Key Features and Collaborations:
A Spoken-Word Experience: The album is a collection of spoken-word poetry, returning to Malachi Rivers' roots as a poet and performer.
Star-Studded Collaborations: No Signal features a number of notable guest artists who lend their talent to the project.
Doodlebug of the Grammy-winning group Digable Planets is featured on the opening track, "Static."
Two-time Grammy Spoken-Word Poet nominee Queen Sheba is on the track "Choice."
Latin Grammy nominee Tamela Hedstrom contributes to the song "Explore."
Award-winning actress Rutina Wesley (known for The Last of Us, True Blood) is featured on the track "WYABYLIMB (Wash Your Ass Before You Lay In My Bed)," which addresses emotionally abusive relationships.
Themes: The album delves into powerful and emotional themes, including social critique, self-discovery, and the struggle to break free from toxic cycles, as indicated by the track featuring Rutina Wesley.
Malachi Rivers: The Renaissance Artist
Malachi Rivers is a force of creative nature, a multifaceted artist whose journey from the vibrant streets of Prince George's County, Maryland, to the electrifying pulse of New York City has left an indelible mark on every stage he's touched. He is an award-winning actor, visionary content creator, dynamic producer, rapper, and a captivating spoken-word artist. Malachi has commanded iconic stages including the Kennedy Center, the legendary Apollo Theatre, and the renowned Blue Note Cafe. His talent extends to Hollywood, where he held his own opposite Gary Oldman as "Mr. Butler" in David Fincher's Oscar-winning film, "Mank."
The Voice of a Generation: A Musical Journey
Malachi's artistic foundation is rooted in spoken-word poetry, a passion that has fueled a career earning him comparisons to hip-hop and jazz legends. The Denver Post likened his powerful delivery to the great Gil Scott-Heron, while The Village Voice praised his lyrical abilities, noting how he "recites and cajoles over a state of the art jazz band."
His command of the stage and lyrical depth made him the perfect collaborator for Grammy-nominated jazz luminaries Marcus Strickland and Keyon Harrold. As the sole spoken-word poet for their Twi-Life group, he toured extensively in support of their critically acclaimed album, "Open Reel Deck." His profound contributions were lauded by critics, with AllMusic noting that the title track "begins with a subdued neo-soul backdrop over which spoken word artist Malachi fires out some free association poetry drenched in social critique." Tom Hull's Jazz Prospecting called his "spoken word exploits... riveting." This collaboration, which included performances at major music festivals in Europe, cemented his reputation as a formidable and innovative voice. His collaborative spirit extends to other legends, including GRAMMY® winner Doodlebug of The Digable Planets and Latin Grammy-nominated artist Tamela Hedstrom, showcasing his versatile artistry across genres.
A Master Storyteller Across All Platforms
Malachi's artistry is driven by a deep commitment to authentic storytelling, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. This passion led to his groundbreaking series, "Moments," for which he won Best Actor Drama and Best Writing Drama at the 2024 Indie Series Awards. The powerful series also clinched Best International Series and Best Drama at the 2023 Rio Web Fest, among other prestigious awards. His early promise was recognized with the 2017 Peach Theatre "Rising Star Award" and "Best Musical Performance in a Play" from The National Association of Women in the Arts for his leading role in the NAACP Theatre award-winning play Ferguson: The Musical.
A Return to Roots: The New Musical Chapter
Malachi now returns to his musical roots with a new album, a powerful spoken-word experience that showcases his multifaceted artistry in a new chapter. The project is a testament to the artist's belief that "creative work is a gift to the world... Don't cheat us of your contribution. Give us what you've got." This incredible collection features collaborations with a stellar lineup of artists, including 2x Grammy-nominated Spoken Word Poet Queen Sheba and Latin Grammy nominee Tamela Hedstrom. The album also features a powerful track addressing emotionally abusive relationships, with a commanding vocal performance by award-winning actress Rutina Wesley (The Last of Us, True Blood).
Keep an eye out for this gifted artist as he continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences, leaving a legacy of creative expression that is both profound and exhilarating.