“As cliche as it sounds…I actually did start singing at 5,” Malik says with a chuckle, “I don’t know if I remember it or my mom told me so much, the I feel like I can recall vividly singing “I’ll Be There” by Michael Jackson.” It’s with that same child-like passion and love that Malik carries through life when it comes to his music. Influenced heavily by his father, an aspiring rapper, who he lost when he was 9 years old Malik continued with music writing his first song when he was 11 years old.
After graduating from high school in 2013, he kept the creative in his blood starting an entertainment business named Cruel Intentions, surrounding apparel, events, photography and of course, music. His focus was to use the aspects of Cruel Intensions to strengthen the culture of Springfield through urban, artistic mediums. Malik did so with his first event “The Springfield Talent Show” which had over 120 people in attendance. Malik consistently sang each Sunday in church throughout the development of his fledgling business, which led to performing original works at his mentor Darryl Moss’s “Open Mic” Series hosted at Black Pearl in Springfield, MA and receiving amazing feedback.
Seeing the feedback, Malik teamed up with John Dillinger, best known for his work with Chinx Drugz and French Montana on “Feelings”, and Jerome Clayton, best known for his role with the band, Malado!, in the success of VH1’s You Oughta Know: Make A Band Famous in the finale, out of The Stu 413/860 to create, produce and release his first project, So Gone Mixtape, in March 2015.
In September of 2015, Malik started working on two projects simultaneously to follow up his mixtape with an EP, Dear Someone, which released online in March of 2016 and began working on his first full-length project.
“My goal is to make sure I get my recognition of bringing back the R&B/Soul sound that I feel isn’t represented in music today. I know I may not be the “Top 100 Sexiest Men”, but I feel like my music speaks to you and that is what matters, that connection,” Malik says in a self -aware manner, “I use composing music as my therapy, it helps me get over anything I’m battling…break ups are my favorite thing to write about I can format ways of being heartbroken in many different ways. Ultimately, real experiences make real music.”
For Malik his drive for creating music is simply summed up in 3 reasons; support family & loved ones, to inspire others and express himself artistically without limits. No barrier can’t be broken and all things are possible with God.
“I just want to create a legendary status of music that can live on forever!” – Malik James
Reboot
Malik James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shit gon blow if I’m looking at the numbers
And I know it’s getting hot it’s getting heated like the summer
Hard to be a smart guy when your pockets getting dumber
Shit go dumb
It go dumb
Whip all black can’t see you
Late night all I hear is weeoo
Four square y’all do what we do
I done came from a spot no hero
One take ain’t need no redo
Thought all she ever wanted was a preview
How you really tryna act like we knew
How you really tryna
Look,
I got girls shower me with some compliments
I don’t need it my fam gave me confidence
Trust my power of will and my common sense somehow I’m stuck in the middle
Up next well I think that’s just obvious
I live life now a nigga so prominent
Imma go head assert all my dominance
Fuck imma let that shit ripple
The type help you pack up when you leave
Thought we was family you keep on feuding with me you gon end up like Steve
No I ain’t perfect that why I keep working got things I’m still tryna achieve
Win me a Grammy and go tell my Grammy they showing love like it’s the eve
Like damn what a bummer
Shit gon blow if I’m looking at the numbers
And I know it’s getting hot it’s getting heated like the summer
Hard to be a smart guy when your pockets getting dumber
Shit go dumb
It go dumb
Whip all black can’t see you
Late night all I hear is weeoo
Had to take time just to reboot
Four square y’all do what we do
I done came from a spot no hero
One take ain’t need no redo
Thought all she ever wanted was a preview
How you really tryna act like we knew
Me verse the last not a very hard choice
My tree hit the ground made a very loud noise look
Still ones that I’m tryna avoid
And there’s not one drug that could ever fill the void but
I still face my shit
Tryna raise my shit
Can’t erase that shit
Hurt me when you ditched
So you best not flinch
When I make my fist
North east boy this is not the same lingo
Three projects still never did a single
Love women but I don’t like to mingle
Need stacks stacked up neat like some Pringles
In and out verse clean look like free throw
The lyrics of Malik James's "Reboot" depict the inner struggles and frustrations of the artist as he navigates the complexities of his life and career. The opening lines express a sense of dismay and pressure, with the singer acknowledging that things might fall apart if he focuses too much on external validation or material wealth. The reference to "pockets getting dumber" highlights the theme of feeling intellectually stifled or overwhelmed by society's emphasis on material success.
As the song progresses, the artist reflects on the challenges he faces in maintaining his authenticity and surviving in a competitive environment. Despite the distractions and temptations around him, he emphasizes the need to stay grounded and focused, symbolized by the image of taking time to "reboot" and refocus. The mention of "Four square y’all do what we do" suggests a sense of solidarity with his close circle, aligning themselves against external pressures.
The theme of self-worth and resilience continues in the following verses, as the artist addresses personal relationships and ambitions. The lines about receiving compliments from girls contrast with the acknowledgment that true confidence comes from within, rooted in family support and self-belief. The mention of striving for dominance and recognition indicates a desire for success, both in the music industry and in personal achievements like winning a Grammy.
The repeated refrain of "Like damn what a bummer" reinforces the initial sense of disappointment and challenges that the artist is facing. However, the defiant tone in the later verses suggests a determination to overcome obstacles and stay true to oneself. The imagery of a fallen tree making a loud noise and the mention of past struggles and betrayals hint at a journey of growth and self-discovery. Overall, the song "Reboot" by Malik James encapsulates a narrative of resilience, self-reflection, and the ongoing pursuit of personal and artistic fulfillment in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Like damn what a bummer
Expressing disappointment or frustration
Shit gon blow if I’m looking at the numbers
The situation will escalate if I analyze the statistics
And I know it’s getting hot it’s getting heated like the summer
The tension is rising like the temperature in summer
Hard to be a smart guy when your pockets getting dumber
Difficult to make wise decisions when experiencing financial loss
Shit go dumb
The situation becomes irrational or nonsensical
It go dumb
Continuing to lack logic or reason
Whip all black can’t see you
Driving a black car that is hard to spot in the dark
Late night all I hear is weeoo
Hearing sirens or loud noises during the night
Had to take time just to reboot
Needed a break to refresh or start over
Four square y’all do what we do
We are consistent and stick to our routine
I done came from a spot no hero
I originated from a place without any heroic figures
One take ain’t need no redo
Performed flawlessly without requiring a second attempt
Thought all she ever wanted was a preview
Believed all she desired was a glimpse in advance
How you really tryna act like we knew
Questioning someone pretending to have prior knowledge
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Malik James, Tyron James
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
dasaniwaters
New York Undercover was legendary. the show was great. the musical guests.
I was born in '93, but I watched it online before they put the re-runs on BET.
Malik is great actor.
it's a shame they didn't treat the actors right, and that producers (not the actors) ruined it. they tried to make it into a typical police procedural like Law & Order. but it never was that
they were fully within their rights to protest (at the beginning of season 3)
A A II
I think the lineup was Martin, Living Single and New York Undercover. Thursdays were incredible back then.
Howard Stanley
You ain't never lied
Kendra Greene
Yup! I remember!!
Ms. Perfectly Imperfect
A whole vibe!
Lah lah Luv
Don’t forget In Living Color, Cops, and Americas Most Wanted
spida28man
Yes I’ve said this numerous times! The best lineup ever
tequila Johnson
ONE OF MY FAVORITE SHOWS AS A TEEN. I REMEMBER BEING REALLY UPSET THAT IT ENDED!
Edwin Wallace
Same
LightsOut Media73
Still comes on Fridays on bet
S. Harris
@LightsOut Media73 it’s on peacock now