Danielle Niecey, Author at The Knockturnal

November 7, 2024. Manhattan, New York — Arkansas-bred rapper, LG Malique, notable for his melodic street songs, released a brand-new EP, LIVING GOLD on October 25, 2024.

The 8-Track EP illustrates his resilience and fortitude, powering through the obstacles, on the path to making his dreams a reality. With an all-new, pop-infused single, “Lie” and the viral remake of Lukas Graham’s, reimagined, “7 Years”, featuring the song originator, LG Malique stands boldly in his truth with the numbers to back him. LG Malique has earned over 2.7M global streams on his song collaboration with Lukas Graham and over 1M views on YouTube trailing closely behind.

The rapper sits with Danielle Niecey of The Knockturnal to share the inspiration behind his brand-new EP, LIVING GOLD.

The Knockturnal: What inspired the New EP, LIVING GOLD?

LG Malique: The fact that it’s a miracle really. It’s for the underdog. My back was against the wall and most of the songs [I] made, were when I was down, bad at the beginning of this year; and I had nothing, but faith and I had to really be delusional about my dreams. During the time [I wrote and recorded these songs] I was nowhere near [close to] what I was talking about on this project. I wasn’t even feeling like that; it [the music] was just a safe place. So the take is, it’s almost like an, “I’m here” EP.

The Knockturnal: So you were speaking where you are today, into existence?

LG Malique: Yes. A lot of people gave up on me, but don’t ever think you can put out my burning desire. When you keep going, miracles happen.

The Knockturnal: Had you already been signed at the time or was this more you cultivating this project as an Indie [independent] Artist?

LG Malique: I was signed but I was getting shelved and it’s a depressing space for an artist to feel like everyone’s giving up on you. There are artists in the same situation, but I had to have faith and push hard.

LG Malique’s unshakeable faith and transparency as an artist shine through in his interview and on LIVING GOLD. With Living Gold in heavy rotation, the breakout star showcases his inspiring journey, penning and performing from the heart of the underdog turned hero.

Living Gold Tracklist consists of 8 songs that include:

I Know
Lie
Baptize
Momma
Seven Years
Acknowledgement
Wallet
Stood My Ground

All of which ring clearly and boldly as an artist coming into the industry with high hopes, hunger, clear vision and coming to the harsh reality that though there are people in his life rooting for him, there are others looking to see him fail. Never allowing that to deter him, LG Malique created his EP, LIVING GOLD, as a testament of his Faith in God, his courage and tenacity, all of which cannot be denied. Living Gold stands as the project that required strenuous creative efforts and laser sharp focus backed by the culmination of prayers, positivity and thousands of hours of practice. Although he’s faced some of the perils navigating the business it hasn’t steered him from his path. It is evident that he has experienced hardships beyond what can be translated in mere conversation, choosing instead to use the pain to fuel his progress in music.

The Knockturnal: You have a song collaboration with Lukas Graham, “7 Years”; what was that like collaborating with him?

LG Malique: Me and my girl were jumping around the crib when we got that news. It didn’t feel real. Then it took so long to happen, but I know he’s a man of his word, but I was so excited, checking my email, like ‘…Did it come? Did I get it?” *laughs* It’s crazy…it’s crazy, I know that I worked for something like that and I’m super grateful for it. So, it ain’t like I hit the lottery because I went through so much to get here and I worked for it and I’m grateful, super grateful. It was a once in a lifetime miracle experience, for real.

The Knockturnal: I don’t know Malique, 2.7 million global streams and over 1 million YouTube views, I think you hit the lottery. There’s a lot of content creators that would love to switch places with you.

LG Malique: *laughing* Alright. *laughing* You’re right.

The Knockturnal: That’s pretty cool! Congratulations. So, let’s say someone discovers you as an artist and stumbles across your EP. They can only listen to 3 songs to get a jist of who you are, which songs are you recommending?

LG Malique: It’ll be “Momma”, “I Know” and “Wallet” …”7 Years” of course but I’m gonna go with Wallet, I feel like “Wallet”, and “I Know” are super vulnerable with me taking [personal] accountability. I feel when it comes to expressing myself and my experiences, I would choose those. Those songs are the real ‘me’, I’m a storyteller and I told the story.

In addition to the project’s viral hits, highlights include the typically vulnerable “I Know” and “Acknowledgement,” an exploration of the steep price of following your dreams. Other gems “Baptize,” and the devastatingly intimate “Momma.” On the viral single, “Lie,” LG Malique best demonstrates his ability to write deeply personal songs that resonate widely.

The Knockturnal: Who are some of the artists that inspired you to write and perform the LIVING GOLD EP?

LG Malique: I grew up on R&B so it would be like… Fantasia, Usher and Alicia Keys…I grew up on those heavyweights. On the rap side it would be Lil Wayne, he’s so descriptive and he paints a picture in your head and that’s what I go for. Yo Gotti, Three 6 Mafia and a little bit of Lil Boosie.

The Knockturnal: What do you want your legacy in music to be?

LG Malique: To change the game, like to bring back a nostalgic sound from the early 2000’s. The songs were meaningful, they weren’t making music just because, and they had to do different things, they had to try different sounds and styles. I want to make songs that are classic [timeless] and live on. I don’t think we have many of those these days. Like the old Rihanna’s albums and songs, you can still bump those. Classics, I want to make classics like that.

The Knockturnal: Who’d you like to tour or headline with?

LG Malique: Lil Teejay, Polo G and Gunna.

The Knockturnal: Can you tell us more about your single, Lies?

LG Malique: Lies is a recent experience and I like to so much because its fresh. Someone betrayed me after I gave them my trust, knowing all that I’d been through and it’s about people who would take advantage of you everytime. Its like life, it’s just gonna always happen, no matter who you are.

The Knockturnal: What advice would you give your fans who are aspiring to be recording artists or aspiring to

LG Malique: Yes, stop seeking validation. That’s not what life is about. It’s about doing what you like and believing in yourself. I know it sounds so cliche, but it means so much. Literally, start believing in yourself and stop seeking validation.

FOLLOW LG MALIQUE: Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | To view “LIE”, the official music video HERE.