Daily Inspiration: Meet Malik English

Today we’d like to introduce you to Malik English.

Hi Malik, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m an artist, producer, songwriter, and musician originally from Brooklyn, New York, and my journey with music has really been rooted in community, curiosity, and culture. Growing up in NYC, I was surrounded by so many different sounds including Hip Hop, Dancehall, R&B, Afrobeats, Rock, and Caribbean music, and all of those influences naturally shaped the way I create today. I started out playing instruments and learning production and songwriting, which eventually led me to studying at the Clive Davis Institute at NYU, where I was able to really sharpen my craft and understand music from both a creative and industry perspective.

Since then, I’ve worn a lot of different hats in music. I’ve worked as a producer, guitarist, songwriter, and performer across multiple genres, collaborated with a variety of artists, and played guitar for major artists and festivals. At the same time, I was building my own artist project and trying to create music that felt honest to who I am emotionally open, culturally connected, and rooted in the energy of New York.

Over the past few years, things really started gaining momentum. I’ve had music featured on editorial playlists, received support from platforms like Audiomack and Spotify, performed at places like The Apollo and SXSW, and opened for artists while continuing to grow my own audience independently. I also became part of the Converse All Star Program, which was a huge moment because it aligned with my focus on creativity, individuality, and community.

What’s most important to me now is building a world around the music that feels authentic. My sound blends Afrobeats, Dancehall, R&B, and NYC influence into something that feels global but still personal. A lot of my recent work focuses on love, identity, relationships, self expression, and creating music that people can both feel deeply and have fun to. I’m still evolving every day, but I think that journey learning, experimenting, taking risks, and staying connected to people is what’s brought me to where I am today.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been balancing the creative side of music with the realities of building a career independently. As an independent artist, you’re constantly wearing multiple hats: creating, marketing, performing, networking, and financing your own projects.

I’ve also had moments of uncertainty and self doubt, especially while trying to stay true to my own sound in an industry that moves very fast and often prioritizes trends. Living in New York has taught me resilience though. The city pushes you to adapt, work hard, and keep going even during difficult moments.

At the same time, a lot of the personal challenges and transitions I’ve experienced have ultimately made my music more honest and emotionally grounded. Looking back, every obstacle helped me grow both creatively and personally.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an artist, producer, songwriter, and instrumentalist creating music at the intersection of Dancehall, R&B, Afrobeats, and NYC culture. My music is meant to feel human and alive. I want it to be the type of music you can play on rooftops with friends, in the club, driving through the city at night, or sitting alone with headphones. A lot of my work is centered around fun, emotion, love, movement, and community.

I think what sets me apart is my focus on culture and connection. I’m inspired by the Caribbean, Nigeria, and New York, and I try to blend those influences into something that feels global but still personal. Being an instrumentalist also changes the way I approach music and live performance. I play guitar and work heavily in production, so collaboration and musicianship are a huge part of my creative process. I love creating spaces where people can genuinely connect through music, whether that’s through live shows, visual world building, or community driven experiences around releases. I’m trying to make the world smaller through music

One thing I’m most proud of is being able to grow independently while staying authentic to my vision. From performing at festivals and iconic venues to building a growing audience around my music, everything has come from consistency, experimentation, and staying true to myself creatively.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest advice is to stay focused and keep working, even when things feel slow. I think discipline is one of the most important things you can develop creatively, and it’s something I wish I understood earlier. Talent matters, but consistency, focus, and hard work are what really separate people over time.
I’d also say don’t let distractions or outside opinions pull you away from your vision. It’s easy to compare yourself to other people or get discouraged, especially in creative industries, but growth takes time. The artists who last are usually the ones who stay committed to improving, learning, and continuing to create no matter what stage they’re at.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malik.english/
• Twitter: https://x.com/MalikEnglish11
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@malikenglish3058
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@malik.englishh
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3gpBRVLHl7p8aMQ0IWPbjV

Image Credits

@fabienlilavois