Kurious, the New York rapper known for his introspective lyrics, is set to release his latest album, Majician, on October 18. This album, a labor of love crafted between 2016 and 2019, pays tribute to his long-time friend and collaborator, the late MF DOOM, who served as executive producer.
The two first connected in 1989 at Def Jam, where Kurious had ties with the group 3rd Bass. Their friendship blossomed over the years, leading to numerous collaborations, including tracks on DOOM’s iconic Operation: Doomsday and Born Like This. At 54, Kurious has accelerated his output, with Majician being his third album since 2021. He describes his recent creative urgency as akin to “a Tupac sense of urgency,” aiming to make up for lost time.
Born Jorge Alvarez, Kurious grew up in Manhattan Valley, a neighborhood that has undergone significant change since his childhood. His early experiences in hip-hop, witnessing influential crews like Rock Steady and Zulu Nation, shaped his artistic development. Kurious released his debut album, A Constipated Monkey, in 1993, a project that captures the essence of early ’90s New York rap, despite his mixed feelings about its chaotic style.
After grappling with financial struggles and a transformative personal awakening, Kurious took a hiatus from the music industry, working regular jobs while occasionally contributing verses to friends like DOOM. Their bond remained strong through music, even when they weren’t physically together. Kurious recalls the generosity of DOOM, who would surprise him with financial support during tough times.
Majician was created through a mix of stateside studio sessions and overseas communications with DOOM, ensuring that only the most impactful tracks made it to the final cut. The album’s title and artwork reflect Kurious’s identity, merging his past with a message of love and creativity.
Despite the album’s joyous inception, the creative process was marked by personal loss, including the passing of DOOM and Kurious’s own mother. These experiences have infused his music with deeper emotional resonance. Kurious last saw DOOM in April 2020, unaware it would be their final meeting. Following DOOM’s passing on October 31, 2020, Kurious learned of his friend’s wish for the release of Majician, further solidifying their enduring connection.
As Kurious prepares to share this heartfelt project, he emphasizes that his music is about tapping into something greater than oneself—a sentiment he feels resonates even more strongly in light of recent losses.
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