Malachi Hip Hop
Antione (Malachi) Paige, a native of the well-known Chicago area, Henry Horner housing project, grew up in a large close knit family of 13. His mother a single parent, homemaker, revolutionary, and singer took on the role of father and mentor. Young Antione attended talent shows and local music functions with his mom and family. During that time living in a 4 bedroom housing project as a young boy Malachi witnesed first hand the inner city blues. "My brother used to go down town Chicago and break dance to make money and sometimes the change he made feed the family". Being the 7th child wasn't easy for Malachi he watched as his family went through harder and rougher times. "My sister was shot in the leg, my oldest brother was gang bangin in and out of jail and my oldest sister went to prostitution to support a bad drug habit. I didn’t’ understand why those things were happing then but my mom comforted me with love and music and it just stuck with me, that’s how I relieve the pain".
He started performing for his family and friends at block parties and such performances helped to start his career. Malachi, then known as Lo-Twon, gained recognition as a performer and rapper thus winning talent shows and music seminars all across Chicago.
Lotwon released his first EP, "Wicked Leaf", which took the #5 slot, on Chicago rap station 106 JAMS (106.3 FM). He later released hit song "Hold On", which took the #1 slot, on WGCI's (107.5 FM) Home Jam. "Hold On" received great reviews from industry heavy weights such as Ronald Isley, Terry Lewis, Angela Winbush, and The Chi-Lites.
Lotwon was given the name Malachi by a friend due to his metaphorical lyrics and solemn messages that he gave in his songs. Malachi later teamed up with his brother K-eezy, long time friends Killermanjaro, Jah-Rista and Endeavor to form the group "Mercenaries"
The Mercenaries were known to have one of the most exciting and electrifying stage shows in the game. The 1st album "Battle Cry" catapulted them into the main-stream, a move that landed them a distribution deal with Ichiban Records, of Atlanta, GA. This venture led then to a 55-city tour throughout the Midwest, South, and Southeast.
Shortly after the tour, Malachi received a request from Marshall Thomas, of the Chi-Lites, to remake his hit song "Hold On" for their album released in 2000. This joint venture with the Chi-Lites gave Malachi a greater appreciation of his own creative talents and production skills. This also encouraged Malachi to co-produce various song on his solo album "A Sheep Amongst Wolves" and co-produce more than half the songs on Mercenaries 2nd album "The Legacy".
Malachi release his self-produced sophomore album entitled "The 2nd Coming", which had a balance of party tunes, ghetto-losophy, and soulful messages about "hood" uplift-ment.
Malachi has successfully demonstrated his skill as an artist & producer and along with his business mind he is ready to take his talents to the next level.
