New York City-based Dominican artist Makleen makes a compelling return to the music scene with his long-awaited new album, DUALIDAD. Blending trap, reggaeton, and Afro-influenced sounds, the project marks a significant creative resurgence after a prolonged hiatus, reaffirming Makleen’s place in contemporary Dominican urban music.
After spending time away from releasing music, Makleen felt the moment was right to reconnect with his audience and reintroduce his artistic voice. DUALIDAD reflects this renewed purpose, navigating seamlessly between romantic trap and reggaeton, while delivering an emotionally charged and modern sonic identity. The album explores contrast and balance—strength and vulnerability, rhythm and melody—true to its title.
The project features collaborations with BS El Ideólogo, ZK El Sonido Divino, JhayThree, Ashh, and San2bal, each contributing to the album’s rich and dynamic sound. A standout creative element throughout DUALIDAD is the use of innovative vocal chops, which add texture and originality across the tracklist.
Recorded primarily in Makleen’s personal studio in New York City, the album began with him freestyling over beats sourced from YouTube before developing ideas with collaborating producers. The project was further refined with the guidance of Wise and BS El Ideólogo, who assisted in song selection, while San2bal and ZK El Sonido Divino focused on ensuring each track maintained originality, thematic cohesion, and the right tempo. Mixing and mastering were completed in the Dominican Republic, following several months of dedicated work.
Through DUALIDAD, Makleen aims to project deeper emotions and offer listeners something authentic and meaningful, reinforcing his belief that music is art created from love.
Born April 9, 1991, in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, Makleen is a Dominican singer, rapper, and producer now based in New York City. His musical journey began in 2007 with the group Flow Magic Company under the mentorship of BS El Ideólogo. He officially debuted as a solo artist in 2014, blending Latin trap, reggaeton, and R&B, quickly emerging as a rising force within Dominican urban music. His lyrics often explore love, heartbreak, street narratives, Caribbean culture, and social issues.
Makleen has performed at major New York events, including the Dominican Day Parade and the Puerto Rican Day Parade. In 2020, TuneCore recognized him for surpassing 10,000 streams, while the Music Streaming Awards certified 100,000 streams for his EP Timeless. He continues to promote singles such as Apaga la luz and No toy en ti, where he contributed as both composer and producer, alongside his EP Yesterday, which features early material from his career.
With influences ranging from Bad Bunny, Feid, J Alvarez, Don Omar, Wisin y Yandel, and longtime collaborator BS El Ideólogo, DUALIDAD represents not just a comeback but a bold new chapter in Makleen’s evolving artistic journey.
DUALIDAD is available now on all major streaming platforms here
