We recently reported the release of Steven Malcolm’s much-anticipated album, BOATS, on February 23, 2024.
BOATS, which stands for Based On A True Story, is his latest full-length project and a follow-up to Malcolm’s well-received 2022 album Tree. We got a chance to ask the 4 Against 5 emcee a few questions about the release!
FiveTwenty Collective: How is BOATS different than other projects you’ve done?
Steven Malcolm: BOATS is a storyteller more than just music. This album is different because every record is straight from the heart and nothing sonically is off. Once again, I go deeper into my story of fatherlessness and redemption when it comes to generational curses.
FTC: It feels like “Never Let Me Go,” “Nothing Into Something,” and “Enough” are the songs that represent the climax of the album. Could you talk about any (or all) of those songs?
SM: “Never Let Me Go” is the Christian staple. What I mean by that is, every Christian artist has a chant somewhere in the body of their work. This is mine! God never let me go!
“Enough” was a new experiment. I wanted to make a love song seeing that I’ve been married for 5 years now. I’m in a whole new space in my life where I’m a family man and I feel like the church, which promotes marriage, never has GOOD music that expresses love in a relationship. We just want the Jesus love song, which is cool, but typical and maybe the reason why there’s way too much sneak freaky in the church.
FTC: What’s your favorite song on the album, and why?
SM: My favorite song on the album is “Nothing Into Something.” I feel like the record is going to be timeless and always have an impact. God really spoke through the record and I love how it all points back to Jesus.
FTC: Which song is the most fun to perform live?
SM: Definitely “Mr. Away!” It’s got that bounce, build-up, and climax that just HITS!
FTC: What would you want a listener’s biggest takeaway to be after listening to BOATS?
SM: Through Jesus Christ, generational curses can be broken. And always remember, never let the sacrifice lead you to loneliness.
FTC: What’s up next for you? Songs, collabs, tours, etc.
SM: Dropping the BOATS deluxe is next! And a lot of collaboration! I’m done being on the Steven Malcolm island. It’s time to drop anchor on the homies and really tap into what God has called me to do. Spread the wings and go! I definitely want to tour but I want to do a college / HBCU tour!!!! That would go crazy.
BOATS Track List:
Truth Story
Mr. Away
Cardio
Bounce
10 on 11
Better Days
Story Of A Rider
All On Me
On Time God (Interlude)
Never Let Me Go
Nothing Into Something
Enough [ft. Anderson Michael]
40
Paper Plane
Everything I Need
Not Alone
Find BOATS everywhere and connect with Steven Malcolm on socials!