Who is Jamaal "Mali Music" Pollard?

Jamaal "Mali Music" Pollard is truth in music. The Savannah-based singer, songwriter, producer is breaking out of the box of traditional gospel music. Jamaal began playing piano at age 5, and wrote his first song at 8. Since age 11, he has been actively pursuing his music ministry and career, and has added acoustic guitar and electric bass to his instrumental expertise. His love for music is largely influenced by legendary music lovers like Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. His sound, heavily inspired by the work of musical geniuses Bilal and D'Angelo, is free, boundless and uninhibited. Jamaal serves as Minister of Music at Faith on the Move Ministries, and though he remains unrestricted as a musician and artist, his passion lies in creating powerful, effective Christian music that stretches its genre.

In 2006, Jamaal founded Mali Music Note Productions, and February 2008 yielded the release of the highly anticipated first CD: The Coming. Having sold more than 5,000 hard copies to date, the project is comprised of smash singles such as "Avaylable", "No Musick", and "I Hate You" gaining the interest of several Contemporary Gospel hit-makers. Already an internet success, the live acoustic version of Mali's "Avaylable" boasts nearly 56,000 YouTube hits. His MySpace page has over 170,000 hits, increasing by the thousands daily. Stretching the boundaries of Contemporary Christian, The Coming displays Mali's extensive vocal and production versatility, and his God-given ability to reach any audience. His bold, unique sound and gift for musical storytelling has captured audiences across the country. Following his project release, Mali immediately began national appearances, performing shows in select US cities. His tour includes events at Southeastern Historically Black Colleges and Universities, World Changers International Youth Conferences and Showcases at the Gospel Music Workshop of America. Moreover, he recently sealed the deal with rising independent recording label, Sound Walk Music Group.

Along with being a phenomenal performer, Mali Music is an accomplished producer and actor. He currently has production and vocal credits on recent CD releases, Travis Greene's The More and Laura Wilson's Nayshon Shaka. In 2007, he landed the lead role in the Savannah College of Art and Design produced film "Linked", and scored its soundtrack. With well over 100 songs in his portfolio, Mali is credited with scoring two gospel stage plays, Urban Resurrection in 2005 and Zion's March in 2006 becoming a local legend in the Christian community. In April 2008, he shared the stage with the ever popular Gospel artists Tye Tribbett, and Da Truth, and his fast growing success earned him an invitation perform at the birthday bash for Deon Kipping, hosted by the legendary Natalie Wilson in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Mali recently went into collaboration with veteran artist Evelyn Turrentine Agee and will write, produce and perform with Ms. Evelyn on her upcoming project, Double Edge. Summer 2008, provided Mali many open doors, he shared the stage with national recording artists Integrity's Lisa McClendon and Arrow Records' Canton Jones. Mali recently opened for shows Deitrick Haddon, Darlene McCoy and 21:03.

In the Mali Music Note Productions Studio, Mali both produces and writes for and collaborates vocally with singers E. Hall and Chelsea, Christian rapper Mr. Del. of Nu Soul Records Additionally, he often produces alongside like-minded visionaries Zion and Ramon "Drum-Ducer" Gaskin.

Ever seeking to enhance his craft, Mali continually studies, increasing his knowledge of music theory. His desire to build his musical repertoire is undying as he is constantly reading, writing, finding new music software, and experimenting with diverse vocal styles. His musical gift is evident and undeniable in The Coming. As his genius grows, Jamaal "Mali Music" Pollard is sure to unforgettably impact the world.

Lutonya M. Lang is the founder of Industry Buzzz.com Media Outlet, a platform of Hope, Vision and Purpose. To learn more about Lutonya please visit her official webiste at www.industrybuzzz.com.
Copyright 2009. All rights reserved by Lutonya M. Lang. Used with permission for Faith Filled Stilettos Online Magazine.

FFS: Thank you for agreeing to this interview. Please introduce yourselves to our readers?

Alicia: Hello everyone! My name is Alicia Williams and I am 24 yrs. old. I am from Wilson, NC but have spent my adult life in Greenville, NC. I completed my Master’s of Social Work at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC in May 2008. I currently work as a Clinical Social Worker for a state psychiatric hospital where I encourage and counsel the patients and let them know life doesn’t end due to their mental illness. I am getting married to the love of my life, Henry Woods, on August 15, 2009. At this time I am simply loving life and enjoying the journey that God has set before me!


Paris:What’s up fam! My name is Paris Andrew. I was born and raised in Raleigh, NC and am currently wrapping up my Master’s Degree at North Carolina State University!

Tasha: Hello my name is Tasha Vaughn. I am 26 yrs. old. I am from Wilson, NC but have lived in Greenville as an adult. I completed by Bachelor’s of Arts in Health Education and Promotion at East Carolina University. I aspire to go back to school to get my Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

FFS: When did each of you start rapping?

Alicia: Well actually Paris is the only one that raps. I am a singer by nature and generally don’t rap unless I am just having fun and playing around. Paris, Tasha, and I just thought it would be an awesome experience and blessing to the Kingdom of God to see three young women intertwine their gifts as a form of worship.

Paris: I started writing poetry when I was 12 years old. My style of writing often comes out in the form of rap as I often like to recite my poetry to soft music or to a beat. When I got to college, I began doing spoken word at open mic events, poetry jam sessions and church events.

Tasha: I actually do not rap however, I play the clarinet. I started playing in band in 6th grade, but I started playing in church and by ear when I was in the 7th grade.

FFS: How was Partners-N-Rhyme formed and where did the name come from?

Everyone’s Response: Partners-N-Rhyme formed when myself, and a fellow poet in the faith of mine, Mr. Marquice Jones would meet up to collaborate on poetry to minister at church events. Our poetic styles vibe so well together that we called ourselves Partners-N-Rhyme, and we began to identify other ‘Partners’ in the faith who could add their salt to ours in ministry. Our Clarinetist, Tasha Vaughn and our Vocalist, Alicia Williams both exemplify the confluence multifaceted musical ministry infused with poetic passion. Usually, when it is Tasha, myself and Alicia, we often call ourselves, “Rhythm and Praise”, or R&P to redirect the crowd’s thoughts from R&B to R&P.

FFS: If you could ask any woman in the bible one questions what would it be and why?

Alicia: I think I would ask the Woman with the Issue of Blood how she pressed with such perseverance to the hem of Jesus garment. Since I am a worshiper no matter what I want to always touch Jesus with my praise and worship. When I look at her it was such a high level of intensity to her getting to the garment of Jesus because she knew she would be made whole. I feel that at times we get so lackadaisical that we don’t press and do whatever it takes to touch Jesus and truly be whole. I also admire her for her fervent faith.

Paris: I would ask the disciple, Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, what it felt like to be a blessing to so many people in her realm of influence in the town of Joppa. The people loved her ministry so much that when she died, they tracked down Peter to come and raise her up from the dead to live and minister to them again. I would love to talk to Dorcas because I desire to download and enact the qualities that it takes to be an on fire leader in Christ, to the point that when I leave, people will demand an encore of the presence of God.


Tasha: I would ask Sarah about her insight on Faith beyond everything she endured. No matter what Sarah went thorough she still had joy beyond measure so much so to the Lord brought her laughter which was her son Isaac (Genesis 21).

FFS: The bible says that life and death are in the power of the tongue. How is that truth displayed through your ministry?

Everyone’s Response: Well to answer this question you can look at the piece that we created “God’s Glamorous Girls”. Through this piece and many more that will be created we touch on the issues of our day and let people know especially women that question “Is anything to hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:4) and let them know nothing is too hard for the Lord. Our aim is to let them know it doesn’t matter what type of giant they are facing because God is able to do exceeding and abundantly above all that ask, or think in their wildest dreams (Ephesians 3:20 Message Bible) and he will do just that. That is the epitome of speaking life.

FFS: Have either of you ever dealt with rejection of your gift because you are a woman? If so, how did you handle it?

Alicia: Well I truly can not say that I have dealt with rejection of my gift and for that I am grateful. Generally people embrace me and enjoy hearing me sing and lead them into worship. They especially enjoy when Paris, Tasha, and I come together because they enjoy the unique worship experience that they obtain from us interlocking our gifts.

Paris: Fortunately no, I haven’t. Many men and women tend to enjoy spoken word from a young, talented oracle of God. They tend to like the gift of poetry because it attracts the youth, as well as the older saints to consider the simple things in life. This gift of poetry is often refreshing and cathartic for others.

Tasha: I wouldn’t say rejection. As a musician there are not that many women around or you just don’t see them, especially women horn players. I’ve never felt rejected, just left out sometimes. You feel the need to prove yourself as an equal, but I have been blessed to be around some men who truly love God and the Anointing.

FFS: If you could record a track with anyone who would it be and why?

Alicia: I would record a track with Tye Tribett because I simply love his music but more importantly I love how he ministers the word to people whether it be thorough song or through spoken words. I also love his enthusiasm for the things of God and representing the Kingdom of God. He also has an energy level out of this world and I definitely would like to gain that from him.

Paris: Da Truth. Da Truth is a gospel rap artist who is educated in the faith, challenges the status quo, and collaborates with various artists for one common purpose: To fulfill the great commission, which is to draw all souls closer to Christ to the point of salvation. I would be HONORED to rap on a track, or do a poetic interlude with Da Truth. I’ve never seen him in concert personally, but I’ve followed his music ministry and recommend his music to anyone who is looking to hear the gospel preached to a beat.

Tasha: Tye Tribbett! I am a huge fan of his and Sound Check (The Band). I love the energy, the jazziness, and the beautiful worship.

FFS: Young girls are being pressured more than ever to “drop it likes it’s hot” in sexually explicit videos, magazines, and so on. It seems like the only way to get noticed is to show some skin. If you had to minister to a girl caught between being a video vixen and God’s girl, what would you say?

Paris: IMAGE IS EVERYTHING. If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything. Take this time today, to be the trend setter. Make holiness a trend. Everyone gets excited whenever they see ‘NEW’ attached to a thing. Be the ‘NEW’. The N.otably E.xquisite W.omen that everyone else will aspire to be. You can only be “N.E.W.” by accepting Christ in your life, and walking out that relationship in obedience and submission to Him. You can do it. Everyone is waiting on the N.E.W. you…including Partners-N-Rhyme.

Tasha: I would tell her that she is worth much more than showing her body to the world. A true woman who esteems herself to be the top and a real dime piece knows her worth in Christ. She indeed has a worth far more than rubies and diamonds. If you don’t want to be trash, feel like trash, become trash, then don’t do trashy things.

Alicia: After reading and talking with my group members I definitely have noting left to say. They summed it up quite nicely and I agree with what they stated completely.

FFS: Name some of your favorite artists.

Alicia: Tye Tribett, Fred Hammond, Kirk Franklin, Mary Mary, William Murphy, Lisa McClendon, CeCe Winans, Kiki Sheard and a ton of others that would probably fill this page.

Paris: William Murphy, Mary Mary, Mali Music, Tye Tribbett, Da Truth, Ambassador, Lecrae, Tripp Lee, Phanatik, Flame, Stephen the Levite, the list could go on and on.

Tasha: Tye Tribbett, Kirk Franklin, William Murphy, Chris Tomlin. Lisa McClendon, Kirk Whalum and Kenny G.

FFS: No one said Canton Jones! You all lose 4 cool points for that lol (JJ)! Give me 4 bars right now on love.

Everyone’s Response: Give me that love that is rich, something like the top dollar
Surpassing common law because it comes from the Father
Limitless in affection, our praise breeds new direction
Pricking hearts, touching souls to the point of confession

FFS: What’s next for you ladies?

Everyone’s Response: That is definitely a tough question at this point. We all are accomplishing so much in life with marriage on the horizon for one of us (Alicia), one of us finishing up a Master’s Degree and a freshly started marriage (Paris), and then another wanting to pursue a second degree (Tasha). All though we are not sure at this time we know that God will lead and guide us. We also know that we share a covenant relationship and that our paths will forever cross. In the mean time we would love to do further projects together and we know that it will happen.

FFS: A woman’s shoes say a lot about her. What does yours say about you?

Paris: Day by day, I’m walking in and on purpose.

Alicia: Well I am definitely the Stiletto Type. For some stilettos are hard to walk in but not for me. What can I say just as my shoes are high I am definitely going higher and higher in the things of God. I am excited about where God is taking me. No matter how high he exalts me I am confident that my God will allow me to walk with confidence, boldness, and authority! I exalt God because he is the greatest!

Tasha: Classy but comfortable would describe my shoes. I am a down to earth person who is sweet, classy, and beautiful and likes to spread the joy and love of Christ wherever I go. I am also very comfortable with my relationship with God and where I am in life.

FFS: You ladies are an inspiration and I am blessed to have you featured in FFS! Continue to walk in your purpose and I look forward to seeing more of R&P in the future.

To check out some awesome video of Rhythm&Praise in action, visit their Youtube page www.youtube.com/user/PartnersNRhyme.

Raishein (ray-sheen), gospel pop music’s new crowned Princess, is an anointed singer, songwriter, actress and recording artist. She relies on truth and writes from her own remarkable life experiences. Every musical testimony is a page torn from her diary. She composes songs that speak to the perseverance of the human spirit by transforming her wounds into a source of strength. Raishein feels that ministry by music is one of the most powerful tools that is used today to reach a generation that is looking for fulfillment in this world.

“Have you ever loved someone so much, gave them you all, but it wasn’t good enough?”

This is a question Yunek (pronounced “Unique”) asks on her thought provoking song Have You Ever from her debut CD titled Exodus Three: Seventeen. This particular song grabs the attention of the listener because most of us can relate to being in love with someone who didn’t love us back. In her search for answers, Yunek does what many of us can’t. She prays and asks for the strength to forgive the one who hurt her while leading the listener into the melodic flow of songs to follow that capture our ears and heart.

Through her writing, singing, and producing, Yunek’s songs embody a refreshing blend of reality and inspiration that is sure to reach all generations. Yunek’s vision is to Educate, Empower, Encourage, and Enlighten not only the body of Christ but also the unbeliever in a way that gives them a desire to know and live by the Fruit of the Spirit. These passions lead her to write the first single “Got Fruit” derived from how she came to know and use “the Fruit” from Galatians 5:22. With follow-up singles like the dance themed “Straddle the Fence” and “Lean on Christ” to the socially conscious “On Fire” and “Real Love”, it’s evident that Yunek intends to draw, minister to and be an example for the masses. Yunek never strays from the most important message-salvation. She explains, “Salvation is the key to real joy, it’s the only way to find and keep purpose in your life. On my album, I touch on the good and the bad, just like the Bible.”

With a perfect blend of smooth vocals, faith, and scripture, Yunek’s provided music lovers with a well rounded CD debut sure to encourage a deeper personal relationship with God.
I had the chance to ask Yunek three questions from my “After the Music Stops” column. Check out what she had to say.

FFS: Your first single “Got Fruit” talks about “the Fruits of the Spirit” from Galatians 5:22. What “fruit” do find is the hardest to display and why?

YUNEK: I believe the hardest fruit for me to display would be “self-control”. The hardest part is battling between my flesh and my spirit-man. My flesh (the old me) sometimes wants to respond to certain situations in ways that aren't pleasing to God, while the Holy Spirit that lives within me is reminding me to handle things in a Christ like manor. For example, back in the day when someone had done something wrong to me, my first instinct would have been to get revenge or to make them feel just as bad as I did. Now that I have a relationship with Christ and I live to please and be like Him, I have to control that vengeful desire because it is not pleasing to God. It contradicts everything I stand for as a Christian and does not show good character on my part. I would be just as wrong as that person who wronged me. So daily I remind myself to have self-control!

FFS: Ministry is not a job but a lifestyle for you, but how do you handle the business side of ministry without getting caught up in the “fine print” and losing focus on God?

YUNEK: A lot of things play a part of this; first and foremost, I always remember that God is guiding me on this journey. I asked God to divinely connect me with people who are on one accord with His vision for this ministry, people who have knowledge of the business, people who love the Lord and people who can keep me accountable and have my best interest at heart. These things help me balance the business side of ministry and my relationship with God! I had to realize that I can’t do everything on my own and those who are and have helped me, have been assigned by God!

FFS: If you could record a song with anyone who would it be?

YUNEK: I would love to record a song with my biggest musical inspiration, India Arie.

FFS: Yunek thank you for a wonderful interview and being the first artist interviewed by FFS. We appreciate you for following after the call God has on your life. Your future is bright, flowing with milk and honey!

To learn more about Yunek and her debut release Exodus Three: Seventeen, visit her online at www.myspace.com/yunek or her offcial website http://www.yunekmusic.com/.
Interview by Tifany Jones (Founder, Editor-In-Chief, FFS)

After The Music Stops features artists with a gift and heartbeat for God. They don't just sing. They minister. If that's you and you would like to be interviewed by FFS, send us an email at music@faithfilledstilettos.com.