Manger on McNichols

Manger on McNichols is a collaborative studio album by American rapper Boldy James and producer Sterling Toles, released on July 22, 2020, through Sector 7-G Recordings. It has been described as a "deeply personal" album, with a focus on James's Detroit upbringing and his strained relationship with his parents. The album has received attention for its use of live jazz instrumentation, as well as a lengthy and complex recording process, which lasted over a decade. The album features guest appearances from rappers Dej Loaf and Louie P. Newton.

Initially conceived as a personal project between James and Toles, the first recording sessions for Manger on McNichols were held from 2007 to 2010 in Toles's makeshift basement studio. In the following years, Toles continued to work on the album by bringing in over twenty Detroit musicians to provide layers over the original boom bap backing tracks, including cellist Mother Cyborg, percussionist Jugal Kishore Dasa and electric bassist Bubz Fiddler. The album was completed in mid-2018, when James recorded his final vocals for two remaining instrumental sections.

Manger on McNichols received critical acclaim upon its release, with critics praising Toles's jazz-influenced production and James's evocative storytelling. Several publications named it one of the best hip-hop albums of 2020.