Big Mali on Why Artists Should Tell Their Story & Leaving Everything From 2020 in 2020

A born star by nature, Big Mali’s light shines bright wherever she goes. Born and raised in Henderson, North Carolina before relocating to Raleigh with her mother and brothers, Mali has seen it all through her observant eyes. Her brazen lyrics paint a clear image of the street environment in which she was raised. A slick-talking star of her own show, her rhythm and distinct pitch paired with hard-hitting bars exude a level of confidence that overflows on every track. 

2018 found Big Mali releasing her first official project, "If I Fall Asleep," which featured the hit single "Migo pt. 2”. But, it was her "Uhuh Freestyle" that caught the attention of South Coast Music Group EVP Carter, "I've never heard a girl sound so raw and authentic as Mali. I remember watching all her YouTube videos in one night and waking up early the next morning to call Arnold and let him know I found our First Lady." 

Arnold Taylor, the CEO of SCMG, adds, "Once I heard her music, the determination in her voice, and her story, I instantly knew Mali embodied the struggle and heart of The Carolinas, and we needed her on SCMG." 

In late 2019 Mali signed with SCMG, releasing her first project under the label, "First Lady" in March of 2020. She soon followed this success with the "Gangsta Talk" EP in October, which included impressive features from DaBaby, Rich The Kid, and Blacc Zacc. Most recently she dropped “The Big Tape” mixtape that flows in the same vein as her other hard-hitting projects.

Big Mali raps unapologetically about her hustler mentality through powerful boasts about getting money, making it out, and overcoming adversity. Today she comes through for the latest installment in our 2021 interview series, where Big Mali gets into the importance of telling her story, picking beats and leaving everything from 2020 exactly where she found it. In the past. 

Thanks for coming thru! How would you say North Carolina’s music scene has evolved over the years, from when you were younger to now?

It has evolved so much over the years and artists like J. Cole, DaBaby, and Fantasia have done so much to put us on the map, and there are others who are doing their part as well. For me and SCMG (South Coast Music Group), we’re gonna turn sh*t up even more and put on for NC!

You definitely have a gift with words. How did you get your start?

I have an uncle who was a DJ, and he’d bring all sorts of artists to our city (Henderson, NC). Seeing him do his thing in music inspired me to start writing raps so I could perform with him.

When did you know it was something you wanted to pursue full time?

I realized when I was 15 and started making money off my music that I wanted to take it on full time and see how far it would take me. 

How has life been different since signing with South Coast Music Group?

It’s been like everything I have been doing before I got signed, but a whole lot better really. The exceptions would be me traveling more, gaining new knowledge on the music business, and having a few more things in my name.

Your lyrics often touch on overcoming adversity. What do you attribute to your hustle and ability to make it happen?

Sometimes you have to really push yourself and make sh*t happen, you can’t be lazy at any time. Too many people procrastinate and expect sh*t to just happen for them, and I don’t like that. If I want it, I’m gonna get out and get it. I’m not letting anything hold me back. 

Aside from raw lyricism, your beats go extra hard. How do you go about picking them?

I really appreciate you saying that as I work with some really great Producers. When it comes to beats, if I can’t pick it in under 30 seconds, I don’t want it. I don’t spend a lot of time listening to beats like that, if it sounds good after the intro, I take it. The Producers I have been working with mostly know what I want, and put together some dope sh*t for me, so I don’t have to go around and search for new Producers. Shout out Izm and OG Dynasty.

Why do you feel it’s important for artists to tell their story?

We have made it to the point where we have fans now and they all want to be up in your business. Because of that, we have to just keep them in the loop, give them our come up stories, and make ourselves accessible to a point for them. We do it for the fans.

What lessons from 2020 are you taking into the new year?

Imma keep it all the way real with you, I ain’t bringing sh*t from last year. Nothing from 2020, it’s all about 2021 for me.

Any message for your fans?

I love y’all, and without y’all I wouldn’t be sh*t! Keep on supporting me, and we’re gonna take it all the way to the top. I got a lot more in store, so don’t give up on me. Shout out to Hype Off Life!