In a hip-hop world polarized by bubble gum rap and burdensome consciousness, New York rapper Malachi Grant (formerly known as Merksmilez) is on a mission to find a balance; to bring feel good hip-hop music back to the forefront. He’s not in it for the fame or fortune either; music is his therapy. Every lyric, drum line and flow is a connection to his existence and at the same time is an escape from his reality.
Citing a wide array of musical influences such as LL Cool J, Big L, Rakim, Biggie, Mase, Tupac and Nas, Malachi’s sound walks the border where feel-good music and story–telling meet. It’s soulful sounding and reminiscent of mid-90s Hip-Hop; positive and thought provoking with flows that make you bop your head and punch lines that make you laugh out loud.
In 2009, Malachi released “Just That Ill” a mix tape that earned critical acclaim from blogs, radio and magazines nationwide. With his first full length album to be released this year, Malachi has grown while inspiring others to grow. “The whole purpose of struggling is to be able to grow. Sonically it’s going to be more geared towards the sounds of today. It’s going to represent where I am today.”

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