Off the Record (Makaya McCraven album)

Makaya McCraven is an American drummer, composer, and record producer.^[3] Off the Record is his first major project since In These Times (2022).^[4] It compiles four EPs: PopUp Shop, Hidden Out!, Techno Logic, and The People's Mixtape.^[5] It contains performances by McCraven, Jeff Parker, Benjamin J. Shepherd, Justefan, Junius Paul, Marquis Hill, Josh Johnson, Theon Cross, Ben LaMar Gay, Joel Ross, and Jeremiah Chiu.^[6]

The album was released on October 17, 2025, through International Anthem Recording Company, Nonesuch Records, and XL Recordings.^[7] The four EPs were later made available separately on October 31, 2025.^{[8][9][10][11]}

More information Aggregate scores, Source ...

Professional ratings

Aggregate scores
Source	Rating
Metacritic	83/100[2]
Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[6]
Clash	8/10[12]
Jazzwise	[13]
The Line of Best Fit	8/10[14]
Pitchfork	7.8/10[15]
Uncut	8/10[16]

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According to the review aggregator Metacritic, Off the Record received "universal acclaim" based on a weighted average score of 83 out of 100 from 7 critic scores.^[2]

Thom Jurek of AllMusic stated, "While each of these EPs stand on their own in quality, they create a rhythm orgy that is wildly musical and presented as a near symbiotic whole when combined."^[6] Tom Morgan of Clash called it "An essential listen for fans of jazz in all its adventurous modern forms and a broadly welcoming one for general listeners, despite its imposing exterior."^[12] Eddie Myer of Jazzwise wrote, "Fans of Can, J Dilla, DJ Shadow and similarly hip soundscapes will find much to enjoy here."^[13]