Mike – Burning Desire (2xLP)

Burning Desire is the ninth studio album by MIKE, released via his own 10k label. The expansive 2023 record has guest features from Earl Sweatshirt, Larry June, Liv.e, Venna, Lila Ramani (from Crumb), El Cousteau, Niontay, Mark William Lewis, Klein, and TAKA. A dark romantic horror with comedic twists, it tells the tale of a fire deeply rooted in revenge and devastation, masked with an intricate beauty.

Almost entirely self-produced under MIKE's dj blackpower alias, and follows Faith Is a Rock, his collaborative album with The Alchemist and Wiki. Burning Desire is one of MIKE's most considered projects to date, and incorporates live instrumentation for the first time, adding more depth and rich musicality to his universe. The album was aptly described by Pitchfork as "self-assured and clear-eyed, ushering in an ambitious new era for the hometown hero."