Melatonin Magik (stylized in all caps) is the ninth studio album by American rapper Canibus. The album contains guest appearances by Professor Griff of Public Enemy who provides introductory or hype vocals on numerous songs. The album also features production from a collective of producers such as Sicknature and ENG, as well as performance appearances by fellow rap artists such as DZK and Warbucks of Warlab Records, Blaq Poet, K-Solo, and D12, among others.
Artwork
The conceptual artwork for Melatonin Magik is partly inspired by the feature film The Matrix, depicting Canibus in a meditative posture surrounded by chains and broken glass. The red pill and blue pills that levitate from his hands allude to the central protagonist's choice between the two. The graphic design artist credited with its illustration was commissioned by Canibus himself through Spitboss.
A deluxe edition of Melatonin Magik featuring two bonus tracks, "Wu-Flix" and "Fraternity of the Impoverished (Extended Mix)", the album was released digitally on February 9, 2010.
Controversy
The song "Air Strike (Pop Killer)" generated controversy as Canibus reignited a feud with longtime rival Eminem and used D12 verses secured by DZK to create the illusion that they had sided with him.[citation needed]
Professor Griff appears on several songs, which was also controversial given his past public statements that led to him being frozen out of the mainstream hip hop scene.
Reception
The album received mixed to positive reviews, with RapReviews awarding it a 9 out of 10.[citation needed]
