Hot on the heels of ‘Coal & Bones’, released at the start of the month, Malak Shalom aka Shavirus, returns for yet another sonic outing. Hitting the limelight with a unique blend of hip-hop and country, a sound he calls hick-hop, ‘Belly Jelly’ looks set to cement him as an established newcomer.
Kicking off with an alluring guitar-led melody, ‘Belly Roll’ quickly gets underway with its country-tuned rap flow, holding nothing back. Sporting heavy percussions, clever poetry and a slick blues-driven licks, ‘Belly Roll’ pushes forward with swagger, colour and finesse. Penned as a boundary-pushing blend of hip-hop, country and everything in between, the single looks to rewrite the rules of hip-hop.
Speaking about the release, Shalom explains, “It’s another cinematic, and aiming to be a timeless track, tailing the likes of ‘Heeler Rope’ and ‘The Hip-Hop Wrangler.’ ‘Belly Jelly’ is another fun, fresh masterpiece that blends a funky combination of country and rap, as some have referred to it as hick-hop. This alternative hip-hop anthem delivers a course that sticks! It puts you on the offroads, on the countryside, bouncing in a cool ride!”
Emerging from the vibrant heart of Denver’s music scene, Malak Shalom is a rapper and artist who is empowered by emotion and melody. Malak’s musical odyssey began with the soulful rhythms of R&B, where he honed his craft and developed a deep understanding of the creative process. However, it was his spiritual awakening, symbolised by his water baptism and the adoption of his new name, that marked a pivotal turn in his career. This transformation ignited a mission to use music as a conduit for truth, peace, and positive change. Inspired by the likes of hip-hop greats Lauryn Hill and 2Pac, as well as legends like Bruce Springsteen, Malak Shalom aka Shavirus released his first single in 2021, and has gone on to unveil a string of anthems since.
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