MALAKAI® is a versatile hip-hop artist and the founder of his movement Substance Over Hype®.  MALAKAI is creating a fusion of genres, styles, movements, and cultures.  He simply refers to his music and its genre as, “Fresh.” MALAKAI produces his own beats; and his lyrics range from feel-good poetics to artful story telling.  Of Mexican & Spanish descent, MALAKAI tastefully includes the slight weaving of Spanish into some of his songs; to share his Latin culture with his American fan-base.   This can be heard on songs such as “Fresh” “Ghetto Blaster” and “Concrete Rose.”

Born and raised in Tucson, AZ he found that hip-hop and street movements partially helped him to overcome a previously negative environment and destructive lifestyle.  MALAKAI began his journey in music as a freestyle-battle MC.  He left Tucson on the heels of winning what we would be the defining battle of his hip-hop career: where he beat a long-time rival MC in front of an audience of 5,000 people.  The win was awarded by the world-famous freestyle MC, Supernatural, group The Pharcyde, and a crowd decision.  After that win, MALAKAI retired from battling and moved to Los Angeles in 2005.  Once in L.A. he began learning about music production and recording from a producer named Igloo.  MALAKAI then produced, wrote, and released 2 albums and 2 singles between 2007 and 2010 (under the help of his mentor & collaboration with other great artists).  His albums, “Verstalyle Stile” and “Rebels of the Audio Revival” were well received.  The positive response to his music, live performances, and a particularly successful show with artist Bruno Mars further encouraged the artist.  In 2010, MALAKAI decided to build and fully execute both his visions: MALAKAI Music & Substance Over Hype -for an official release in 2011.

In March of 2011, MALAKAI officially launched Substance Over Hype.  Substance Over Hype is meant to entertain and inspire audiences through a fusion of talents.  With MALAKAI at the wheel, these “best of the best talents” will create custom media and events.  MALAKAI believes that the “do it ourselves” mentality helps the group stay true to their styles and expression.  MALAKAI has a charitable focus with Substance Over Hype as well.  He plans to use Substance Over Hype to build a Los Angeles-based youth center that includes the movements from Substance Over Hype as positive outlets.  This youth center will be the hub for outreach to the L.A. community; and it will also serve as a teaching ground- where the Kings & Queens of Substance Over Hype will instruct the next generations in these movements.  Be on the lookout for music, movement, and more… from MALAKAI & Substance Over Hype!

MALAKAI® (right) with his DJ & partner-in-rhyme, FREZ! (left).  CHECK DEFREZ.com to see more heat from MALAKAI & FREZ!