Steven Malcolm brings his unique style of Christian hip-hop into 2022 with the release of 'Summertime,' featuring Snoop Dogg and Jay-Way. Rhyming tighter than Chuck Taylor's shoelaces, Malcolm's fierce flow is complimented by Snoop Dogg's elegant guest verse, resulting in an intense, shimmery summer vibe. As Malcolm says, he wanted to "bring an endless tune that will give people that summertime feeling over and over."
With five Dove award nominations, more than 70 million streams, and a second studio album that debuted at number 11 on the Billboard Hip-Hop chart, Malcolm has been making waves and finding fans in the faith-driven hip-hop music scene. Now, with the release of 'Summertime' and the forthcoming 'Tree,' the rising star and one of the most influential voices in his genre is working with rap royalty as well as award-winning artists such as Shaggy, Social Club Misfits, and KB.
Malcolm was raised by a family whose Jamaican-born patriarch was deported back to Jamaica when he was just ten, passing away before the two were able to reunite. As a student in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Malcolm found faith at a church that incorporated hip-hop, and this became an opportunity to make message-driven music.
Three studio albums later, Malcolm is coming full circle, returning to his Jamaican roots with 'Tree.' "Jamaicans pronounce the number 3, tree. This being my third studio album focused on the growth and fruit that came from a foundation rooted in truth," says Malcolm. "There's so much significance that comes from the word. My music has become my legacy, changing the trajectory of my lineage and my family tree," he adds.
The album acts as a window into Malcolm's mind and soul as he recollects experiences that have shaped him as a man and artist. His honesty, intensity, and brainy lyricism reign supreme throughout the 16-track project. Leading off with 'Heavenly Father,' a track about prayer and where Malcolm is "in life mentally, physically, and spiritually," 'Tree' recounts the experiences that have motivated his transcendence into an ethereal hip-hop powerhouse. His gripping testimonies are enhanced by notable features with artists like The Fisk Jubilee Singers, heard on this opening track. Malcolm's faith is further explored in 'Glory on Me,' which opens with a gospel choir, while 'Demons' and 'Believe In Me' look at the vulnerability that comes with inner struggles.
Upbeat tracks like 'Rooftop Freestyle' and 'Respect' are reinforced with powerful production by renowned producers BoogzDaBeast, FNZ, and Sango, while Malcolm's versatility ascends with dancehall-infused bops 'Jah Ah De King"' and 'Fuego (Remix)' which amassed more than 6.1 million global streams.
'Summertime' featuring Snoop Dogg and Jay-Way is released on the 27th May 2022.
"Steven Malcolm has been one of the more consistent creators within Christian Rap. He is comfortable using any sound, can sing well, and can really rap." - Rapzilla
Religion and rap often find points of intersection. Whether inspired by, brought up in, or influenced by the church, its presence is always somewhat there in spirit somehow, but the way Steven Malcolm utilized the trope is creatively different." - Elevator Mag
