Masterful hip-hop sensation Steven Malcolm has elevated his signature multi-cultural style to the next level with his spellbinding new album ‘BOATS’. We caught up with the artist about finding his unique sound, the story behind the album and what’s next for 2024…
Hi Steven, how has your 2024 been so far?
It’s been a grind! But I feel I found the missing piece, and this year will be all about working on my left (my weaknesses) as an artist. I’m still blessed, to say the least.
‘BOATS’ is your brand-new album, the fourth of your discography. Can you give us an insight into the album’s creative process and how it differs from previous work?
With this album, I wanted to put myself in the most comfortable spaces to create like I did when I began rapping. This process started with the producer, Dayme—he’s my guy! Our chemistry is unmatched, so we locked in in Amsterdam, one of my favorite places on earth. This album is 100% Steven Malcolm, My Heart, My Story, and each song plays a part in the overall story. No song is created for radio, a youth group, or TikTok.
‘BOATS’ touches on personal experiences and your religious beliefs. What do you hope to achieve with the album’s lyrical concepts?
I pray this album sparks a fire in someone who comes from a rough upbringing and makes them want to be the change their family needs. The TRUTH is God can use anyone and anything for His glory, even a kid from the ghetto who was fatherless and never seen what a husband looks like but God!
Do you think it’s important to adopt your own unique style within the hip-hop genre? What were your stylistic influences?
ABSOLUTELY! Hip hop is built on originality if you want to be remembered. Trust me, there are a lot of copycats, but they wither away with time. My influences are Lil Wayne, Travis Scott, and Bob Marley.
You’ve notably collaborated with hip-hop artists such as Snoop Dogg, Shaggy, Jay-Way and recently Anderson Michael on ‘BOATS’. Do you have any other dream artists you’d love to work with?
I’ve always wanted to work with Marley (someone from the Bob Marley family). It would also be dope to work with Kendrick Lamar or Jcole.
Would you say you’ve found your signature sound on ‘BOATS’ or do you hope to keep experimenting?
I feel like I tapped into my official sound and voice. That super saucy, lyrical, and finally melodic with a patois twist. But as I grow, there will be more to add.
Do you find hip-hop to be a flexible genre to write in?
Hip-hop is a genre that I find more powerful the more I immerse myself in its music and message. I also have the freedom to write a lot in one song, and there are no boundaries that can’t be crossed or touched. It’s beautiful!
How would you describe ‘BOATS’ in five words?
Greatest album created in 2024
What else do you have in store for 2024?
Touring and big collaborations. I feel like collabs are what is missing when it comes to me in my genre, so I’m about to go crazy and run it up in 2024!
Listen to ‘BOATS’ now:
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