels like a homecoming for the artists and audience. Attendees included a VIP section packed with his closest family members and the return of opening Charlotte rappers MESSIAH! and Ahmir. “You can call me Omavi because we’re family here,” he assures the audience. The show felt like a community event where strangers became friends more than a concert. The look of amazement on his face as he was greeted with the cheers of his home crowd is an image I will never forget. On “testimony,” he sums up his gratefulness with a memorable monologue. “This is all my family ever wanted for me, and all anybody who’s ever loved me wanted for me. And they wanted it for thyself too, but sometimes life is shorter than the imagination. And I’m just glad I get to walk in all the paces,” he says. His love for those he holds nearest to him is unquestionable, and to see that love reciprocated was a meaningful sight to behold.

Referring to oneself as the “mayor” of their city cannot be an empty statement. Yet, Mavi delivers in every way imaginable. The most memorable moment of the Charlotte show arrived with the unveiling of a portrait painted live during his set. His dark silhouette was cast over a stop sign featuring a crown that adorned his head, and the word “love” spelled in graffiti. There was a beautiful contrast in the pure excitement that overcame the audience in the face of such a dark depiction of Mavi. This was the essence of the Shadowbox World Tour: A communal celebration of light despite darkness.

We must know we are chasing a sun that will never set. Yet, we are unable to stop. We write, we sing, and we draw. And every momentary reprieve from the gaping maw of despair we attribute to our creativity. The truth is art can’t save the world. Art can only make the world look at itself.

Tosin Balogun

Shadowbox is a sermon of wisdom and hope. Yet, Mavi provides us with the means to be saved rather than save us himself. A war is being waged inside us all, and he wants us to know that he is fighting is with us. In the face of darkness, a light always shines within reach. From Mavi, our giver, to us and our shadows, Shadowbox is a gift to be cherished for generations.