Malachi Grant whose name means ‘my messenger’ is a hip hop artist with depth. Walking the border of story- telling and feel good music.  His high energy music, takes the listener through feelings in life, all listeners can relate to.  His content range is an open canvas pulling from his life experiences delivered with a stylishly-fresh sound, unique to Malachi.

Citing a wide array of musical influences such as LL Cool J, Big L, Rakim, Biggie, Mase, Tupac and Nas, Malachi’s presents positive and thought provoking flows that make you bop your head with metaphors and punch lines that surprise.

Previously, Malachi released “Just That Ill” introducing the world to the sounds he grew up on vamped with his perspective and stories of his growing pains and inspiration.  Over the years his talents have afforded him opportunities to perform on stages alongside artist like Maino, Fred the Godson, Mysonne, Joel Ortiz, and Memphis Bleek to name a few.   His previous offering “Welcome 2 My World’, was released to raved reviews and placements on various websites and blogs.  You can find Malachi performing throughout the East Coast with other rising stars and launching his newest release On My Way.

Website: www.malachigrant.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mghasmusic
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mghamusic

1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?

First I enjoyed listening to music, then learning to play. Then it was playing music to writing music to recording music and performing my recorded music. I was told the best way to live is by doing what you love. So that is what I do. I do more than just make music as a creative but music help foster those interests. Along with words from my grandparents and other family and friends.

2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?

I do not like to compare myself to other musicians, writers or recording artists. I believe my writing style and content is unique from many other artists. My voice is unique, and my consistent messages are unique as well.

3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?

I’ve faced a lot of adversity throughout my life. Which is probably why all my music is focused in growth and overcoming obstacles from various aspects. However the things I experienced becoming a musician, writer and recording artist follow similar structure. Learning to play an instrument you don’t start off being excellent, you build your way up to that. So taking that with life experiences outside of music everything in your path can be moved. The question is how much time and intellect will you dedicate to solving the issue. That is also the process I followed, I starting playing instruments than writing then recording all very different. The transition from writing to records was more difficult than the others, though.

4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?

I write songs typically based on an overlaying topic of an album. Then I listen to records and find those that imprint me. From there I figure out what the music is saying to me and begin writing to communicate back to the music I am hearing. It’s a conversation, sometimes it’s a freestyle. On my recent album On My Way the song “Everything I Can” is a freestyle. Big Yount just took some ad lips and cut and chopped them and made the hook. The spoken word on “I’ll Be Sure” is a freestyle.

5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?

I intend to make the best music I can each time out. Continue building my music catalog. I am not trying to stand out, I am simply creating music that matches my messages and pair that with content that matches. The more I make, the more is heard, the bigger the collective that can hear the music. Listening to the music is recognition enough. The impact of the music means more than formal recognition.

6.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?

I enjoy being independent because I am in control of all aspect of my projects. If something doesn’t work it is on me. It forces you to be creative outside of your music. Business, marketing, music videos, live shows interviews, etc. The information you gain through the process is heavy and you continue to apply more and more. However, that is the situation best for me. Especially with the technology available you do not need a major label to make an impact and growth to your music career or be profitable. It will just take more elbow grease on your part. So yes, many aspects of the traditional music industry are dead.

7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?

The internet and social media have removed the barrier of entry into the music industry. It is also a great direct way to connect to those who support your music and create dialogue with them. Additionally, it is a great way to find new talented acts that you may find a way to work with whether through music, art, dance etc.

You have to offer something special to your supporters, make moments. So you have to be savvy with your social media usage. I think if you have a great live show and you continue to build on that, but aren’t an expert with social media you can still leverage social media. By making the focus your live show and allowing your supporters to spread the word about your live show through social media, and make that feature of you on social media.

8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?

Only you know if an artist knows if they truly are selling out. Some people make music naturally that fits with the general public’s interest. That doesn’t make them sell outs. To me a ‘sell out’ is someone who isn’t making music true to themselves. If you make music naturally that fits in the public interest and you decide to make music outside of that and it doesn’t come from a pure place within you, you’re selling out. To me at least.

My music is a direct reflection of what I represent and who I am and where I am in life. I stay true by making music that means something to me and reflects my thoughts, experiences, conversations and aspirations. My music is meant to document these things and offer aspirations, inspiration and resilience. In a word ‘uplift’.

9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

I see myself expanding my creativity and the scope of my topics as I grow and my audience grows with me. Bigger records and larger reach.