Malaki - The Riddler (Official Video) + 10 Questions

Dublin rapper Malaki has shared his latest no-holds-barred single, ‘The Riddler’.

‘The Riddler’ see Malaki reuniting with producer and frequent collaborator Matthew Harris, ‘The Riddler’ breathes life into a new era for the enigmatic young artist. Malaki is never too afraid to plunge headfirst into the darkest elements of the human condition, and this time he is shedding his ‘butterfly boy’ naivety in favour of gritty, audacious new offerings.

Inspired by Limelight, a Charlie Chaplin film the rapper saw over lockdown, the straight-from-the-chest track is uncompromising in its scrutiny. ‘The Riddler’ is brutally honest, its orchestrator fully embracing his status as an anti-hero – Malaki isn’t here to hand you the answers, nor use his enviable talent for distilling Gen Z trauma into clipped verses for good instead of evil. ‘The Riddler’ finds calm in chaos, and catharsis in a good laugh.

Malaki sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

My love for music was definitely something I had to discover on my own. No one in my family played any instruments or listened to much music while in the house. My room was the only room where you would hear old school hip-hop been blared out of a half broken speaker. When I was younger I used music as an escape. I always loved reflecting over my City and cycling to the coast. My music would always accompany me. I guess it was just something I loved that I ended up doing.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

My biggest inspirations when I was younger would be King Krule and Loyle Carner. They definitely were the artists that gave me the courage to write my own songs. I would love to work with some new artists like Slowthai and Dominic Fike.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

I think the biggest thing for me was not being able to perform them live. One of the best feelings in the world is writing your music, recording it, then witnessing the live reactions to fans on stage. I can’t wait to perform live again.

4. How would you describe your sound?

My sound is constantly changing as I don’t want to put myself into any genre or box. If I had to say something I would say Irish poetry with a hint of hip-hop.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I’ve done some amazing shows and had some incredible achievements but I think my proudest moments are when people really resonate with my music. I started music as a way of dealing with my darker times and when people say the same thing when listening to my music it’s incredible.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

I spent so long questioning should I release the music to the world or not. When I did I was the happiest I’d been in months. I think the best advice is just go for it. Once there is passion and love for the art people will recognise that.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

Fontaine’s Dc, Arlo parks, Berwyn , the list goes on! So many talented people on this planet. Some really talented people in my country at the moment would be April, Monjola and Aby Coulibaly.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

I’ve recently started listened back to the old red hot chilli peppers albums. “Californication” is epic! Super nostalgic as I used to listen loads when I was younger.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I love hanging out with my friends, travelling Ireland, going swimming and writing poetry. Really anything that will inspire.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Cuppa tea, cigarettes and good company.