Balens Cho (Hot Candles)

Released December 4, 2021, Balens Cho (Hot Candles) is Mach-Hommy's second release of 2021, following Pray for Haiti in May. The "Hot Candles" subitlte comes from the title's English translation from Haitian Creole.^[1] Lyrically, the album explores the colonization of Haiti,^[2] as well as his desire to open a tech school in Haiti.^[1] The album released on vinyl in September 2022.^[3]

Balens Cho (Hot Candles) received positive reviews from critics. Matthew Ismael Ruiz of Pitchfork rated the album an 8.1, saying "Even when it’s somber and elegiac, Balens Cho is devoid of self-pity. […] The stories he tells here are not merely his own. He understands, better than most, the role of mythmaking in reshaping reality".^[4] Charles Davis of Post-Trash said "Mach-Hommy solidifies his magnificence with Balens Cho—not just simply within the hip-hop of the moment, but with respect to all recorded music. This is a reminder of why, despite the insanity of the world, each moment is a blessing".^[5]

All tracks are written by Mach-Hommy. Song titles are stylized in all caps.