When rhythm is king and collaboration reigns supreme, hip-hop sensation NAIIM (@naiimsounds) and electrifying DJ 4Korners (@4korners) have aligned to create 'MALI STAR'—a track that feels like it was forged in the crucible of the cosmos.

Blending NAIIM’s lyrical veritas with 4Korners’ galactic beats, this single transcends genres, fusing hip-hop, afro beats, and electronic energy into a sonic opus magnum.

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Think Black Panther’s Wakandan beats collide with Interstellar soundscapes—MALI STAR is a celestial journey through rhythm and rhyme, reminding us that music, like the stars, knows no boundaries. Fiat lux—let the sound shine.

We revisited NAIIM since we last featured him in 2019. "It’s been interesting, I’ve had the pleasure of dabbling in different genres and have been having fun with it." The artist moved to LA, which exposed him to a frequency of collaborative sessions that he had only experienced in smaller doses during his previous trips to the city. "But now it’s basically an everyday thing which I believe has made me a better songwriter," NAIIM adds confidently. 

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A few years ago, 4Korners and NAIIM met and realized they wanted to work together on a project one day. In 2023, NAIIM returned to Hargeisa, Somaliland, where he spent a month enjoying the lively culture and familiar sights. During the third week of his visit, as the sun set, he strongly desired to make music. He wanted to capture the rhythmic spirit of his surroundings. "I was overly inspired by the settings, the people, the food, my family, etc. So I took a week away from my family’s place and decided to rent a hotel room to make some music," he reminisces. "I came up with an idea that felt special so I immediately texted 4Korners from Somaliland and asked him if he wanted to work on this idea I had and he loved it," he adds. 4Korners brought his unique flair, while NAIIM delivered his signature style, and together they created an incredible fusion of creativity and artistry!

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"It was easy, we were on the same frequency so it all happened effortlessly!"

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NAIIM talks about what it is like to work with 4Korners. "The main message behind the song is being proud of my roots. So I raised my flag [up] on it," adds the budding hip-hop artist.

"Working with Naiim was refreshing! He's obviously super talented, but beyond that, his approach to creating art is a lot like mine," 4Korners reciprocates. "We're both open to ideas, willing to listen and learn from each other, and excited to come up with creative, fun, and authentic ways to share what we're made of," the Raptor DJ shares. 

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"The writing/recording process was my favorite part of it all," NAIIM shares excitedly.

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I was in a hotel in Hargeisa singing at the top of my lungs “Somali ni**as up on the rise waving my flag up high,” he adds. The security guard stationed outside the hotel window was able to overhear the entirety of the song process. As NAIIM stepped outside to take a break and enjoy some fresh air, the security guard expressed his appreciation for the song that NAIIM was in the process of composing.

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According to 4Korners, "The whole process was such a great vibe." The duo worked together on this record from a distance, sharing countless files and having lively FaceTime conversations that made the experience feel effortless and connected. "Then we got together a few times to shoot content and that was probably the most fun part because we both like social media." The globally acclaimed DJ has encountered a multitude of exceptionally gifted artists who, surprisingly, overlook the immense potential of social media as a powerful platform to connect with audiences and showcase their creative talents.

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"The whole process was such a great vibe."

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These artists have a wealth of artistry to share, yet they often miss out on the opportunity to engage with fans and build a community around their work through effective online presence. "There's this feeling of 'oh I HAVE to shoot this and I HAVE to post that...' I don't feel that way at all," he expounds, affirming the joy of engaging with like-minded creatives who resonate on the same wavelength.

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"We had a blast shooting performance clips, skits and were both just excited to share it all," he concludes.

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MALI STAR is more than just a song; it celebrates identity and teamwork. NAIIM and 4Korners have come together from Hargeisa to Toronto to create a project that feels genuine. For NAIIM, this song honors his Somali heritage, while for 4Korners, it highlights the strength of working together. They have produced a track that connects with their backgrounds and attracts a global audience looking for something new and authentic. MALI STAR shows what can happen when two artists join forces to make something special.

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