Leon Michels has quietly become one of the most sought-after producers in music. His signature sound has caught the attention of the mainstream while continuing to inspire the underground. Since 2023’s El Michels Affair & Black Thought album Glorious Game, Michels has been busy producing records for other artists; Norah Jones’ Grammy winning Visions, Clairo’s Grammy nominated Charm, Kali Uchis’ “Moonlight”, as well as albums for labelmates Brainstory, Derya Yıldırım & Grup Şimşek, Thee Heart Tones, and Liam Bailey. His new album 24 Hr Sports marks the highly anticipated return to recording under his own moniker, El Michels Affair
24 Hr Sports was inspired by the fashion and graphic design of ‘80s & ‘90s Sports Illustrated magazines, MF DOOM’s Special Herbs albums, the sample sources used on them, and gospel music a la Pastor T.L. Barrett. The sum of those influences with Michels’ impeccable creative touch prove to be the recipe for an instant classic that will surely be one of the most heralded releases of 2025.
Tracklisting:
1. Drumline
2. Mágica feat. Rogê
3. 24 Hr Sports Theme No. 1
4. Say Goodbye feat. Florence Adooni
5. Oakley’s Car Wash feat. Dave Guy
6. Anticipate feat. Clairo
7. Eastside
8. Clean The Line
9. Cortex
10. Shining
11. 24 Hr Sports Theme No. 2
12. Indifference feat. Shintaro Sakamoto
13. Carry Me Away feat. Norah Jones
14. Take My Hand feat. Rahsaan Roland Kirk
15. Open Season
16. Victory Lap