Jamaican Dancehall Star Malie Donn to Drop New Single “Don Julio” Nov 1 The Grand Rising EP Arrives Nov 15
Jamaican dancehall renegade Malie Donn returns with “Don Julio,” dropping November 1 via VPAL Music. Building on the success of “V6,” which has garnered tens of millions of streams, and standout performances at Reggae Sumfest and 4 Shooters Only’s “From the Block” series, Malie continues to strengthen his hold on the dancehall scene. Produced by Dan Sky and Attomatic, “Don Julio” is charged with the adrenaline of success and recounts Malie’s indulgent encounters, backed by a shadowy, immersive beat.
The title “Don Julio” nods to the tequila brand that has rapidly gained popularity across the U.S., with frequent shoutouts from artists like Drake and Travis Scott making it a staple in hip hop and youth culture. The track taps into this cultural crossover, where Caribbean rhythms and hip-hop aesthetics intertwine, with Malie reflecting on the pleasures of fame and the carefree lifestyle that comes with it, while staying true to his dancehall roots.
As Billboard’s Kyle Denis highlighted last year, “V6” is part of a modern wave of dancehall captivating audiences globally. “Don Julio” builds on that momentum, channeling Malie’s signature confidence and flair, while showcasing the lavish lifestyle and experiences that have come with his rise to fame.
Meanwhile, his upcoming Grand Rising EP, out November 15, features exciting collaborations, including tracks with Squash, Armanii, and Byron Messia, reflecting a collective push toward redefining what dancehall can be.
The Fuegoo-directed video captures the kinetic energy of Times Square during the Mexican Day Parade, a fitting backdrop for Malie’s celebration of success. Featuring a cameo from New York viral sensation Holli TV—known for his Don Julio-themed content—the visuals amplify the track’s themes, blending humor and swagger to reflect the fusion of dancehall and hip-hop culture.
Read the Billboard article here