PONTIAC, Mich. (AP) — At just 17 years old, Malach Khalil, known professionally as Markell2timez, is working to establish himself as more than another emerging artist. He wants listeners to understand the person behind the music and the message driving his work.
Born and raised in Pontiac, Michigan, Khalil describes himself as someone who has experienced both hardship and opportunity, shaping a perspective that influences every record he creates.
“I have a story and I do have something real to say,” Khalil said. “I’m a 17-year-old kid who knows what the trenches look like along with the finer things in life. I’ve always been in the in-between, and I’ve always understood my surroundings and environment.”
That commitment to authenticity has become the foundation of his artistic identity. Khalil says his music is rooted in real-life experiences and conversations many people are afraid to have publicly.
“I always want to say what everyone else is scared to say,” he said. “I want to show that it’s okay for others to speak as well.”
For Khalil, music is about more than personal success. He views it as a platform to create a sense of belonging for listeners who may feel overlooked or misunderstood.
“I got into this industry so I could have a place of my own, a world where I have a chance to make others fit in,” he said.
His journey has already produced notable milestones. His song “Hollon,” featuring BIGJ, reached No. 23 on the Genius charts, while public recognition from artists and influencers including Toosii and IShowSpeed has helped expand his audience.
Despite those accomplishments, Khalil believes one of his greatest achievements has been studying the music business before fully stepping into the spotlight.
“Learning the game before I’ve fully stepped in gives me an advantage for long-term success,” he said.
Like many independent artists, Khalil has faced obstacles along the way. He identifies perfectionism as one of the biggest challenges of his career so far.
According to Khalil, striving for unattainable standards can slow progress and create unnecessary pressure.
“The best doesn’t sound like enough to you,” he said. “I overcame it by understanding that it doesn’t belong to me. I’m just a vessel for the art to work through.”
Another challenge has been navigating the industry without a consistent support system.
Khalil compares the music business to other highly competitive environments where relationships and alliances often play a critical role. He recalls moments when people he trusted stepped away during difficult periods, forcing him to continue pursuing his goals independently.
Rather than allowing those experiences to discourage him, he says they have strengthened his resolve.
“It molds you into a monster, into something so strong that nothing can phase you after,” he said.
At the center of Khalil’s work is a broader mission: shining a light on real life and encouraging honest expression.
He says many of his insecurities — feelings of inadequacy, fear of speaking up and concern about how others might react — have become fuel for his creative process.
“I’ve taken all that and made it my armor,” he said. “My why is to help the movement of shining light onto real life and being real while doing it.”
Looking ahead, Khalil sees his current position as only the beginning. He envisions growth across every aspect of his career, from music production and artistic quality to personal development and business success.
“Further than I am today,” he said. “Take everything I’m doing now and picture it 100 times bigger and better.”
For Markell2timez, the goal is not simply to build a catalog of music but to create a movement centered on transparency, connection and shared experiences. As his audience continues to grow, he hopes listeners will pay attention not only to the art itself, but also to the voice behind it.
“This is about more than music,” Khalil said. “It’s about understanding the message on a deeper, more personal level.”