10 Questions with ... Steven Malcolm

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

There's no shortage of bright, young talent in the Christian Hip-Hop realm; and Steven Malcolm is increasingly emerging as a leader on that growing list. The 27 year-old Grand Rapids native had an impactful 2017, releasing radio singles "Hot Boy" and the summer jam collab with Hollyn and Andy Mineo "Party in the Hills," but his most ambitious pursuit is this year's four-part "The Second City" EP series, serving as an exploration of his past and the redemption borne out of it. Part Two in the series releases in April on Word Records imprint 4 Against 5.

Steven also just wrapped up a run on this year's WinterJam tour.

1) When did you realize you had a gift for music artistry? Did anyone specifically encourage you to pursue that career?

I first found my love for music leading worship at my church. I chose to serve the church and God's people by leading worship and found that I love using my gift to glorify Jesus. No one specifically encouraged me to pursue music; it was more that I felt a call from God to do so.

2) Who were/are your greatest musical influences and why?

Michael Jackson and Bob Marley.

3) What's the background story to your label 4 Against 5 and signing a deal with Word Entertainment?

4 Against 5 is a representation of God's strength in the outnumbered. Signing with Word happened through a friend of mine, Joseph Prielozny, who is the Senior Director of A&R. He discovered me on YouTube and was becoming head of IVAV. I was the first-round pick!

4) Can you pinpoint one, defining "I can't believe I get to do this for a living" moment in your career so far?

Definitely every single day, I wake up. Every single flight. Every single show. And every single time fans come up to me. God is amazing. I'm super-humbled every day.

5) You are releasing four EPs this year-one each quarter-all titled "The Second City." What is the Second City?

The Second City is a nickname for Montego Bay, Jamaica. This is where my father was born and grew up. We are using The Second City as an ode to my past and a representation of the new hope and redemption I found in Jesus.

6) With your father not in the picture during some of the most important years of your childhood, did anyone else step up to serve as a mentor/father-figure role in your life during those years?

Unfortunately, no. I've never had a male influence in my life; which is why it's a big part of my story. I never found that father-figure until I found God.

7) What self-identity issues did you struggle with most, growing up, considering your family situation?

How to navigate through life as a man. Certain responsibilities no one really prepared me for. The absence of purpose came around in my late-teens. Most of us honestly go through life trying to find our identity in what influences us the most. For me, it was basketball players and rappers on the TV screen.

8) If you had an opportunity to talk with your dad, what would you want to share with him? What would you want to know from him? Do you ever hope for that opportunity?

I would want him to know that I love him with all of my heart, and not a day goes by where I don't think of him. I would tell him the truth of Jesus-and share the Gospel with him, and how it impacted my life.

9) Who else is coming up through the Christian Hip-Hop ranks that you're enthusiastic about? Anyone that you're particularly working with?

I am super-excited about the growth of Christian Hip-Hop and all the new freshman that are coming into the game ready to glorify Jesus.

10) What career path could you see yourself taking, if you weren't in the music industry?

If I wasn't a hip-hop artist, I would probably be an FBI agent. I went to college for Law Enforcement and being an FBI agent was my ultimate goal.

What are you most looking forward to throughout the rest of 2018, professionally/personally?

Professionally, I'm looking forward to putting out tons of new music. My goal is to grow my brand and fanbase. I'm also working on a clothing line that I haven't announced yet-until this interview! Personally, I'm getting married in August. I'm blessed and excited about that.