My City: Mally is the Future of Minneapolis

At first glance Minneapolis may seem like an unlikely hip-hop destination, but as the country is slowly but surely discovering, the Twin Cities is teeming with beat and rhyme based talent. In this edition of our My City series, Minneap native Mally explains why the Rhymesayers' success is a double-edged sword, reveals that his grandmother is a primary source of inspiration and lays out some of his favorite spots in the city.

RefinedHype: When most people think of Minneapolis hip-hop nationally they probably think of Rhymesayers, yet it seems like you've deliberately set yourself apart from that movement. What’s the hip-hop scene like in Minneapolis currently?

Mally: I would have to say that you are 100% correct with that assessment. To be frank, Rhymesayers may have not been the first bunch of MC’s with talent in the Twin Cities, but they sure (in my eyes) did build everything from the ground up. I believe they represent unity from an outsider’s perception. I commend and respect everybody who had a say so in creating that brand, by expanding that movement of local music to a national platform. Taking it past the local level and being more national/global has given people a nice taste of our city, but at the same time it’s almost a double edged sword. I say that in the sense people start to feel as if all of our MC’s need to and might sound exactly like them since they are the front runners.

In no way do I deliberately try to set myself apart, but I do have my own sound and not another individual’s or group’s. Having pure originality and talent is essential for MC’s to get respect, and [that] is something I put in my music. Because the minute I start stealing somebody else’s sound, people will know and want to cut my mic off. Unfortunately, there are some cats that are on the scene currently and need to have the mic removed from their palm.

The scene of Hip-Hop in Minneapolis/St. Paul/Twin Cities is very diverse ethnically, musically and lyrically. In addition, you have so much talent and potential in a wide number of individuals, but my generation is more selfish than selfless. For example, 6 rappers in the same room might have a show the same night at the same time at different venues, and may only pull in 30 heads total. But if they were connected, they might bring 100+ every show. As I stated earlier, unity turned out to be the key for success, but the division is hurting us. However, you definitely have you fair share of very talented MC’s and FeMCees, but then you also run into cats who think just because they can rhyme “big” with the word “wig” it’s their destiny to write and perform music.

I believe there is higher visibility of the saturation to garbage since technology has advanced so quickly. Now when I check my gmail/myspace/twitter/facebook and some wack producer or lame MC writes “If U Nead a .99 sent VeRsE or .99 sent beets, hit me up famo cuzzo, gitat mee I’m hott” that shit is trash. But to be honest I love the current scene, we just need to improve on a few things.

RefinedHype: How do you think being from Minneapolis, as opposed to a larger market like L.A. or New York, has affected your music and career?

Mally: It has definitely given me a chance to really dig deep and share experiences that may be similar, but not exactly like the next man from a larger city. However, I will say that being from Minneapolis, Mn I feel the need to always give 100% or go hard since there aren’t as many outlets (I’m assuming) like New York or Los Angeles, and we aren’t widely known yet. Not to say that if I lived in one of those places I wouldn’t give it my all, but I just want the listeners to take my city seriously and acknowledge we have great lyricists here too. Furthermore, it has motivated me to reach out to those who have made strides in their career and see what they did to get there. I have become more proactive in finding opportunities through networking personally and with various internet personalities as well. Overall, it has been humbling experience for me to see all of the challenges and learn from my mistakes only to be sharper the next time around.

RefinedHype: Where do you go to get inspired?

Mally: A) I step outside my door everyday and capitalize on every breath I take. Sometimes just breathing in the air amazes me. B) Going inside my own mind/spirit and enjoying prayer to talk with God. C) Spending Friday nights out with my collective of friends I take pride in calling “The Cobalt Commission". D) Attending hip-hop shows in Minneapolis to stay current on how the music is sounding around town and who is who. E) Going to my grandma’s house to soak up everything she is willing to share with me. F) Mainly, I would have to say going in my computer room to read and/or listening to nothing but music all night long. Something about just getting lost in the music just makes my day that much more valuable and cherished.

RefinedHype: If I'm rolling through Minneapolis where can I find you?

Mally: You will always find me over South Minneapolis in the Uptown area, Downtown area, at Electric Fetus, 5th Element buying CD’s, at The Red Dragon having a Wondrous Punch or just hanging out when I have time. I’m addicted to Lyndale Avenue, Hennepin Avenue and Lake Street. I love all three of those strips because that is where a majority of the weekend patrons spend their evenings.

RefinedHype: Last words?

Mally: First, I would like to thank Refined Hype for taking the time set this interview up and all other blog personalities that support and believe in my music.

Second, make sure you purchase a copy of my new album "The Passion" (produced by Mydus) on iTunes. If you are in the local area of Minneapolis or St. Paul be sure to stop at your local Cheapo, Urban Lights, Electric Fetus or 5th Element to grab a copy.

Lastly, be on the lookout for more new music from me working alongside Rem’, Mydus and other up and coming talented producers.