Mali Is...

Recording information: Patch Bay, North Hollywood, CA; Platinum Sound Recording Studio, NYC; Studio 609 West; SWMG, Savannah, GA; Tailored 4U Music, North Hollywood, CA; WEstlake Studios, Los Angeles, CA.
Photographer: Leann Mueller.
After a pair of successful and independent contemporary Christian releases, Jamaal Pollard, aka Mali Music, moved to the secular side of the music industry and signed to RCA. While the majority of Mali Is... could be categorized as secular R&B and rap, he hasn't cut his roots. Understated yet energized, Pollard's major-label debut is certainly closer in sound to contemporary releases from the likes of John Legend and Aloe Blacc. This contains the modern Southern soul of "No Fun Alone," the booming/rallying "Fight for You," the uplifting "Beautiful," and career highlight "Ready Aim" -- all singles, all distinctive, and compelling. ~ Andy Kellman