It isn’t everyday that you come across a musician who can not only craft captivating music across diverse genres, but also contribute significantly to the local music scene in the way Khaleel Mandel has. His latest offering, ‘The Most Threatening Artist Of All Time’ (TMTA-OAT), is more than just a collection of tracks; it is a testament to Mandel’s unique creative prowess and a powerful catalyst that is putting Connecticut’s music on the global map.
Mandel’s journey started with his debut self-produced album, ‘Original,’ back in 2018, and he has been on a roll ever since. With subsequent albums like ‘2019,’ ‘Close The Book,’ and ‘Philharmonic,’ Mandel managed to enthrall his audience, impress critics, and solidify his place in the music industry. His unique musical blend of Hip Hop, R&B, Pop, Reggae, Funk, Indie Rock, and Avant Garde music, has allowed him to stand out in the crowded music space.
‘TMTA-OAT’, released on Christmas Day, skyrocketed to instant success. The album bagged a spot on the DRT Top 150, a Radio Chart backed by industry powerhouses, and secured a feature in the 2023 GRAMMY Book. Such feats are not common for most artists, but then again, Mandel isn’t most artists.
Mandel’s music is as much about the past as it is about the present. He doesn’t just make music; he paints pictures with words and sounds, conjuring up emotions with each beat. His ability to effortlessly blend the new with the old, imbuing his songs with a timeless quality, has roots in his connection to North Carolina’s music scene and the legendary musicians in his lineage, such as Scott Joplin, Treemonisha, Duke Ellington, and Billy Strayhorn.
Beyond his work as a recording artist, Mandel has also made a name for himself as a producer and composer. He co-founded DoubleCrown Inc and produced an album for Keion Jevon, a member of his collective and his older cousin, showcasing his versatility and dedication to fostering new talents in the music industry.
Mandel’s journey, however, hasn’t been without challenges. His quest to master the Harrison 4032 Console, the same console used for Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ was not an easy feat. However, his resilience and unwavering commitment to his craft allowed him to produce an album that sounds as captivating as it is unique.
Mandel’s ambition doesn’t stop here. He has his eyes set on achieving an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), creating more critically acclaimed music, scoring multiple movies/TV shows, collaborating with top-tier musicians, and producing platinum albums. His philosophy of viewing everything as temporary, and not getting too attached to outcomes, keeps him grounded amidst this whirlwind of success.
In a landscape cluttered with sameness, Khaleel Mandel stands out as an artist with a unique voice and vision. His music isn’t just creating waves; it’s causing a seismic shift in Connecticut’s music scene. He’s proving that with talent, tenacity, and a touch of innovation, an artist can indeed become ‘The Most Threatening Artist Of All Time’. The world better watch out, for this is only the beginning of the Khaleel Mandel era.
