Photo courtesy of Mali Music Facebook page
From the time Kortney Jamaal Pollard was provided an opportunity to become his church’s minister of music at the young age of 12, he was aware of his unique gift to share gospel music. But a long maturation process would follow for the Savannah, Georgia based singer/songwriter now known as Mali Music to shape his own artistic vision. With his two independent releases under his belt, Mali Music would finally be recognized on a national platform on “Give Me” from Kirk Franklin’s Hello Fear project in 2011, And his tightrope walking between neo-soul, R&B, rap and reggae and dropping praise and therapeutic antidotes -- sometimes deemed as life music -- would garner nominations for Grammy, NAACP and BET Awards.
From the time Kortney Jamaal Pollard was provided an opportunity to become his church’s minister of music at the young age of 12, he was aware of his unique gift to share gospel music. But a long maturation process would follow for the Savannah, Georgia based singer/songwriter now known as Mali Music to shape his own artistic vision. With his two independent releases under his belt, Mali Music would finally be recognized on a national platform on “Give Me” from Kirk Franklin’s Hello Fear project in 2011, And his tightrope walking between neo-soul, R&B, rap and reggae and dropping praise and therapeutic antidotes -- sometimes deemed as life music -- would garner nominations for Grammy, NAACP and BET Awards.
While the artistic comparisons link Mali Music and John Legend, our First Listen spotlight from his 5th and latest CD The Book of Mali (K Approved/RCA Inspiration), “My Blessings, (Love Me),” leans more toward gospel neo soul singer/songwriter Sean C. Johnson. This cool vibe locks into a hypnotizing groove wrapped in reggae influences, surrounded by thick layers of backing voices. And like many other of Mali Music’s messages, there is plenty to soak in throughout “My Blessings”: “My advice/ Is find a place to pray and vocalize/ Get with others who speak knowledge & can simplify.” So, go ahead and experience the gift from Mali Music.
By Peggy Oliver
Mali Music - "My Blessings"