Fast-rising independent DIY rapper Leek Mali has returned with his brand-new EP, Summer Forever, a four-track collection of authentic and soulful hip-hop that embodies the genre’s golden era, with a fresh and modern twist. The EP is accompanied by the new arrival of a self-directed video for the project's lead single – title track "Summer Forever". Hailing from Prince George’s County, Maryland, Leek only burst on the scene in 2020 but already has several notable releases under his belt, such as “Party Time” and “400+ Years”, and he looks set to continue his momentum with this latest release.

Leek 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 sparked as a child by way of influence of my family, culture, and hometown. I come from a city where go-go music is originated which is a percussion-driven funk subgenre that displays strong musicianship. Music is something I’ve never lived without, so it’s a great feeling knowing I’m pretty successful creating my own.

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

My biggest musical influences are mainly oldies. Artists like The Stylistics, Bee Gees, Roy Ayers, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Bill Withers, Curtis Mayfield, Al Green, and a plethora of others. I am without a doubt an old soul, and I have no problem expressing that to millennials my age. I feel as though artists before my time created timeless art that will always and forever evoke emotion. In terms of hip-hop my top five is Biggie, Outkast, Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, and Kanye West. In the future, I would love to work with Blood Orange and Quincy Jones because of the incredible composing ability they have – I just love the musicality they bring to the world of music.

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

The corona virus pandemic was a blessing in disguise for me musically because it gave me a chance to reinvent and elevate my artistry. I spent a lot of time at the park with my SentruEz partner, Tadiwa, working on my writing, singing, and creative ability just because we really care about what we present to the world. The pandemic gave me a chance to relax and reflect for future moves. It was greatly appreciated for my mental health. I am not the same artist I was before March 2020, and I have no one to thank but the corona virus pandemic.

4. How would you describe your sound?

My sound differs from the average artist in this millennial age by my level of musicality. My approach is to create bodies of work for generational longevity. I create to evoke emotion. My purpose is to create sounds that tie in with personal feeling. I have unique ways of using my voice, cadence, and penmanship/lyrical ability to show my listeners what “the real” is. The music industry isn’t just a get-rich-quick scheme for me. I’m unlike most millennials that think of it with a sprint race mentality or use internet gimmicks. It’s a marathon not a sprint race – I’m here to stay.

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

A release party I threw for my first mixtape, College Daze, on January 31st, 2020. This was during my time in college at Towson University, and I was beginning to create my first buzz within my area from this project. I was surprised at how many people in my college town actually came to support my project and enjoy it. I was the big man on campus after the release party, and that was pure motivation to continue the grind of pursuing my dream. As an independent artist new to the game, it’s hard to pursue this lifestyle as an artist with no support, but after that night it seemed as though I had the whole city on my back.

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

If I could give any advice for ones that want to play the mad game of music it’s to be unique, and create a world that an audience can’t find anywhere else. Create whatever you want, and don’t listen to people who have unreliable opinions. Surround yourself with love and ones that will help you elevate to the next level.

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

Tadiwa and Jordan Ali – that’s the home team, who are both featured on Summer Forever.

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

L.T.D. – Love Magic

Isaiah Rashad – The House Is Burning

Hiatus Kaiyote – Mood Valiant

Westside Gunn – Fourth Rope

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

When I’m not making music, I love to relax and watch good movies or TV shows. Just like the music, I love classic film like Spike Lee films, The Godfather movie series, etc. I’m really intrigued by the film world. I actually was an Electronic, Media, & Film major in college, and I loved every aspect of it.

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

Water

Notepad

A good engineer