Kingdom Rising (Pt. 1): Mali Music

Mali Music: Prophetic Voice of the Mainstream

I highly anticipated the release of Mali Is…, Mali Music’s major-label secular debut. Although there were saints who were concerned that this project would be a departure from the faith-proclaiming music he is known for, I was certain that if anyone would be able to make a step into the secular arena from the gospel scene, Mali would be the one to do it. With a sound that is highly creative and greatly anointed, there was no question that he would compromise on either aspect of his craft with this album. And he didn’t. Indeed, Mali Is… has become one of the best albums that I have heard of any genre in a long time–sacred or secular.

Apparently, I am not the only one who thought that the album was extraordinary. The release debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, #1 on both the iTunes R&B/Soul and Amazon mp3 R&B charts, and #16 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart.¹ Moreover, the album became highly acclaimed by press and media sources such as The New York Times and Vibe. One source, Artist Direct, declared in a review that Mali Music has “made a masterpiece” and that his work is “one of the best albums of 2014”.² Yet the acclaim has not ended here.

Mali has been nominated for a Grammy in the category “Best Urban Contemporary Album” for Mali Is… and he is in competitive company.  For a lesser-known artist to be in the running with the likes of Pharrell, Jhené Aiko, Chris Brown, and Beyoncé, his work has to be something like a masterpiece.³

The Makings of a Mainstream Musical Masterpiece

What makes Mali Music’s latest artistic contribution a “masterpiece” and Grammy-worthy album is the well-rounded relativity that is expressed throughout the recording. Whether you are a saint, skeptic, or just a flat-out lover of good music, there is something that anyone can glean from listening to it. With tracks such as “I Believe,” “Ready Aim,” and “Royalty” (my personal favorite), biblical truths break forth in a manner that is edifying to the Christian, yet does not beat the non-Christian over the head with the Good Book. However, if Christian undertones are not enough, the name of Jesus is openly glorified in “Make It.” This tune makes a bold move that both solidifies where Mali stands with his faith and silences Christian onlookers who questioned if he would uphold the blood-stained banner in the mainstream. On a different note, “Johnny and Donna,” Little Lady,” and “No Fun Alone” are a few of the several selections that speak to the realities of life that people of various backgrounds navigate. In songs such as these, we hear the stories and struggles of young love, patriarchy, and fame. Nonetheless, even with rich verbal content, musical pleasantries such as the relative “Walking Shoes,” the successful pop single “Beautiful,” and the bass-filled banger “Fight for You” have the ability to satisfy listeners who still appreciate meaningful lyrics and melodic tunes. Yet perhaps the song that best encompasses the attributes to woo the believer, the non-believer, and the music enthusiast is “Heavy Love,” the remarkable and appealing love anthem that has become an “instant classic”. ⁴ By compelling people back to a place of commitment through its feel-good vibe, “Heavy Love” is considerably the composite of the stuff that makes up Mali Is…. If this album could be summed up in three descriptive words, I would call it “Prophetic Life Music.”

Prophetic Life Music

Truly, Mali’s music is truthful to faith and experience, life-giving, and sonically refreshing. In a world where values are changing–and even deteriorating–at a rapid pace, the musical messenger speaks truth and expresses a way of living that is faithful to his God, yet also admirable by anyone with a moral worldview. Although the truth he speaks could easily be communicated more harshly by others, the talented artist weaves grace into his truth-telling by sharing stories and situations that almost any human being can find his or her own life intertwined within his creative tapestry. This tapestry, held together by the colorful sounds of each track, makes for a wonderful masterpiece that advances a kingdom agenda and artistically reflects life.

With his latest contribution, Mali Music lets us know that believers can have a place in the mainstream and make a major impact. My hope is that Mali will continue stand as a testament to both Christendom and the broader world that artists can possess both creativity and conviction without having to compromise one for the sake of the other. From what I can see, it is possible to crossover and, in the process, take the cross over. This feat is an accomplishment that should be celebrated on either end of the sacred-secular spectrum.

First Impression

Want to learn more about Mali Music or become familiar with his latest album, Mali Is…? This guide will help you get a feel of the artist and/or his newest body of art:

Track(s) to Download Now: “Beautiful,” “Fight for You”

Notable Track: “Heavy Love”

Personal Favorite: “Royalty”

Throwback Track: “All I Have to Give” (from The 2econd Coming, 2009)

Already a fan of Mali? Are you a critic? Express your thoughts on the artist or how you felt after hearing Mali Is… for the first time in a comment.