MDQ’s 3rd Studio Album has hit the streets

Muthoni Drummer Queen fondly referred to as MDQ just dropped her 3rd full-length studio album titled SHE. The body of work bound by 11 tracks is an exemplary listen woven in Hip Hop, Afro Pop, Poetry, Dancehall, Retro-soul, Blues and future R&B.

In the build-up to this day, she teased us with 3 tracks, Suzie Noma, Kenyan message (plus it remix) and Lover. Each song has an individual message that sums up to the overall theme which is the celebration of beauty, strength, innovation and resilience of an African Woman.

MDQ is very particular about her sound and she is the queen of fusing genres and cutting across the musical spectrum to create something for her. She has radio singles, stage sets and club bangers all infused on this project. In an interview, MDQ stated, “Create from the heart and not for the fans. Once you create from the heart to the best of your ability, the fans will catch up to you.”

SHE has jams like Caged Bird which showcases the intergenerational struggle with art at the forefront. No More highlights breaking out of oppressive and toxic relationships. Time Bomb covers a successful woman’s struggle with alcoholism. Criminal highlights betrayal, accusations and dealing with half-truths. These are some of the examples of the wider message MDQ is relying on this project.

The production of the album is handled by Swiss Producers GR & Hook who meticulously delivered a clean and listenable project. You can feel all the elements be it the Bass kick, drums, keys, melodies and I like how MDQ’s sound is not swallowed by the beats. The mastering is filtered to the optimal level.

I would advise you pick up this album which is available on all music streaming platforms and it will be worth your money. My favourite tracks include, ‘Elevate, Kenyan Message, Squad Up, Million Voice and Criminal’.