Makhyli – I Need You (Cat and Mouse) (2026)
Makhyli’s journey into the creative arts started rather simply – her mother noticed her talent as she sat in her car seat singing. From there, she was enrolled in a school for creative arts and quickly established herself as a celebrated figure in her Grand Rapids community. Before her 16th birthday, Makhyli had moved to Hollywood, started turning heads of music labels and managers, and became the youngest member of breakout girl group Boys World. Skip ahead several years, and the US-based model, actress and musician steps into her solo era with a distinctive blend of soul, pop and rap. The latest addition to her discography is the single, ‘I Need You (Cat and Mouse)’.
Following her well-received 2026 single, ‘Hissy Fit’, Makhyli steps out with the new track, ‘I Need You (Cat and Mouse)’. Produced by Robert Burgess (who also assisted with the song’s composition), ‘I Need You (Cat and Mouse)’ is a solid hip-hop song from the outset, yet the chorus brings a pop flair – an interesting combination as it simultaneously showcases Makhyli’s versatility and perfectly captures the theme in its oscillation between gruff rap and softer pop.
Bold beats pulsate in the song, with Makhyli’s rich, sweet vocals leading the track. As I mentioned, that shift from hard-hitting rapper to smooth, soulful pop inserts vulnerability, fragility and intimacy (the mouse) with a heavier, harder brashness (the cat); each a character in the game of abuse and harassment. Makhyli explains:
“‘I Need You’… blends emotional vulnerability with a bigger cultural message around safety, connection, and being seen… It is designed to feel personal on first listen, but expansive and anthemic as it unfolds. What makes this release especially meaningful is the campaign behind it. ‘I Need You’ is launching in partnership with Right To Be and RAINN during Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Anti-Street Harassment week… The goal is to bridge music and impact, creating something that resonates emotionally while also contributing to a larger conversation.”
Find out more about Makhyli on her official website, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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