Producer Malay: Frank Ocean 'Working Harder Than He's Ever Worked'

The masterful producer and songwriter known as Malay just had a Zayn Malik–oriented sit-down with Pitchfork, and hooooo boy did it yield some fascinating Frank Ocean info. Malay—birth name James Ho—worked on 13 of the 17 tracks on Frocean's 2012 debut album, Channel Orange, and yes, he's got the hookup on the next LP.

"Frank’s exploring different vibes completely on this album," says Malay, who produced nearly half of Zayn's first solo set, Mind of Mine. "I wouldn’t say it’s vocally looser but just his mentality; it doesn’t seem as meticulous at certain times.” Much of that looseness came from Frank's decision to often record "with a handheld mic sitting in the control room."