The nationally acclaimed, faith-based West Michigan artist who’s racked up millions of listens on Spotify and YouTube stages a listening party for his album, “BOATS,” on Friday at StudioCor3 in Grand Rapids.
Presenting “BOATS”: The new album from Steven Malcolm. (Courtesy Photo)
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Steven Malcolm, 33, recalls a day early in his performing career when he finished second at a “Rock the Mike” benefit at Celebration Cinema North in Grand Rapids. The year was 2012.
“It’s funny, but I always used to lose those contests … or come in second,” said the Grand Rapids native and Kentwood resident. “I guess I’ve come a ways since then.”
From his home-grown talent hewn during his days at Wyoming Park High School and Grand Rapids Community College, Malcolm has indeed traveled the road of a successful artist, racking up millions of listens on Spotify and millions of views on YouTube. Two years ago, he made a splash with a song and music video for “Summertime,” with Snoop Dogg and Jay-Way.
On Stage in 2022: Malcolm. (Photo/Local Spins)
With platforms on major tours and award nominations, the faith-based, hip-hop artist and rapper is soon to issue his fourth, full-length album on an imprint of industry giant Curb Records.
He’ll introduce that project, “BOATS,” on its Friday (Feb. 23) release date during a listening party at the new StudioCor3 creative hub near downtown Grand Rapids.
Although “Truth” was his nickname as a youth, Malcolm couldn’t carry that onto the stage as the moniker was already taken (by the rapper “Da T.R.U.T.H.”). So the new biographical concept album, “BOATS,” stands for “Based On A Truth Story.”
“I wanted to create a character who is isolated on this oasis built by the broken and run by the redeemed,” offered Malcolm of the spiritual metaphors. “It’s where I get to reflect on the transformation of God intervening in my life to where I am now.”
The titles of his rapid-delivery songs are thematic. “Mr. Away” refers to his traveling schedule and time away from home. “Cardio” pictures endurance and training, including his time in the gym. “Better Days” cautions that outwardly you can have fame and success yet your inner life can be empty and lonely. In the music video for “Cardio,” you can spot some Grand Rapids streetscapes. View it here.
VIDEO: Steven Malcolm, “Cardio”
A TOUGH ROAD AND AN ALBUM THAT REVEALS THE HEART OF THE ARTIST
“You really should listen to the songs in order,” he offered of the stories weaving their way through the collection.
That’s the approach he’ll take at his listening party, while filling in their back stories and revealing the heart of the man behind the music.
A young Steven came up the hard way. His father’s forays into drug dealing and other illegal activity led to deportation back to his native Jamaica when Steven was just nine years old. Steven never saw him again.
“I easily could have fallen easily into those footsteps,” he admitted.
Excited About Friday’s GR Listening Party: Malcolm (Coutesy Photo)
But it drove him to search out his identity, which he said he eventually found with a life of faith. He became involved and furthered his musical prowess in the Edge Urban church on Grand Rapids Southwest Side.
Malcolm has since visited his father’s gravesite in Jamaica. His album “The Second City” references Montego Bay and carries a reggae influence.
Despite his national platform, Malcolm continues to reside in Kentwood with his wife, Teaira, and their three-year-old son (whose middle name is Truth). His mother, Kimberly Ellin, also lives in the area.
Malcolm performed on the giant-sized Winter Jam tour in 2017, which included a stop at Van Andel Arena. He has been nominated for seven Gospel Music Association Dove Awards and garnered a stage slot on the national awards show, although he hasn’t yet won one of those honors. Of course, “BOATS” may gain Dove attention this year.
He said faith-based hip hop or gospel rap is growing, and more people than ever are aware of it as a musical option.
Meanwhile, he’s psyched about his local listening party after staging parties in New York and Atlanta. “I want to create and experience,” he said. “There’ll be food, production, a DJ – it’s like a big hang.”
Friday’s party is the first event at StudioCor3, a newly-remodeled photo/video/film studio at 1300 Front Ave. NW in Grand Rapids.
VIDEO: Steven Malcolm, “40”
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