Inspirational and R&B singer-songwriter Mali Music got his stage moniker when his family “jazzed up” his given middle name of Jamaal to Mali. ∙ His 2009 release, The 2econd Coming, which was originally limited to 1,000 copies, featured a buzz-generating blend of urban gospel and R&B that led Akon to sign him to his label. ∙ “Tell the World,” a 2013 collaboration with Christian hip-hop star Lecrae, earned him a Dove Award for Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year. ∙ His major-label debut, Mali Is..., spent 23 weeks on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, peaking at No. 2. ∙ In 2017, his late-night jam “Still” was nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Traditional R&B Performance category.