Steven Malcolm – Redemption City

And some of them were like, “Ah, that’s what’s up. Cool. Cleaning up your life…” And some were, “Man, that’s whack.” It didn’t really hurt me. But I remember crying on the way back home in the car after I left. I was crying because, everything I’ve ever done I give it my all, and I always wanted to leave them with the impression that, “Steven gives his all, and he’s down for us and the group,” and I kind-of felt like I was turning my back on them. But I read in scripture that Jesus said, “Those who follow me will deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.” So, all I wanted to do was kill every old part about me and just start new.

CCM: That’s amazing. You’re talking about a supernatural experience. The fact that you would experience this change from the inside out without any huge rock bottom. You know what we’re saying?
SM: Yeah.

CCM: And you talk about scripture… We were reading that it was through the words and music of Lecrae that you were first introduced to scripture?
SM: Yes. In his lyrics, I still remember to this day. Before the song drops, he’s like “John 3:30. I may decrease as He increases.” And Trip Lee, in the 13 Letters, that album that he dropped for me was like, “That’s why I love Christian hip hop!” It’s because it helped shape me as a man of God. That element of, “Okay, these are men who love Jesus and are great at the art of hip hop. They’re sold out for Jesus and unashamed to speak about their faith. It was a teaching tool as well as having mentors and youth nights at churches. Even now, my music is teaching me, as well.

CCM: Kind-of a full-circle experience for you, isn’t it?
SM: Yeah, man.