Morehouse College is a haven for men to become their most free selves. Within the journey, men from all different walks of life interact, establish relationships, and solidify lasting bonds through similar interests, common goals, or even striking differences. Morehouse connects men that otherwise may have not met in this lifetime. While at Morehouse, I had the opportunity of meeting Malachi John Paige. From initial encounter, it was obvious that we come from separate universes, but the brotherhood of Morehouse served as a common ground. From independent art shows to sold out gallery collaborations, I finally had the chance to interview Malachi for my C.D. Smith Creativity Spotlight series. We talked: life, art and the takeover of the industry. Check it out below!

C.D. Smith: Malachi! Man, this has been in the works for a while now.

MalCold: Indeed, indeed, happy we could finally make it happen!

C.D. Smith: Well let’s get started. Who is Malachi?

MalCold: Malachi John Paige, the limitless artist, the Independent Art Label aka MalColdVisions, The Creative. Mal or Cold is also fine for short.

C.D. Smith: Limitless, great word choice. What motivated you to create?

MalCold: What motivates me is high fashion (industry wise) and my troubled, yet emerging native city of Detroit, Michigan. I moved there when I was about six, but left at the age of 16. I had done everything I could imagine in Detroit except consumed drugs. In Detroit, you are exposed to the evils of the world very early.

C.D. Smith: So in a nutshell, it gave you a vision, a mission, and a purpose? That speaks volumes. What are some things that art allows you to be?

MalCold: Strong, confident and innovative.

C.D. Smith: Why art? Why not anything else? Have you ever been fearful to pursue it?

MalCold: Art is what I am and who I am. I have been executing it as long as I could walk. I kept it a secret throughout grade school by playing sports as a means of not completely isolating myself. I plan to change the world as we see it and having gone through what I have been through thus far it would be impossible to fear anyone but God.

C.D. Smith: Describe your art… Its story, form, and the ideas behind it.

MalCold: The story behind my work is a beatific tragedy made appealing to the eye. It began by me picking up a paintbrush at 2 on 5 mile in Detroit. I always intend to incorporate current high fashion trends, both American and Foreign into my works and tweak them to make them either more disruptive or tragic.

C.D. Smith: What are some things that separate you from other artists?

MalCold: Having my own Independent Art Label, constructed similar to music label, with “albums” to release. I call my singles "master singles" to release individually in between every album. Each album is released exclusively as a PDF. I am hoping to eventually sign other artists as I see fit.

C.D. Smith: So tell me a little bit about what you have coming up…

MalCold: 35/9 The Visual Album is my first exclusive album release under my label. I honestly cannot describe it, but I do have a review at the top of my 'Services' section on my website. I plan to release an album exclusively once a year, not including the master singles I plan to release in between.

C.D. Smith: What is some wisdom you have for other up and coming artist?

MalCold: To not be anyone but yourself. I live by motivation and I teach motivation because I feel it is my job to give back what God has given to me. I know I cannot transfer a gift, but I know I can inspire the next generation.

C.D. Smith: It was great sitting down with you, I know there is a lot in store!

MalCold: Of course and vice versa. I really appreciated this intellectual exchange!

Keep in Contact with MalCold:

Website: www.malachijohnpaige.com

Facebook: Malachi John Paige

Twitter: sauso5/malcoldvisons

Instagram: malachijohnpaige