André Malone, a seasoned voice in the realm of music, returns with his latest album, “You Don’t Want It,” a poignant exploration into the heart of societal and political injustices that resonate deeply within the fabric of contemporary life. At 48, Malone brings a lifetime of observation and experience to the forefront, challenging norms and sparking necessary conversations through his artistry. Drawing from his own encounters with racial inequality, systemic injustices, and the vilification of black celebrities, Malone crafts an album that not only speaks to the soul but aims to incite change. Through collaborations with notable figures like Jon Connor, Krayzie Bone, and Twista, the album weaves together a narrative of empowerment, community action, and resilience. In this interview, Malone delves into the creative process behind “You Don’t Want It,” sharing insights into his journey, the album’s message, and the hope for a society that fights together against the real adversaries. Join us as we uncover the layers of André Malone’s latest work, an album fueled by passion, anger, and a deep-seated desire for equity and truth.
Listen to ‘You Don’t Want It’ HERE
Your latest album, “You Don’t Want It,” delves into themes of social and political injustices. What inspired you to tackle these issues in your music?
As you might know, I am 48 years old as of February 19th. So it’s needless to say that I’ve lived a rather long life. I’ve lived through so many societal changes and have seen and experienced the outcomes of those changes. From racial inequality and other discriminations, and having to always prove to the world that you’re valid, to seeing and experiencing systemic injustices through political agendas that are developed to corrupt, vilify, disparage, imprison, and even kill off it’s citizens, specifically people of color and those of low economic status.
Even the attacks on our black celebrities and role models. It’s no coincidence that these celebrities are being exposed for committing the same crimes and immoralities that were perpetrated on them at some point in their careers. And there is no equality in the justice that is given to blacks in contrast to the white people who commit the same crimes. And while we’re all fighting each other to survive, not enough of us are fighting the correct enemy.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind “You Don’t Want It”? How did you conceptualize the album and its message?
I wanted to address some of the issues that, I believe everyone experiences throughout their life. Loneliness, fear of being able to be oneself, not having someone you can trust becoming vulnerable with.
I want to start the conversations at home that inspire truth and transparency. Too many musicians are promoting negativity and manipulating their fans to destroy themselves with drugs and violence, and sex. It’s time we expose these tyrants and fight for those who don’t know better or can’t fight for themselves. It’s time to turn the fight back onto the enemy.
The album features collaborations with notable artists like Jon Connor, Krayzie Bone, and Twista. How did these partnerships come about, and what did they bring to the project?
Well I have to say a special thank you to all of those guys for their contributions to this project and their loyalty and love to underground music and the success of independent artists. I’ve actually been a fan of all 3 of these artists for a long time.
Jon Connor is a fellow Michigander from our neighboring city Flint, who also experienced the troubling issues that we have to endure everyday where we’re from. I reached out to tell him about the project and how I felt that he’d be the perfect person to speak with me on the social injustices happening to our people. He’s been in the fight for a long time and I respect his passion to speak the truth and his love for the music.
I also got blessed with a producer connection that put me together with Twista and Krayzie Bone. I was very happy to receive that email from Anno Domini saying that they’d they had a feature combo that I didn’t want to pass up. When I heard it was Krayzie Bone and Twista, I had to sign. Two of my favorite rappers — yeah, I knew it was going to be fire.
In tracks like “Peasant to King” and “Let’s Get It Poppin’,” you address empowerment and community action. How do you hope your listeners will respond to these messages?
I hope these songs inspire people to come up off the bench and get involved in producing change. I believe that it’s time for our society to become self-sufficient and free from government influence. Their influence is their power and it’s based on fear and the illusion of financial superiority. We, the citizens are what they wager on to run their markets. If we start affecting the money, we can induce significant and positive change. We do that by building our own and shopping and spending with in our own money. If they won’t help us, we don’t need them. We can do it ourselves.
Your journey in the music industry has been marked by resilience and determination. How have your past experiences influenced the sound and themes of “You Don’t Want It”?
I’ve heard that the album sounds angry, I guess it is. I’ve been through everything I speak about in my album. I’ve had people close to me do the most snakiest things to me. I have had friends try to rob me, family members turn their backs on me, society treat me like I don’t belong.
I know what it feels like to be a man with no home. No where to belong. Nothing to call his own without someone else trying to take it from him. So-called friends try to talk behind my back. I know what it’s like having to fight for your life everyday and never get to rest. I also, know how hard all of that is to talk about, so I hope that I’m a voice to and for somebody.
Can you share any memorable moments or challenges you encountered while recording and producing the album?
Every moment was memorable. It felt good walking into Studio E at the Saltmine Recording Studio, where so many of the greats produced their hits and laboured us with their gifts. Artists like the Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Lil Wayne, Young Buck, and so many others helped us cope with life using music recorded right there. It was definitely a life enhancing experience.
The album is accompanied by a music video. How does visual storytelling enhance the listening experience for your audience?
I feel that the video captures the essence and makes the context of the song clear. I also hope it speaks to the audience in such a way that it inspires them to at least think about what’s going on around them. We all struggle, but this is not the time to quit. This is the time for action.
You’ve shared the stage with iconic artists like Boys II Men and Method Man. How have these experiences shaped your approach to music and performance?
It’s given me ideas on how I want to present myself to my audience. Over the years I’ve learned a lot about stage presence when performing and the business and dynamics of the behind the scenes through promoting shows. There’s a lot to building a career. That’s why I want to utilize my music as a launching platform for my other endeavors. So I’m really focusing on branding myself as more than just a musician or rap artist.
With “You Don’t Want It” now released, what do you hope to achieve with this album, both personally and professionally?
Well I’m hoping to expand my audience and to make it so that this album gets to reach the people that need to hear it. I also hope that it gives at least one person the strength they need to stay in the fight or inspire one to get in the fight.
What’s next for André Malone? Do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations that your fans can look forward to?
I have a bunch of new stuff about to take off. We’re getting ready to debut album merch.
I’m really excited about it because we’re collaborating with my new fashion line that we will be launching this summer called, UPMan Fashions, which is an urban luxury designer brand.
I’m also currently in the process of forming a nonprofit called, Project Rebirth, which will provide valuable resources to those families and individuals, veterans and ex-criminals, in the way of affordable and sustainable housing, relevant and innovative education and reliable career employment opportunities. But I’m sure I won’t be stopping at just that. There’s a lot to do. And I want to show us all how we can do it.
I’m also currently in the process of forming a nonprofit called Project Rebirth, which will provide valuable resources to families and individuals, veterans, and ex-criminals, providing affordable and sustainable housing, relevant and innovative education, and reliable career employment opportunities where needed. However, I’m sure I won’t be stopping at just that. There’s a lot to do, and I want to show us all how we can do it.
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Rishma

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