Steven Malcolm has hit the ground running as he has been opening up the night at Winter Jam even before his debut album's release date. He is an artist who brings relentless energy to the stage, and he believes in connecting with his fans. 

Steven Malcolm took the time to share with NRT about his quirky song "Cereal," his signing with Word Records' new hip hop imprint 4 for 5 and more.

So how does it feel being in the "first round draft pick" of the new Word imprint, Four Against Five (IVAV) Records? 

Yeah! It's crazy bro. I don't feel the pressure because I know I am exactly where God has me. I'm so glad that a label that has been in existence for 60 years sees the growth in hip hop. They chose me as the first pick, and I'm ready to get it. I'm ready to prove myself and create a new avenue for cats that are going hard for Jesus.

What is the inspiration behind your self-titled album? 

The inspiration is to introduce myself to the game. I feel like God has given me this talent. This is my hello: "Hello, I'm here. I'm about Jesus, and I'm about to turn up on 'em."
 
Okay, our executive editor Marcus really digs the song "Cereal," and we just have to know what prompted you to do a song about cereal? 

That song is a true story. I literally have a cereal addiction. I've slowed down and right now, while I'm on the road, I don't eat cereal. It's crazy because I will easily go through a box a day. 

I like to challenge myself artistically and take a word or subject and get creative. I was in the studio one day and said, "I'm gonna write a song about cereal." People who know me know that I go hard with the cereal. Everything I say in the song is fact.

There was a unique collaboration on this album that I was not expecting. Being from Houston, I have seen Pyrexx on several occasions, and I have heard his testimony. How did you hook up with him? 

Actually Joseph Prielzony made that connection. Pyrexx and Joseph were talking and building. Joseph shot the song to Pyrexx, and Pyrexx sent it back; it was banging.

"Hot Boy" is a song that you probably would not expect to see on a CHH track list. Do you think it could be misconstrued for the wrong message? 

It's already been misconstrued. I've had people hit both me and Joseph up, wondering what I meant by "hot boy." I feel that people are making assumptions right off the bat. Asking, "is he conceited or talking about himself?" I've had times where I have had to post the meaning of the song or tell them the backbone of the song. 
 
So much is going on in our society that it can be very overwhelming. There is division, name calling, and we just had the presidential inauguration. How can you be a witness in the midst of the madness, and how can you stay grounded as far as being discipled? 

I would just say that standing for truth is the key. Truth is in Christ and the love that He shared while He was on earth. It's about sticking to that and showing the love of Jesus in the world. 

I stay grounded by staying focused. I've read I Samuel many times, about God taking his anointing away. I know that as quick as He gives, He can take it away. I'm here because God wants me to be here. He gave me His gift, and He wants me to steward it well. I must stay faithful, obedient and humble. I strive to stay humble. 

I respond the to instagram when people drop me lines. When I am signing autographs, I will ask people questions which surprise them. I want people to see me as a human, laid back dude. I never want to be caught up in the hype. I just want to be a humble servant, like Christ.
 
Steven Malcolm's debut album Steven Malcolm is available here.