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Malak Shalom, aka Shavirus, has never been an artist confined by borders. With his latest single “Belly Jelly,” he leans into a sound he’s been quietly shaping for years, merging country influences with hip-hop instincts in a way that feels organic. At first glance, “Belly Jelly” comes across as playful and light, but that surface-level ease is backed by years of intent. For Malak Shalom, aka Shavirus, genre blending is a reflection of how he’s always approached music.
“Creating music has a lot to do with experimental diversity for me,” he explains. “Even before Lil Nas X dropped ‘Old Town Road,’ I was already trying to make songs like that when I was nineteen.”
Building a Sound From Western Lore to Hip-Hop Roots
The foundation of “Belly Jelly” comes from unlikely intersections. Malak Shalom, aka Shavirus, draws inspiration from old Western novels, gunslinging cowboys, and early crossover records that challenged expectations. He cites Nelly’s Country Grammar and the Nelly-Garth Brooks collaboration as pivotal moments that demonstrated how different worlds could meet without diluting their identities.
“Believe it or not, I also consume a fair portion of country music,” he says. “Coming after songs like ‘Heeler Rope’ and ‘The Hip-Hop Wrangler,’ it felt like the right time to release ‘Belly Jelly.’”
The Meaning Behind the Name “Belly Jelly”
The title “Belly Jelly” reflects the personality Malak Shalom aka Shavirus brings into his music. Known for a playful, down-to-earth presence, he embraces catchiness as a tool rather than a compromise.
“A good brand is supposed to stick,” he says. “Belly Jelly symbolizes a vision.”
That vision includes long drives through rural back roads, dirt bikes kicking up dust, and moments where life slows just enough to breathe. “I desire for people to feel good and just enjoy life to this song,” he adds, describing memories of cruising through the countryside that helped shape the record.
Two Names, One Voice
Recording under both Malak Shalom and Shavirus allows the artist to channel different creative instincts, even when they don’t show up explicitly on a track. Shavirus represents sharp lyricism and fearless creativity, while Malak Shalom carries a calmer, more balanced energy.
“The King of Peace aspect defines my ability to keep it radio-friendly,” he explains. That balance is felt throughout “Belly Jelly,” which invites listeners in without demanding anything from them.
Growth, Risk, and the Road Ahead
For Malak Shalom aka Shavirus, “Belly Jelly” reflects personal growth and a deeper confidence in versatility. He acknowledges that being multi-dimensional once made it harder for audiences to place him, but he believes that moment has passed.
“I think the game has evolved,” he says. “People will embrace well-rounded artists more, especially when versatility is done skillfully.”
The feedback so far has been encouraging, including praise from the engineer who mixed the track. Still, Malak Shalom aka Shavirus remains realistic about where he’s at, viewing this release as groundwork rather than a victory lap.
Listen to “Belly Jelly”:
