Atlanta singer-songwriter malia dishon’s 11 Good Things

Singer-songwriter and creative malia dishon is an ATLien to her core. As the daughter of music and film executive Dee Dee Murray and Ray Murray (co-founder of Organized Noize and The Dungeon Family), dishon was immersed in the music industry from a young age. Her parents’ collaborations with legendary artists like OutKast, TLC and Goodie Mob gave her a firsthand look at the industry’s inner workings. After years of being a creative and music video director for artists such as Latto, GloRilla, Summer Walker, Tems, Kelly Rowland and more, she answered the call to step into the spotlight with her blend of pop and dance sounds.

Following the release of her debut single, “King of Lies,” she’s been in the studio preparing new music and has released the singles “Say You Love Me” and “Queen of the Dancefloor,” a set of remixes, and is perfecting her debut EP, The Star.  She also just released her first professional collaboration with her dad. The song, “On His Mind,” which pulls inspiration from amapiano, was co-written by Marqueze Etheridge, the songwriter behind TLC’s “Waterfalls.” Recently, she performed at ATLAnime Fest, Criminal Records 35th anniversary fest and the 2025 One Musicfest.

1. I’d love to start with ATLiens, the album and the merchandise collaboration with OutKast and the Atlanta Falcons, which I recently modeled in. The ATLiens album was so monumental in OutKast’s career and beloved by so many fans, still to this day. It also features production from my father, Ray Murray of Organized Noize, and my mom, Dee Dee Murray’s vocals, as she’s on the hook for “Two Dope Boyz In A Cadillac.” I’m so honored and grateful that the Falcons reached out to me to be a part of a moment that celebrates the legacy of my family. I was also a Junior Atlanta Falcon cheerleader when I was younger, so it’s been so full circle on a LOT of levels for me.

2. Fernbank Science Center. Now, this is one of my happy places, and we used to go there for field trips in elementary school. I still visit to this day, and I love the planetarium shows. I love learning about space, and they show so many visually captivating presentations in the planetarium. It’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy.

3. I love Crystal Blue in Little 5 Points. It’s my go-to shop for crystals, incense and anything metaphysical. We’ve been shopping there for years. I love the vibes of that store, and I always feel better after leaving. Little 5 Points in general means a lot to my family and me. My uncles in the Dungeon Family would always shop in the area, and some of their early shows were at the Variety Playhouse. I feel like Little 5 Points has something for everyone to enjoy and explore.

4. So Ba in East Atlanta Village has the absolute best pho in the city, in my opinion. That broth is heavenly and can cure anything! It always makes me feel warm and loved inside. I have always joked that if I could marry food, it would be a bowl of pho from So Ba. I’ve been going to So Ba since 2014. I would order it throughout the pandemic, too, because there was NO WAY I was letting my favorite restaurant close. Sometimes, when I’m really hungry, I’ll sit down and have pho and get the Cơm Bò Lúc Lắc to go.

5. Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party. I stumbled in here a couple of years ago after a trip to London. I was still craving the vibes of all the cool and unique tea shops in the UK, and this place gave me that fix. Being in there feels like you’re on the set of a whimsical movie. It’s the perfect place to grab a tea or coffee and read a book. So if you can’t get to London any time soon, Dr. Bombay’s will give you a dose of the UK vibes and a bit of inspiration.

6. The Atlanta Botanical Garden is so special to me. I was gifted a membership a couple of years ago, and it’s become one of my happy places as well. It’s perfect for connecting with beauty and taking a stroll while catching up with friends. I love walking through the rose garden and finding fragrant flowers. I also love visiting in the spring for the tulips and in the winter for the holiday lights.

7. Wuxtry Records. I’ve been to both locations, the one in Decatur and the other in Athens. I’m a UGA alum — Go Dawgs! I’ve shopped at the Decatur location the most, and I’ve found a bunch of records in there, including a lot of my favorite artists: Kate Bush, Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac, OutKast, George Benson, Earl Klugh, Sade and more. I love digging through the crates and seeing which gems I can add to my collection.

8. So if you’re ever in the mood for a sweet treat that is not too sweet, head to Mochinut at Chattahoochee Food Works. Mochinuts are like mochi and donuts put together into one delectable dessert. The caramel churro one is the best, in my opinion.

9. Surin of Thailand in Virginia Highland has some amazing Thai food. We have had a lot of family gatherings here over the years — birthdays, graduation celebrations and more. The lamb chop meal is my favorite, and the sauce they use in this dish is so good. Also, they have the best chicken wonton soup in Atlanta. PERIOD.

10. Desta Ethiopian Kitchen is a must. I love the vegan platter and the lamb tibs. Everything at Desta is amazing. They are one of my comfort food spots and also got me through the Covid pandemic. I was ordering Desta every week — seriously.

11. Eight Sushi Lounge is perfect for dates or just a nice solo date, too. Sometimes I’d go and sit at the bar and have sushi and sake and feel like I was instantly transported to Japan. My favorite dishes are Orange Is the New Black, Seared Scallops and the Island Breeze Roll. It’s not on the menu, but I have ordered Lobster Ramen there as well, and it’s so freaking good.