THE 'NEXT' REVIEW: Malakai Tha Truth - Growth Of A Man
In hearing Malakai Tha Truth tell it, 2018's "Truth Interrupted" wasn't in the same 'weight class' with the project he really wanted to return with. As it turns out, that project was supposed to be 2021's "Growth Of A Man" (Lighthouse Music Group), a 7 song collection of introspection that finds 'Kai doing everything he does exceptionally well as a lyricist and a songwriter, but seemingly for a greater example of restoration.
In the 3 years between projects, the Uptown NYC artist divorced, had two daughters, got remarried to the new love of his life and now leads a family of six, while building a ministry and taking on his demons head on. It is a story worthy of a Oscar winning motion picture in the hands of the right cast, and on "Growth Of A Man", Malakai is Tom Hanks in "Cast Away", the lone actor and focal point of this 'audio-film', with one or two cameos for good measure.
With said, the 1st set of voices you hear on #GOAM aren't Malakai's, but his Good Fight Coalition co-horts Richard 'Sage' Roach & artist/lyricist Redeemed respectively. Both give personal accounts that confirm the lyrical testimony that's to come from 'Kai himself on "Intro". Produced by Track Pros, this opener finds the rapper saying good bye to jail cells & asylums he found himself in and using his past turbulence as nourishment. "Intro" deftly walks the listener down the pathway of his unorthodox journey as a believer over reflective piano keys. And If that wasn't enough, it ends with a convicting testimony from Kingdom Time Entertainment CEO Marcus Hall that speaks to his view of 'Kai from a teenager to a thirty something adult.
Next up is the title track: "Growth Of A Man (My Truth)", an aggressive, yet haunting account of Malakai's maturation despite his shortcomings. He self identifies as "a pastor who still struggles with masturbation", still coming to terms with his daughter's autism and being a Christian who can't afford not to ask for help at his lowest points, despite his most self centered moments. This recording finds Malakai's signature transparency at it's most raw and least pretensious, and it sets a tone for what's to come.
After a dramatic one two punch to start the project, the vibe quickly changes on song no. 3. Reminscing about Tropicanas, rapping over "J ARMZ" instrumental tapes and being this close to becoming a gun toting felon permeate the first four bars of "What We Do It For". It's an unrelenting bass heavy banger that speaks towards God's purpose for his life, as opposed to what he could've been. To paraphrase his lyrics, "What We Do It For" is Malakai wanting to move in benevolence and they (his demons) wanting 'Maleficent'.
"Martin & Gina" is next, complete with the 1st of two appearances by Franky Bells. And on this composition, the lyricist born Tykym Stallings is giving marriage counselling based on his past experiences over another Track Pros piano-driven production.
"I.O.U." follows as a soulful, yet sober record that starts with 'Kai's descriptive look into a porn addiction that began with the discovery of his uncle's stash of X-rated tapes, and ends with the discovery of a greater level of Godly worship, praise & dedication when you rise above your sinful nature. While "Window Shopper" finds the Harlem MC channeling a tone musically & lyrically that harks back "Food & Liquor" era Lupe Fiasco, as he addresses the extremities of self-esteem, particularly amongst people of color threatened by social media imagery.
Finally, "Growth Of A Man" closes out with "Lighthouse", A "Sunday morning worship" worthy composition that both, speaks to Malakai's desire to being a better disciple and his desire to be better example of fatherhood to his son. With Franky Bells once again on the hook and Bigboi's pristine production, "Lighthouse" is the ideal closer to a project such as this.
If you haven't guessed already, "Growth Of A Man" is an increasingly serious record that's mostly devoid of high energy radio or street singles, as well as day party or club bangers, and given the content of this project, that's perfectly fine. Personally, I feel like this album could've used a little more variety (soundscape wise) on the production side of things, especially on a album with just 7 songs. However, Malakai's skill set as a writer and orator of his lyricism is still undeniable, incredibly powerful and arguably the best it's ever been, and that alone will secure repeated listens for such a thought provoking piece of music.
Written by Jason Andre Roberts aka CONQUEST
Stream & download Malakai Tha Truth's "Growth Of A Man" here:
