A Debut On Fire
Posted February 16, 2017
By MicahGarnett_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Steven Malcolm has made it his goal to become the best Christian rapper in the game. The Grand Rapids-based lyricist made waves when he exploded onto the scene last year, and now, with the release of his self-titled debut album, Malcolm puts his money where his mouth is. It's a lofty goal to be sure, but one he backs up with exciting beats and ear-catching wordplay.
Steven Malcolm quickly establishes himself as someone who can walk the fine line between humor and heart well. "Cereal" is a tongue-in-cheek ode to just about every kind of cereal you can imagine: "When it come to the size of the bowl / The bigger the better / Growing up I can only have some in the morning / But now it's whenever." "Party In The Hills," an upbeat pop track featuring Hollyn and Andy Mineo, is a laid-back, carefree exposition on enjoying life and having a good time with your friends. "Leh Get It" is CHH's answer to last year's breakout hit "Juju On That Beat," with a catchy hook that will probably be stuck in your head for a long time.
However, Malcom's strongest writing comes when he bares his soul. In "Can't Take My Dream," he proclaims "And so I write my wrongs / and hope that they relate / today they be so quick to judge and never know my pain / never know my struggle / just the battles that I lose / when there's defeat you'll find the strongest person in them shoes." "The Struggle" continues this theme as it explores the various temptations believers face in their everyday lives, stressing the importance of calling on God when he feels the weight of the world on his shoulders. Although Malcolm understands that life can get rough at times, he chooses to display the joy of the Lord. His optimism is infectious, making the album a feel-good listen even at its darkest moments.
All in all, Steven Malcolm is a blast to listen to. With thirteen tracks, there's something for everyone here. This is one of the rare albums that gets better the further it progresses, and repeat listens will provide a goldmine of new intricacies to discover. Malcolm says he wants to be the best Christian rapper. If he keeps this up, he just might be.
The Bottom Line: Steven Malcolm is an entertaining, accessible journey through the life of one of the most exciting rappers to hit the scene in a long time. You'll want to keep an eye on Malcolm. It's going to be a fun ride.
Song to Download Now:
"Leh Get It (feat. Pyrexx)" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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