Art Rooted in the Fruits of Lyricism Posted June 03, 2022 By JoshuaGalla_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need To Know
Grand Rapids midwestern rapper Steven Malcolm is steadily overlooked in regard to the depth, transparency, and art found in his music. The masses are worried about finding song snippets to feature in their latest Tiktok or Instagram Reel. The lost art of lyricism is exactly that, lost on a generation fixated on the latest trends and not music transposed from the heart.
What people need to know is that Steven is an elite lyricist. His dynamic storytelling emits energy, emotion, transparency, relatability, and substance. From the early beginnings in 2013's offering Real Hip Hop mixtape until his recently released third album, Tree, Steven has nearly perfected the balance of testimonial content with soundtracks for the streets. Reggaeton, hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and even hints of a random pop sound may be heard. Steven’s art born out of the gift of music is a continued journey.
With each release, Steven shares his personal story as he believes that it's the easiest way to reach people and relate to their own lives. The new album is an eclectic depiction of Steven’s past, present, and future. Listeners will learn of Steven’s upbringing, his dysfunctional family, his beautiful wife, and young son, and most things in-between. Tree embodies family, community, roots, and the love that binds all things.
What it Sounds Like
Tree presents itself as a complex sound, not specific to one genre, one soundscape, or one area of thought. The album challenges listeners to rethink how they cope with difficult seasons in life spilled over obstacles, faith hurdles, and daily struggles. The diversity exposed throughout the project uplifts and adds to the overall enjoyment.
As layers are peeled back, we find summer anthems like “Summertime” featuring rap artists Snoop Dogg and Jay-Way, “Fuego (R3HAB Remix)” featuring artists Shaggy and R3HAB in addition to “Jah Ah De King.” Also, we discover pure lyricism gems such as “RESPECT,” “Great” featuring artist Waldo, and “Rooftop Freestyle” featuring hip-hop artist Derek Minor. Collectively, there is a distinct plethora of musical genius to unpack and enjoy for months to follow.
Spiritual Highlights
Ever since a friend invited Steven to a local church, Edge Urban Fellowship, which incorporated worship, dance, and hip-hop, he’s been sold on creating purpose-driven art. Steven ensures his message throughout the music is always infused with God-centered content. Tree is Steven’s most revealing and transparent project to date. Even above all the trials, storms, and tribulations, listeners will find encouragement, hope, victory, and love found in Jesus Christ.
On the opening track “Heavenly Father,” Steven says “Had to look inside myself and ask who I am/Take a look above and give thanks, amen.” Then, in “Believe In Me” he proclaims, “Break any cycles? Right hand on the Bible/I’m teaching my son how to become a man.” The entire album is smothered in snippets of love, worship, and devotion returned to our deserving Lord for blessings poured upon Steven and his family.
Best Song
The album houses several standout tracks. However, “Ain’t Playin’” featuring Florida’s hip-hop band Social Club Misfits snag the title of best song personally. The production is simple but fits incredibly well behind the delivery of all three artists. Produced by Dayme, FNZ, and BoogzDaBeast, the trio delivered with the heavy 808s, carried by a speedy high hat, and strings in the background.
Steven and Social Club Misfits Marty and Fern slay each contribution to the track. The content speaks to the hard work poured into the rap game while creating space and names for each of them. In turn, each turns the glory back up to God. It’s a proclamation of noticing the fruits of your labor (grind) when in line with God’s purpose. It was one of Steven’s original singles picked prior to the official release of Tree and with good reason.
Tree represents a foundational project for Steven Malcolm. This work of art captures who he is as an artist, as a Christian, and as a husband and father. The album possesses various points of brilliance. His elite lyricism, crafty wordplay, crispy-clean rhyme scheme, and overall delivery have been overlooked and underrated since entering the industry.
However, I believe Steven’s time to shine has arrived. His versatile skill set remains on full display throughout. It’s time the CHH sub-genre and hip-hop generally speaking put some respect on Steven’s name. Being 16 tracks in length, I still had a difficult time assessing any particular song as skip worthy. Everything contains merit. Steven’s attention to storytelling has always been a key component I’ve been drawn to repeatedly. The entire project is a vibe and I’m hyped for the world to hear what God wrote through Steven’s pen. Tree will be in my steady rotation weekly throughout the summer and beyond.
