Meet Alvin “Malimal” Stewart | Artist, Financial Professional, & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alvin “Malimal” Stewart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alvin “Malimal”, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, the answer to this question is necessity. I was working various retail work for a while over a decade. I was passed over, underpaid, overlooked, and then unceremoniously let go after years of service. I knew I had to make some change to really attempt to live out my dreams and I knew this cycle wasn’t going to get it. I stood up and took the leap of faith. It’s the best decision ever, even in the hardest of times

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My music is my baby. It has been since I was 11 and I never go too long without writing or recording something. Hip Hop, Rap, Soul Music, have all been in my heart for as long as I have memories. I have been blessed with an ability to create verses and weave stories through lyrics. This blessing has helped me navigate life in ways I never thought possible. That’s what sets me apart, for a lot of people this is a cash grab for me, it my life force and you hear it through the Evolution of my music. Professionally I’m nowhere near the heights that I dream for myself, however where I am now required so much trial by fire. Bad promoters, poorly attended shows, rundown showcases, money and marketing are all sources of pain in the music industry. To overcome these things I just learn from them. I network better to find better opportunities. I practice more to have better shows. Ive learned to take as much control as possible and leave the rest. The internet is the great equalizer and must be used to the fullest. Create your image and be attractive people will follow. These are all things that changed the way I operate and things I hope any creator coming up realizes. When all is said and done I would like people to know Malimal is all heart. My brand would bring people together to enlighten them And propel our people forward. The Black Nerd Militant that the world but especially the community needs — that’s what I want to have attached to the name.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Brooklyn Is one of the funnest places on Earth bar-none. So finding places to have fun is almost too easy. Williamsburg and Bushwick have the absolute best bar hopping so we have to spend some time on that. Barcade in Williamsburg is a definite must. Catching an Open Mic at the Bowery Poetry Club in the city is truly unbelievable artists of all ilks. You may even the Future in front of you. SOBs is another phenomenal place to take in some great tunes from the heart of the city. The music you can find lurking in Manhattans underground is truly next level. Lounging in the park you would love Prospect Park. An outstanding and beautiful park attached to the Botanical Gardens and accented by 4 different neighborhoods, the best. There are so many places to catch a vibe in my city we could just pick at random and come out good.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people that could get this shoutout. I want to thank The Grand Shinobi – Hasani Noel for introducing me to the world of finance and really allowing me for the first time to truly put my future in my own hands. Without the experiences gained through him and the PowerBuilders Organization, I would never have had the courage to lean on my own strengths in the way I have nor would I have learned the things about myself that would prevent me from being successful. I would also be reminded if I didn’t shout out Ken, Rondell, and Roderick (Collectively known as The Premiere Boyz) since I was a teenager these guys have believed in my talent and skills in the realm of media and music. Often helping gain opportunities that I never would have thought of and always having a positive word of encouragement regarding my pursuits. These people have been the cornerstone of my success.

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