From Hip Hop Church to 140 Million Streams: Steven Malcolm’s Rise

Steven Malcolm⁠ shows how he went from grinding after work in a Grand Rapids hip hop church to signing with ⁠Curb Records⁠, earning 140M+ streams, and building a career without losing sight of the business.He breaks down the lessons he learned the hard way about artist contracts, publishing, ⁠SoundExchange⁠, and why hiring your own attorney can change everything. If you’re an artist, songwriter, or creative trying to turn talent into a real career, this conversation gives you the playbook and the warning labels.Steven also shares how The Edge, his youth-driven "hip hop church," shaped his artistry, leadership, and faith, and why that environment gave him the space to write, record, lead worship, and teach the next generation. You’ll hear how those early opportunities helped launch his path from local open mics to major stages like ⁠Van Andel Arena⁠ and beyond.We break down:How Steven built momentum by showing up daily while working a day jobThe publishing mistake he made early on and what he would do differently nowWhy royalty streams, co-pub, and legal representation matter more than most new artists realizeHow his story of fatherlessness, healing, marriage, and fatherhood fuels his songwritingWhy he’s expanding into mentorship, creative development, and Christian hip hop promotionIf you need proof that consistency, business literacy, and a clear mission can change everything, this episode delivers. Perfect for artists, producers, managers, and anyone serious about building something that lasts in music.