Today we’d like to introduce you to MaLLy
Hi MaLLy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve been writing rap songs and performing for the last 15 years of my life. But originally, the spark and interest to rap and make rap music came out of the desire to belong to a movement that represented people that looked like, walked like and talked like me. That movement was/is called “Hip-Hop” that provided a lane and space for Black and brown people to express themselves freely, tell their story, uplift and educate their communities and later on the world.
As a teenager, I started writing rhymes and freestyling with my friends as a way to pass the time but during those moments of battling, freestyling and watching my favorite artists on shows like BET’s Rap City, 106 & Park and MTV I was inspired to rhyme and write my story. During my time in college, I recorded and pressed up a 26 track mixtape that had my classmates and friends in awe because so many had no idea I rhymed but the response was positive so it pushed me to continue. In 2008, I dropped my first unofficial album “The Moment” with all original production.
Between 2009 and 2024 I’ve released 5 full length albums, a few EPs with numerous music videos, write-ups, grant awards, and multiple tours on my resume as an independent Hip-Hop artist. Most notable releases include: Free On the 15th, The Last Great…, The Journey to A Smile, and my Fall 2024 release The Sweetest of It All.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part my path as a rap artist has been a blessing, fruitful and abundant. I’ve been blessed to collaborate with countless artists and community members during my time. Even when you’re flying high and being your best version there will always be challenges along the way with navigating an ever-changing market when it comes to putting your music out, being seen and heard when there is so much “noise” online, daily responsibilities and managing relationships with other artists who have dreams and aspirations to ascend as well.
The question I always find asking myself is “What can I do next year that I didn’t do this year?” or “How can I grow my reach as an artist that is authentic without sacrificing my principles as a man?”
Although my experiences have been positive over the years, I have come to accept that some interactions with media, other artists and organizations can feel transactional. Knowing that, I do my best to ensure I lead with truth and build with those who are pure, right and exact.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am songwriter, rap artist, educator and artist consultant. For the last 15 years, I have been writing songs and performing live on stage. I am known for my storytelling, lyricism and wordplay as an emcee. I am most proud of the catalog I have produced, the communities I have worked with, winning the McKnight Foundation award and my latest album The Sweetest of It All.
My voice, delivery and flow set me apart from my peers. My goal is to uplift and inspire others through my story. I believe my story is an interesting one and I hope to be a beacon of light for anyone that will listen. I want to include all of myself in the music whether it be about my experiences with my family, being on the road, in society, relationships and more.
What’s next?
I plan to facilitate more workshops and residencies with young people in the community. Recently, I dropped a new album and plan to continue pushing and promoting it with new videos, live performances and interviews around the city and online. I look forward to collaborating with more arts organizations that advocate for creatives, building a bridge for up and coming artists who need guidance and assistance with their art and their careers.
I am hopeful that I will release more music in the near future, tour the country and continue to grow my artistic brand and tell my story that will hopefully inspire the community and contribute to the liberation of the people I love, my people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mallympls.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mallympls/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/MaLLyMPLS/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mallympls
