Malachi Grant (New York City) – Q&A Interview
Tell us a little about yourself. Where you are from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?
My name is Malachi Grant and I’m from New York. Westchester County down to the Bronx. I’ve been making music since elementary school. It has always been a way to express myself artistically. During my college years at Temple University is when I started performing and perfecting my craft.
What influences you in making Hip Hop?
Everyday life. My experiences, the people in my life and my relationship with them can be heard in my music. Walking the streets of Harlem daily, you’ll always have a story to tell. Lol. But more importantly, I want to be able to connect with people and inspire others to follow their dreams.
Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?
My music is autobiographical even if I put things in code. It’s high on energy and walks the boarder of storytelling and feel good music. I’m an independent underground artist with a major sound. I am versatile in my topics and polished in my songwriting and that’s just the beginning, I don’t sound like anyone else, I sound like me. When the people hear my album they can judge for themselves.
Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collaborate with in the near future?
On my album, I’ve collaborated with singers: (Shay Nicole, Spade, Mike Milan, and Chris Lloyd) Rappers: (Dunn Da God). I would like to work with Mase, T.I., Nas, Wale, AZ, LOX, Troy Ave, all New York artist and any artist that when blending our sounds and styles we create something fresh and unique.
Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?
Underground Hip Hop to me is just Hip Hop music that hasn’t surfaced yet to be appreciated by the mainstream. Its grassroots building and nurturing your talents connecting your message to the people listening for what’s next.
Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production? And who would you like to work with?
On this new album I worked with Yung Fokus of Fokus Music Group, Flash Beats, Kid Flash, Mystro, Koncept Beats of Byrant Walker Productions, and Mike DeSilva. I’d like to work with Buda Da Future, Yung Fokus and Matthew Thurman to name a few.
Any current or future projects you are promoting?
My current album “Welcome 2 My World” will be released on all digital outlets February 17, 2014. It will also be available to purchase in Black Star on Lenox Ave between 127th and 128th street, in Harlem. The album has 12 song offering something for everyone to enjoy.
Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of “Welcome 2 My World” & Some background on the Album Art Design?
It started with a concept to showcase the various aspects of my life and my versatility. The album was originally called “So Much More”. I searched for different producers within various genres that blend hip hop, which I felt would complete the concept. After I recorded a bunch of songs I changed the title to “Welcome 2 My World,” because it felt like an introduction to myself with every song showing another aspect who I am.
My mom sent me an old photo of me standing in a B-Boy stance (arms crossed) back when I was like seven. British Knights on my feet a Teddy Roux on the floor. My mom had a lot of records so there were all these crates of records. When I looked at that picture it summed to me, who I am. You have the teddy bear representing how your parents try to keep you innocent growing up. The records because it’s music but I’m in the middle like I’m a B-boy.
Where can we find your music and info?
My music can be found on iTunes, Spotify etc. but you can check me out my website www.mghasmusic.com for music, videos, and interviews.
Any shout outs?
Steve Francis from Stush Music Studios for the advice, jokes and oh yeah mixing the album. My friends and family that created the moments I speak about on the album. And everyone that appreciates my music, because I appreciate you.
