From Savannah, GA, Jamaal, known as Mali Music, has been getting ever so popular with the people. With such colorful musical compositions and artistry, he conveys the heart of God and hasn’t lost sight of the mission. From producing and writing his own music, to composing scores for Christian plays, this multi-faceted individual seeks to be real, and brings “Truth Music.” May the world see the artistry that God brings from His people, but also may His people bring God’s truth in all they do.

Lamar: Well first I just want to say that we at DaSouth.com appreciate the opportunity to be able to have this interview with you, it’s a pleasure.

Jamaal aka Mali Music (MM): No thang my dude! It’s an honor.

Lamar: So first, I just want to start off with what many would like to know. Who is Mali Music and what made you use that name?

MM: Well, I been makin’ noise since I was a youngin’, and Moms would call me "MALI" based off of my name Jamaal, and it stuck, but lil’ Mali grew up and got big thangs to say bout a Big God!!!

Lamar: Amen! We all should proclaim who Christ is wherever we go, and whatever we do!

MM: MOS DEF!

Lamar: That’s great to hear though, because it’s great to not be ashamed, I'm glad I'm able to say I'm not, because God changed me from being more timid, and is continuing to work.

MM: And he ain’t done!!!! (Laughs) Glory!!!

Lamar: (Laughs) Definitely. So how was your childhood growing up, where you from?

MM: From Savannah GA.! Childhood was musical! Disney, The Wiz, music, music, broadways!!! all the time! And don’t forget church! A lot of that! (Laughs)

Lamar: (Laughs) Amen, people be trying to play church music, you can't front on the artistry there. It just needs to be presented right.

MM: That’s right.

Mali Music singing "Avaylable" to acoustic Guitar

Watch Mali Music sing "Avaylable" UNPLUGGED

Lamar: I have kind of a musical family, my brother is a producer, and my father was a praise and worship leader at my church, so it’s cool to know music from them.

MM: Yeah man, it gave me an outlet. I was mad full of stuff but couldn't get it out! Got that board and it was over!

Lamar: Wow, praise God for that man! God is good and knows how to showcase talents for His glory.

MM: Yes. Thank God for "good parents!” A lot of parents miss it or don’t pay much attention and a genius walks around not even knowing who he is till its too late! 40 years old droppin’ their first album asking, why haven't I been doin’ this?! (laughs). I’m grateful.

Lamar: Word, it’s so important to have the right atmosphere so that people can grow in God, and grow in their art, it’s so important!

MM: Yes!

Lamar: So with the influences of the church, and music from Broadway, do you have any other artistic influences?

MM: I learn so much from all of the genres. My fave and one of the first was new aged soul music. It gripped me. Bilal. D'Angelo. It was a wrap. It was pure emotion! [It] didn't matter how it came out, but whatever made it out...you felt it in a deep place and you could identify with whatever it was. D'Angelo barely said words but the noises made perfect sense. You know?

Lamar: Yeah, definitely. Music should be something you can definitely feel! I am often interested in artists who have a wide range of influences because all of them probably aren't Christian, and I had an interesting discussion with someone about that before. Should Christians be concerned with artists who have artistic influence from non-Christians or no?

MM: Heck yeah! You shouldn't be "concerned" like not with every move but on the real, all things are pure. The simple concept of music as an art and an act of expression is beautiful! It is totally of God! [It] just got perverted, but there still is good music out there that doesn't edify God, but blesses and refreshes His temple…so yeah. Music is a tool; it’s not our fault that some use it as a weapon. You can kill with a screwdriver yeah, but you can screw the heck out of a screw though! Its original use is wonderful!! (Laughs).

Lamar: Mmm! What an interesting point to make right there. Definitely tools can be misused, I mean even the word of God can be misused as Peter said of Paul's letters, which were inspired by God.

MM: Come on  suh! Preach!!!!

Lamar: (Laugh) Amen brother, it’s true, we have to be patient regardless of the issues we make of His words.

MM: Yes.

Lamar: Man, I was at Nyack, when you came for the “Jesus Rocks!” concert and you did this song "Jesus and John" and it really blessed me, because there are so many people that reject God because of misuse of His word and His tools. How has dealing with shortcomings of Christians strengthened your walk with God, by overcoming these things and looking towards Christ?

MM: It forced me to seek Him "alone" giving Him opportunity to prove Himself to me personally—allowing me to let go of everyone else’s testimony and hold to my own!

Lamar: Hmm yea, that’s interesting. I remember I first went to Nyack, and as I learned more I had to battle with doubt, yet God's grace was sufficient.

MM: That’s it!

Artist: Mali Music Production: Mali Music Album: The 2nd Coming Release Date: In Stores June 2009 Label: SWMG/DMG/Universal Christian Music Group Hometown: Savvanah, GA Website: www.myspace.com/malimusicnote Bio/Notes: From Mali Music's upcoming sophomore album "The 2nd Coming"

Lamar: God is too good to let go because we fall short of His goodness.

MM: Constantly!

Lamar: Amen! So I noticed that some of your songs deal with these things that take place with Christians who can fall short sometimes. But do you think there is a fine line between doing a Godly rebuke, or just continue to engage in "church bashing,” which gives the opportunity for gossip and division?

MM: Oooh...yummy. (Laughs) [I] love this topic!

Lamar: Yessir!!

MM: Well everything that is happening has been foretold by the Savior, and we have to prophesy against the prophet! Keeping our ear to truth and our face to the floor and speak as a mouthpiece of God. Church bashin’ is so strongly stated, but I target religion...and what is believed to be the "look" of holiness, is fake! Pure and simple! We've mastered church and souls are being lost. Man there’s a million things runnin’ through my head but that’s how u get it in! Every movement that rose and ruled, waged war against the previous champ by "bashing." That’s what I did and then introduced the "new" way, that’s what I’m doing. Bashing the look of God and introducing "lifestyle.”

Lamar: Wow, now that's an interesting way to put it. As the Bible says, a form of godliness but no power.

MM: Yessir!

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Lamar: I definitely don't see anything wrong with what you have said whenever mentioning the failings of the church. I've just seen some talk about it, just to talk about it, and that's as vain as the traditions they speak against, if they just keep complaining without moving forward.

MM: People don’t wanna touch it though, because they have nothing better to offer if someone is convinced and begins to ask questions of what to do now if what I’ve been doing is wrong. Oooh but that’s when I step in and without whoopin’ and spittin’ and carryin’ on simply speak on the little foolish things that my baby eyes have seen, and how he's sustained silly. So as small as you think you are He chose ME, so he can really get it in with you! Then people begin to believe and even if they don’t, a seed was sown and a reaping comes!

Lamar: Amen!

MM: People want so much Glory!!!! If u not rollin’ on the floor after they touched your head in the mall, you don’t believe! It’s stupid! We want to see the results of our witness right then and there!! Forget that!!! That ain’t God! Christ saves!!!!! Not man!!! All we do is refer...Glory!!!!

Lamar: Wow, amen! People won't admit they want to see the results of their witness but it’s true.

MM: Yea man.

Lamar: So yea, your first album was “The Coming,” what were you intending on doing with this album?

MM: Telegraph the 2nd Coming.

Lamar: So it would seem that "The Coming" was done to address similar things in which Jesus did with His first coming? Since the 2nd Coming of Jesus will be A LOT different. (Laughs)

MM: Exactly! I wanna be just like Christ no lie!

Lamar: Yea, that should be the aim! So I found out that you're also an actor and was involved with plays, like doing the scores for two plays. How is the experience of creating a score for plays from producing and writing songs for your albums?

MM: It’s amazing! The music has to tell the story. Not the voice, which is a lot more of a challenge. Anybody can stumble upon a dope track, but can u "intentionally" relate a message without saying a word?

Lamar: Wow, that’s a great way to put that. It's so true. Without music, things in plays and in the movies we watch wouldn't come with such a force as it does when music is placed in the right place

MM: Uh huh.

Lamar: Yeha man. So lately I've been seeing some Georgia love with the songs you have on the Gumbo Red album, and Mr. Del's new song "Spread the Gospel,” as well as with Zion, and the new music video. How did you get into contact with both of these guys?

MM: I don’t know, just kinda happened, honestly.

Lamar: Wow, well God tends to do those things, and we just end up being grateful for the opportunity! (Laughs) Do you see yourself working with other Christian rap artists in the future?

MM: Oh yea!!!!

Lamar: Alright!! Well I'll be on the lookout for this! Do you have any rap artists in particular you would like to work with that you know?

MM: Not really. Anybody spittin’ that’s spittin’ dat Jesus!

Lamar: Aiight that’s what’s up! Man I’m excited for that, it would be great to see you work with some hot Christian rap artists, they makin' noise for the kingdom!

MM: Mos def.

"Trouble" by ZION feat. Mali Music

Lamar: So, what should we look forward to with "The 2econd Coming"? Are you looking to stretch the qualities that came from your first album?

MM: Yep! More genres, more lifestyle, more music, more inspiration equals better living.

Lamar: Yeah man, that’s so great. I really love to hear music from an artist that grows from his last album, because it involves a relationship with God that is real and continuing to thrive and not relying on their time-tested formula for success in the industry

MM: u right! Can’t wait4 ya'll 2 get it!

Lamar: YES! People have really been lovin’ the leak you sent DaSouth.com, the song "Higher.” I loved what you did when you kept raising your voice when you said “Higher” in the chorus.

MM: Yeah man, that song means a lot!!! Symbolizing the perpetual ascension into God.

Lamar: Yeah, we definitely need to press towards the higher calling in Christ Jesus. So, have you been able to check out the DaSouth.com website, if so, what do you think of it?

MM: Oh yes man!! Good stuff! I’m like look at the kingdom!!

Lamar: Yeah man, I remember the older site; I was barely checking them out. But when they fixed this site up and I saw all the things they were doing, all I could do is smile man!

MM: Yeah.

Lamar: So before we end this great interview, is there something you would like to tell the people, maybe some encouragement or just share your heart.

MM: Let’s get focused. Let’s stop chasing prosperity, blessings, and greed, and get back on the street team! Pushing Christ like he's the hottest thing poppin’, cuz he is! I also want everybody to know when to look for the new projects as I make my attempts to rep that Jesus! Def check your boy out on DaSouth.com! The mixtape drops May 30th—bananas! And the 2econd coming hits July 14th! Hit up the pre-sales and get it today from towerrecords.com. Thanks so much 4 the love and support and lets get it!

Lamar: Amen bro!! It was a pleasure to hear your heart and to get it in about things that needs to be discussed. I can speak for DaSouth.com and say that we support what your doing and pray the grace of God continues to follow you and order your steps as you show how artistic God is, but most importantly show that there is only life in Christ Jesus!!

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You can check out what’s up with Mali Music at www.towerrecords.com , his Myspace, which is www.myspace.com/malimusicnote , and also CD Baby: www.cdbaby.com/cd/malimusic