Maalik D’wan York

Talent Runs in the Family

When did you first get into music?

At the age of 18, right after High School is when I started to take music seriously. Plus, everyone in my family did, so I guess it just rubbed off of me.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

Pac and especially NaS inspired me. My first hip hop song I liked was, One Mic by NaS. I was 5 years old and it was dope that all you need is “One Mic” to change the world. And what inspired me, well that’s to do things that has never been done.

How has your music evolved since you first began performing?

It has evolved a lot. As far as to help me in controlling my breathing when recording.and to make songs a certain way, knowing how the crowd reacts to my particular songs or chants.

I’m sure you have shared the stage with a lot of talented artists/celebrities along the way. Would you share 1 or 2 of your favorite stories with us?

Well, we were at the Summit Music Hall in Denver and there was a lot of talent around the city. That drove us to perform better, than we had performed before at any other show. It was a “Man-Up” type of deal and to be honest, I like being around great talent like that. It truly brings the best out of me.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

Probably Desire.That’s just how hungry I am to be successful. Because, I feel like throughout High School and in my childhood, I just did what everyone was comfortable with and I didn’t do what was comfortable for me. So, I promised myself that no matter what, I won’t be denied my destiny again!!! 18 that. It truly brings the best out of me.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?

My energy, people say that when I perform, I have great energy and it stands out to others. My great energy carries me throughout the performance. And they say that it sounds like I recorded a song onstage, like it was already mixed when I’m performing.

What has been your biggest challenge as a performing artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

My biggest challenge as a performing artist at first was that I wasn’t looking up as I was performing. And remembering my lyrics. How I overcame that challenge was nothing but rehearsals. You know, rep after rep and like I said already, I have great energy, so it carries over quite well.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

Well, yes cause you gotta make sacrifices period. I’m talking about staying up whole weeks and barely seeing family in-between time writing music for hours and hours. I lost some friends that I considered my family. And I’ve been trolled a lot! So, I have suffered a great deal, but my resilience keeps me going. And like they say… “No Pain, No Gain!”

How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?

It has made it great for independent artists, like myself and many others. It gives the opportunity to put yourself were you wanna be in the industry. But, the only negative I can think of is that the industry is just too oversaturated with content, that’s all

Have you done or plan on doing any Live-stream Concerts? If you have, how has the response been from your fans?

I have live-streamed my concerts before, but it was on Facebook and Instagram. The quality as far sound was kind of messed up a little bit. I am working on some other live-streaming platforms to get better sound quality.

If you could change anything about the music industry. What would it be?

Everything would be based on merit, not just numbers. Meaning, actual talent would be in the forefront, not just due to how popular you are. Your art will make you popular, instead of your looks.

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today? And why?

First, “Ilmatic” by NaS just influenced me on what it means to be an emcee and being creative. Second, “The Carter 2” probably just swag alone and proving people wrong and just being dominant when it comes to this industry as much as possible. Third, “Late Registration” by Kanye West showed me not to limit yourself or put yourself in a box. Fourth, “Me Against the World” by Tupac taught me you know, just resilience Itself and the will to push through being strong in the face of adversity. Fifth, “Ready to Die” inspired me to be witty, cunning and flashy, you know walk that walk and talk that talk and being unapologetic.

Tell us about your current project. Are you working on new music? An EP or Album?

I am working on finishing the rest of our EP, “The Rule of 2” with my brother, King York. Then, after that, working on my personal project “Lone Ranger”, that’s going tell my story and who I am as a person.

What is your baseball walk on to the field song?

My song, no joke, “The Rule of 2” KoK.

What’s next for you?

What next for me, going out-of-town performing and more videos. Getting our exposure up. The more you’re in people’s face, the better. And finishing up these EP’s and promotion.And expanding the label and getting some merch for people to support our label and our movement.

How can fans-to-be gain access to your career?

Facebook is Maalik D’wan York (God Leo Lion) and my music, Facebook Page is kok king of kingz and you’ll see a purple and black symbol. My Twitter is Leo Nagasaki @303_Lion5280 and our Spotify is KoK king of kingz same name on SoundCloud and it will be a blackand purple logo, you will see and thats us. Our YouTube: K.O.K network and all our songs are on there as well.