6.9.2021

Video: Yung Mal – “Watch Ya Step” ft. Slimelife Shawty

Two ATL Heavy-Hitters Take Care of Business in the Flex-Heavy New Video from Mal’s 1.5 Way Or No Way Mixtape

Critical Praise:

“Anchored by his nimble lyrical ability, 1.5 Way Or No Way demonstrates how Yung Mal can rap with some of the biggest in the game right now and still hold his own.” – Complex

“Drenched in authenticity, New Orleans-born, Atlanta-bred rapper Yung Mal is looking like the next to blow out of the south.” – XXL

“Unpacking his latest triumphs and showing love to his neighborhood, Yung Mal bosses up in a major way on his new project.” – HotNewHipHop

“Yung Mal is on a fast ascension through the industry.” – ELEVATOR

“One of the most promising rising artists…Mal consistently brings interesting and unique flows onto stellar production.” – Lyrical Lemonade

The Video:

Respected for his unique flow and unapologetic realness, Yung Mal has established himself as a major player in the ATL rap scene. Sharing a sneak peek into the luxurious life of a young boss, Mal shares “Watch Ya Step,” his new music video. A relentless trap track with screeching synths, dramatic strings, and pounding 808s, “Watch Ya Step” finds Yung Mal trading verses with Slimelife Shawty, a fellow Atlanta native and Alamo Records signee, each emcee alternating aggressive taunts with boastful bars: “I done worked my way to the top, no help/Get high like a bird, then I talk to myself,” spits Mal.

In the video, Mal dials up Slimelife and invites him to help take care of business. Looking the part of a young CEO, Mal rocks a sport jacket and pontificates from his power desk, counting cash and vibing with models. “Watch Ya Step” is the latest video from 1.5 Way Or No Way, Mal’s new mixtape, following the L.A.-set video for “Wassup Wit Me” ft. G Herbo, recently named the “Must-Hear Rap Song Of The Day” by Pitchfork, and the video for opening track “Got It Together.“

Named after the neighborhood in which he grew up, and for a phrase that was a favorite of his late homie Plug, 1.5 Way Or No Way is a mature and versatile effort. Mal’s rhymes are more polished and precise, reflecting the perspective of a father of a young son and daughter and a neighborhood leader who bears the hopes and dreams of his friends on his back. The new project features contributions from some of the South’s most prominent names, but also makes space for Mal’s close friends, including producer Gutta Tay, 1.5 Da Label signee Real Taker, and Mal’s longtime rap partner Lil Quill.

1.5 Way Or No Way is home to recent singles like “Walkin,” an ominous banger with a standout verse from Pooh Shiesty, and the title track “1.5 Way Or No Way,” a new anthem that serves as the mission statement for the project. The new mixtape earned praise from Complex (“Yung Mal can rap with some of the biggest in the game right now and still hold his own”) and HotNewHipHop (“Yung Mal bosses up in a major way on his new project”), as well as coverage from XXL, RESPECT, and more. Featuring additional appearances from Lil Gotit and BIG30, 1.5 Way Or No Way is available everywhere via Alamo Records.