IMPRINT Interview | From Arkansas to Warner: The Evolution of LG Malique and His Journey to Living Gold
Interviewed By | AJ Rhone
In a candid and insightful conversation, we sat down with LG Malique, a rising star in the music industry, known for his unique blend of trap, R&B, and introspective lyricism. With his latest project, Living Gold, making waves, Malique shared his journey, creative process, and the personal experiences that have shaped his music. Here’s a recap of the highlights from our chat:
Growing Up in Arkansas and Musical Influences
Malique opened up about his upbringing in Blytheville, Arkansas, a small town where he describes the environment as one that forces you to adapt and reflect your surroundings. He talked about how his early life in a “typical hood” shaped his resilience, though he was fortunate enough to leave before the situation fully consumed him. The musical influences that shaped his sound were deeply rooted in R&B, with artists like Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu playing a major role due to his close bond with his aunties. Interestingly, Malique revealed he wasn’t always a rapper—he started as a singer, with Lil Wayne being a major influence on his transition into rap, especially after discovering Wayne’s masterful wordplay and storytelling. His family’s connection to the name “Carter” only added to the sense of kinship he felt with the New Orleans legend.
The Meaning Behind His Name
When asked about the origin of his stage name, Malique shared that Malique is actually his middle name, passed down from his grandmother. It holds a special place in his heart, tying him back to his roots and the values he learned growing up.
Signing to Warner: The Bittersweet Journey
Malique described signing to Warner Records as “amazing,” yet “bittersweet.” He explained that while it has provided him with a significant platform and a team behind him, it’s also been a shift in mindset. He expressed how difficult it has been to delegate responsibilities after years of being independent and managing his career solo. However, he’s embracing the change, acknowledging that it’s all part of his growth as an artist.
The Evolution of His Sound: 100 Days, Long Story, and Color Blind
Reflecting on his past projects, Malique described his earlier work as “test runs”. He noted that while 100 Days (released in 2019) marked the beginning of his musical journey, his subsequent projects, Long Story and Color Blind, felt like he was trying to please others and meet external expectations rather than fully expressing his true self. However, with the release of Living Gold, he feels he’s finally delivering the music he’s always wanted to create—authentic, deeply personal, and true to his identity.
Challenges in the Music Industry: Navigating the Business
Like many artists, Malique has faced the darker side of the music business. He shared that trusting the wrong people and being taken advantage of was a hard lesson, but one that strengthened his resolve. Malique spoke passionately about his desire to never go back to the struggles of his past, and how his desire to grow and succeed has become his fuel to push forward, no matter the obstacles.
The Significance of Living Gold
Living Gold represents growth for Malique, both professionally and personally. He emphasized that every song on the project carries significant meaning and is tied to real-life experiences. He described it as his declaration that he has made it out of difficult circumstances, but this is just the beginning. The EP’s standout track, “Seven Years”, garnered special attention due to its deeply personal nature. Malique explained how he was initially hesitant to include some of the more vulnerable parts of the song but ultimately kept them in to remain authentic. He was overwhelmed by the song’s success, as it resonated deeply with his fans.
The Role of Fans in His Success
Malique’s connection with his fanbase is a crucial part of his journey. He spoke about the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with his supporters, especially during times when he was “shelved” by his previous label. To keep his community engaged, Malique started going live every day, sharing unreleased tracks, and interacting with fans directly. He credits his fans for helping him through tough times, particularly during periods when he couldn’t release new music. His consistent engagement with them has built a loyal following that feels personal to him.
The Future: Collaborations and Long-Term Goals
Looking ahead, Malique is excited about the future. He hinted at some major collaborations with big names, but he’s keeping those details under wraps for now. When asked about his ultimate goal, Malique shared that he wants his music to last—not just as a passing trend, but as a legacy. He aspires to be a household name and hopes his music continues to evolve, allowing him to adapt and stay relevant for years to come.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
When asked what advice he’d give to up-and-coming artists, Malique stressed the importance of finding purpose. He emphasized that music should be driven by passion and not just the pursuit of money or fame. “It has to be something everlasting, something you believe in deeply,” he said. “If it’s not, it won’t last long.”
A New Chapter: Acting and Beyond
Beyond music, Malique is also considering expanding into other creative fields, particularly acting. He expressed confidence that he could excel in this area, as he’s always had a vivid imagination and a passion for storytelling.
Final Thoughts
LG Malique’s journey has been one of growth, resilience, and authenticity. From his early days in Arkansas to signing with Warner and releasing Living Gold, he’s continuously evolved as both an artist and a person. His ability to stay grounded and maintain a genuine connection with his fans sets him apart in the industry. As Malique continues to break through barriers and chart new territory in both music and life, it’s clear that his journey is only just beginning.
Check out his latest video for his single “Lie” below:
Stay tuned for what’s next from LG Malique, and be sure to check out his latest EP, Living Gold, which is available now!
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