While he’s just now getting some well-deserved accolades, MaLLy is actually no stranger to the Twin Cities. Since 2007, the young MC has been steadily releasing new music, often with the harmonious help of producer the Sundance Kid. One look at MaLLy’s Bandcamp alone illustrates the breadth of his output; 14 releases currently grace the front page with one more out today.

Malik Watkins obviously didn’t expect the spotlight on his music to get this bright this fast. But the 26-year-old South Minneapolis native has had more than a few hands in the pot to help with guidance. The Rhymesayers crew has been particularly supportive – Slug even wore a MaLLy shirt on stage at Soundset’s 2011 installment. MaLLy’s collaborations with other burgeoning vocalists like K.Raydio and Claire De Lune has also shown the community how open he is to exploring new ideas.

His new record The Last Great… is the culmination of years of work in between his “Free On The 15th” series. It’s cohesive and bold, examining styles, rhythms and moods that may seem atypical compared to past work. On songs like “Good One,” a minimal, repetitive beat becomes the third player in a piece that prominently features MaLLy and K.Raydio. Five minutes later, that beat still sounds fresh, perfectly complemented by the two timbres. It’s a risk – and one that MaLLy is proud of taking. These 12 songs are unlike anything he’s made before; they’re like having 12 children, as discussed in his recent Local Show in-studio.

MaLLy will celebrate the release of The Last Great… this Friday, May 18, at the 7th St. Entry with The Tribe & Big Cats!, 925ve and Jimmy2Times in support.