To be loved and to be in love requires warm sentiment and mental will. For I M 4 N I, MUHLE BOY PROBLEMS embodies the sentimental and mental legwork that goes into making a romantic relationship successful.
MUHLE BOY PROBLEMS marks IM4NI’s second EP release. This record is a blend of low to mid tempo instrumentation, enriched with smooth percussion, saxophones, and sedate vocals to create an ambient and intimate sonic landscape. This 5-track EP is written from the perspective of an Alexandra township native in love with his partner and leaning into accepting his softness in contravention to the prescribed masculinity often observed in society.
Conceptually, the project seeks to embrace the work of loving one’s self as a parallel process to unlearning toxic masculinity, and the trappings it presents in romantic relationships. “4Ever Mine” marked his first single release since S.I.P.S. as well as set the tone for MUHLE BOY PROBLEMS. This single is one of reassurance to a lover who has been hurt before, while the production and naming of this song stand as homage to Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, Brandy, and Monica’s “The Boy Is Mine”, a timeless and inspiring record in R&B.
When it comes to pretty boys, much like anyone else, their problems also include insecurities in romance – MUHLE BOY PROBLEMS is the sonic personification thereof.