Major Lazer has released Gyalgebra, the group’s first self-contained project in five years and the debut showcase for its newest member, British-Jamaican singer America Foster.
The nine-track mixtape, released on November 21, was recorded between Jamaica—where Diplo, Switch and other co-founders launched the group in 2008—and Miami, home base for Walshy Fire, Ape Drums and other members.
The project is already making an international impact. Gangsta, featuring dancehall stalwart Busy Signal, recently peaked at #13 on Germany’s Urban R&B/Hip-Hop Chart. Bruck Down, led by America Foster, is currently #17.
To mark the release, Major Lazer will host a Miami Art Week Block Party on Thursday, December 4, with proceeds going toward Hurricane Melissa relief efforts in Jamaica. The event will feature live performances from the Major Lazer Sound System, plus appearances from longtime collaborators and friends, including Miami legend DJ Chipman—who appears on Gyalgebra’s “Jump & Twist”—and Silent Addy, founder of Bashment and producer of Moliy’s “Shake It To The Max.”
The group announced that the celebration doubles as a relief push following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Diplo, along with volunteers from CORE, the St Elizabeth-based BREDS Foundation and St Elizabeth-based CORE, recently visited Treasure Beach, distributing water and food while surveying the widespread damage.
“Jamaica is at the core of everything I do,” Diplo told Observer Online in a statement. “It has shaped me and my worldview. Even after so many losses, that same energy is still shining. It was horrifying to see the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa. Complete communities are rebuilding, and they need help.”
Gyalgebra marks the beginning of a new creative era for the group. Foster, now dubbed Major Lazer’s “First Lady,” appears on five tracks, including the lead single Bruck Down, which also features Parris Goebel, SadBoi and SadBoi. The project also includes a ’90s-style solo dancehall cut, Peppa Pot.
Collaborators span the Caribbean and beyond: Dominican star Tokischa; DJ Chipman; Canadian artist SadBoi; New Zealand-born choreographer-turned-singer Parris Goebel; Jamaican dancehall veteran Busy Signal; Trinidad and Tobago soca icon Bunji Garlin; zess queen Lady Lava; and Amsterdam-based producer Kybba.
Gyalgebra is out now on all major platforms.
