Malachi: Right Now
The young Toronto hip-hop artist is quickly turning ears with this debut single. It features skittery beats, a catchy refrain, and a cool sports reference.
By Kerry Doole
Malachi - "Right Now" (21 Entertainment/Republic Records/Universal Music Canada): This debut single marks the 21-year-old Toronto artist as one to watch. Released last month, it has already attracted impressive streaming numbers and YouTube views.
It mixes hip-hop and R&B strains fluidly, with Malachi narrating over skittery beats, and it sports a catchy refrain. Bonus points for the Scotty Pippen namecheck.
Growing up on the outskirts of Toronto, Malachi spent his childhood surrounded by music of all kinds. From his Trinidadian-born father’s reggae career to his mother’s favourite R&B singers like Mary J. Blige, and Destiny’s Child, music was always part of his environment (he joined his grandmother's church’s gospel choir at the age of 4). Over the last three years, he has concentrated on sharpening his songwriting skills.
His talent caught the attention of noted Canadian music manager, Chris Smith, who signed Malachi to his 21 Entertainment imprint via Universal Music Canada and Republic Records.
In a label press release, Malachi explains that "I have things I want to express through music because I understand how music is such a great way to cope with any feelings – good or bad. I want to make music that connects with people, and when people hear me sing about happiness or sadness or heartache, they can identify because they know it’s real and it’s authentic."
Links
Chef Ron McKinlay at ICONS Series in Elora, Ontario.George Pimentel
The setting of the ICONS Series at Elora's Granary building.George Pimentel
Jann Arden at ICONS Series in Elora, Ontario.George Pimentel