.JPEG)
Artist Spotlight: Calebdoee
Emerging rapper Calebdoee is making waves with his summer single “YOU&ME” from his EP The Leftovers. The track reflects his signature “substance-filled hip hop” style and delivers a message about appreciating love and connection. Since his 2019 debut mixtape Few Know, Calebdoee has developed his sound alongside engineer and collaborator T-Zank, who has helped shape his music through production, mixing, and mastering.
With honesty and insight, Calebdoee reflects on the highs, the hurdles, and the heart behind the hits.
TheLoudMagazine: Have your influences changed over the years?
Calebdoee: They haven’t; if my reasons change, then I’m doing what I’m doing for the wrong reasons. My family, close friends, and people who got me here will always influence me to be the best.
TheLoudMagazine: When did you first realize you wanted to be a musician?
Calebdoee: When I was 21, I was overdoing what I was doing, and music has forever been a constant over the years. After my first tape in 2018, I knew it was something I could see myself doing.
TheLoudMagazine: Who was your first major musical mentor, and what did you learn from them?
Calebdoee: I wouldn’t say I’ve had one, but learning from artists’ mistakes so I wouldn’t make the same ones has helped fill that void.
TheLoudMagazine: What’s the story behind your favorite song you’ve written?
Calebdoee: I don’t have a favorite song of mine, but my mother’s favorite song is ‘Runnin’, a song about a girl for whom I took admiration, with a good melody and beat. I wrote it at 3 am after a party I threw, and she attended. I actually freestyled it on FaceTime with my best friend at the time.
TheLoudMagazine: What’s something about you that fans might be surprised to learn?
Calebdoee: My diversity, I’ll say for now, rap is only a part of my game, but my greatest skill. I like to produce, sing sometimes, but make good music first and foremost.
TheLoudMagazine: How do you stay grounded amidst the pressures of fame and success?
Calebdoee: I don’t focus on fame and success; if I put my best foot forward and keep God first, I know I’ll be where I was intended to be. That keeps you humble and grateful for your upbringing.
TheLoudMagazine: How do you define happiness and fulfillment in your life and career?
Calebdoee: Happiness has always been fulfilled by doing what I want, when I want. Granted, it’s not the smartest way to live at all, but I know my worth and won’t let anyone else put a price tag on it.
TheLoudMagazine: What drives you to keep creating music even during challenging times?
Calebdoee: My nephew, goddaughter, sister, the homies, my close family, I’m a simple guy. Those who I started with are those I intend to finish with. I wouldn’t want anyone to be there for me but them.
TheLoudMagazine: What personal values or philosophies influence your music and career?
Calebdoee: Stay an MC, remain what got you here, keep God first, and prepare for the worst. I always admired my favorite rappers for staying the course, remembering where they started, and most of them being where they knew they would be.
TheLoudMagazine: What’s one piece of advice you wish you could give your younger self?
Calebdoee: Man, that girl isn’t worth it; music is. You’ll be forgiven for everything on earth by the one who has the best intentions for you; that’s what I needed to keep constant in my 20’s. I made it with it in mind; I look up now and say I did what God intended me to do, and I’m nowhere finished.
