“Ride” is the next evolution of Hanna’s vision. A cinematic rock-soul burner doused in grit, emotional urgency, and melodic ambition. Following the release of his previous single, “Ya Jama’a,” the track pushes Hanna further into performance-driven terrain, where every chorus feels engineered for a slow-motion close-up. Built on driving rhythms and raw vocal power, “Ride” doesn’t just play; it unfolds, scene by scene. Set to be featured in the upcoming Latin-led gritty superhero film, The Gunfighter, the song doubles as both a standalone anthem and narrative engine. If this is the next phase of Malek Hanna’s rollout, consider “Ride” the ignition switch, a must-listen that positions him at the sharp edge of a raw, story-driven sound.
1. “Ride” is described as a “cinematic rock-soul burner”. What inspired the song, and how did you approach creating the music and production?
“Ride” came from a place of tension and release. It’s that moment where everything inside you is building and you either break or you push through. I wanted it to feel cinematic, like you’re in the middle of a scene and something is about to shift. From a production standpoint, we leaned into that contrast. Gritty, grounded verses that build into something more expansive and emotional. It’s rock, it’s soul, but it’s also storytelling. Every layer was designed to feel like movement.
2. Your background is in acting and filmmaking. How has your experience as an actor and filmmaker influenced the way you write, produce, and perform songs like “Ride”? Do you see your music as an extension of your visual storytelling?
My background in acting and filmmaking shapes everything. I don’t really separate music from storytelling. When I write, I’m thinking in scenes, in arcs, in emotion.“Ride” isn’t just a song to me, it’s a moment. A character. A turning point. So yes, my music is absolutely an extension of my visual storytelling. I want people to feel like they’re stepping into a world, not just listening to a track.
3. “Ride” is set to be featured in the upcoming Latin-led gritty superhero film The Gunfighter. Can you tell us how the song ended up in the movie, and what it was like collaborating with the film’s team? Does the track reflect any specific themes or character moments from the film?
“The Gunfighter” and “Ride” came together very organically since I’m producing and acting in the film. The song naturally became part of that universe. The film has this raw, grounded energy with mythic undertones, and “Ride” reflects that. It’s about stepping into your power when everything is stacked against you. There are definitely moments in the film where that emotional tone aligns directly with the song.
4. Following “Ya Jama’a,” “Ride” feels like a bold evolution in your sound—more grit, emotional urgency, and melodic ambition. What made you want to push in this direction for this next phase of your rollout?
With “Ya Jama’a,” I introduced a global, rhythmic side of my sound. With “Ride,” I wanted to go deeper emotionally and sonically.
This phase is about honesty and intensity. Less polished, more real. I wanted to push into something that feels urgent and cinematic, something that hits both musically and emotionally.
5. As both a singer and an actor, how do you prepare vocally and emotionally for a high-intensity track like “Ride”? Is there a specific performance technique or mindset you use when delivering those raw, powerful choruses?
It’s very similar to how I prepare for a role. I tap into a specific emotional state and stay there while recording. Vocally, it’s about control within intensity. You want the power, but you also want vulnerability. The choruses in “Ride” come from a place of letting go, not overthinking. It’s more about feeling than perfection.
6. You’re a Brooklyn-born artist with roots that seem to influence your work. How does your New York upbringing and multicultural background show up in “Ride” and in your music overall?
Brooklyn definitely shaped me. There’s a rawness, a rhythm, and a certain honesty that comes from growing up there.
At the same time, my multicultural background brings in different textures and influences. That combination shows up in the way I approach music, blending different sounds while keeping it grounded and real.
7. The song is positioned as both a standalone anthem and a narrative engine for the film. What story are you telling with “Ride,” and how does it connect to the larger vision you have for your music career?
“Ride” is about stepping into motion. Not waiting, not hesitating, just moving forward even when it’s uncertain.
It’s both personal and universal. For me, it represents this shift into a new phase creatively. And in the bigger picture, it’s part of building a body of work where music and storytelling live together.
8. Many artists today release music, but you’re approaching it with a filmmaker’s eye—cinematic visuals, performance-driven delivery, and story integration. What do you hope audiences take away from the full “Ride” experience (music + visuals + film context)?
I want people to feel something immersive. Not just hear a song, but experience a moment.
With “Ride,” it’s about the full picture. The sound, the visuals, the performance, and how it ties into the film. The goal is to create something that stays with you, something that feels bigger than just a single release.
9. What can fans expect next from you in 2026—more singles, an album, acting roles, or perhaps directing your own music videos or films tied to this musical era?
2026 is about expansion. More music, leading into a larger body of work, possibly an album.
On the film side, I’m continuing to produce and act, and I’m stepping more into directing, especially where music and film intersect. The goal is to build a cohesive world across everything I’m doing.
10. If “Ride” is the ignition switch for this new phase, where do you see your music heading in the next few years?
“Ride” is the ignition point. From here, the music continues to evolve while staying rooted in storytelling.
I see it becoming more cinematic, more layered, and more connected to film. The long-term vision is to create projects where music and narrative live together as one experience.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
- Socials: @frazer.live
- @neill.outloud
