The acclaimed, faith-based Grand Rapids artist has made waves with his inspiring storytelling, racking up more than 75 million streams. Today, he reveals the recordings that have impacted him most.
A Diverse Palette of Influences: Steven Malcolm (Courtesy Photo)
EDITOR’S NOTE: All artists can trace their inspiration to key recordings that influenced their careers. Today, Local Spins’ Ross Boissoneau showcases the albums that inspired Grand Rapids hip hop artist Steven Malcolm. Scroll down for a Spotify playlist of those picks, along with two recent singles from Malcolm.
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For Steven Malcolm, his music comes from the heart. And from his love for God, his church and his community.
The Grand Rapids native grew up without a father after age 9, when his dad was deported to Jamaica following run-ins with the law. “I never saw him again,” Malcolm recalls, but he nevertheless had a profound impact on young Steven and his music, as you’ll see below
Fast forward a decade and Malcolm was trying to figure out what to do with his life. Several of his friends with whom he played basketball had invited him to go to church with them at The Edge. The music and worship experience led him to declare his faith in Jesus, and not only did he begin attending, he began contributing to the worship music.
New Single: Malcolm with Carly Ann Taylor (Courtesy Photo)
“It was a hip-hop church. There was rapping on stage, it was right in my lane,” he says. When the pastor got a grant he set up a recording studio in the church, Malcolm soon was laying down tracks and beats while helping younger people navigate the studio.
Today, the 34-year-old is a mainstay on the hip-hop side of the Christian recording company Curb Records, and tours nationally. He and his family still make Grand Rapids their home, though he’s comfortable in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta and other musical hotbeds where he performs and records.
“Nashville’s like my second home, I can move around without my GPS. But the key in Grand Rapids is my family; I have a really strong village. I know I could come out (to the big cities), but there would be no community.”
Currently he’s dropping a new single each month — his latest, “Safe & Sound (In Your Love),” with singer Carly Ann Taylor — with a tour and album release set for next year. “Streaming changed everything. The singles numbers go toward albums. The label says put snippets out,” he says.
Asked to pick his most inspirational recordings, Malcolm immediately replied, “That’s easy.” Less so was his current listening favorite, as he ran through a few ideas before settling on one.
1. Bob Marley, “Legend” (1984) – When I was little, that was the first music I was introduced to by my dad. I remember my dad would put the cassette in in the car. It’s got “One Love,” “No Woman No Cry,” “Redemption” – all the hits. I am Jamaican.
2. Michael Jackson, “Thriller” (1982) – Arguably the greatest album ever created. It’s only got nine songs. As a kid, I did chores around the house, got some money and went to Walmart and bought “Thriller.” Oh my gosh, how does a human move like that? He’s just gliding. I love the choreography. Today, I can still do all the moves from “Billie Jean,” the “Thriller” dance, “Beat It.”
3. Lil Wayne, “Tha Carter II” (2005) – In high school, hip hop radically changed my life. Lil Wayne changed my life, my first (rap) inspiration. Punchlines had been my thing – (after this was) the first time I ever freestyled in public. “Money On My Mind,” “I’m A Dboy” – they’re staples you know.
Currently Loving: J. Cole, “The Offseason” (2021) – I’m a big Gunna fan. And Offset, “Bodies” featuring JID, sampled “Let The Bodies Hit The Floor.” That’s my theme for this fall season. But I went back to J. Cole. “Offseason” gets me through the gym.
ALBUMS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD: Steven Malcolm’s Playlist on Spotify
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