Exclusive Interview with Calebdoee

Artist Spotlight: Calebdoee

Calebdoee’s latest project Corleone: Part II takes inspiration from the iconic Godfather series but it goes much deeper than inspiration. More parallel than homage, he uses Michael Corleone’s storyline as a mirror for the various complications and choices he’s made in his own life. Sitting comfortably in the hip-hop genre, Calebdoee takes listeners on a journey of the ups and downs he’s been through and how they shaped who he is.

Project closer “World is Mine” ends Corleone: Part II on a high note. The project seamlessly balances both boom bap and modern production while keeping all the tracks in the same calm and confident lane. This track is built around a smooth and relaxing subtle siren-like melody that blends with skittering trap percussion. Calebdoee’s calculated flow emphasizes his reflective subject matter with just enough bounce to give the track an injection of energy.

In this exclusive Q&A, Calebdoee opens up about the stories behind the music, lessons learned along the way, and what keeps their passion alive.

MusicsWeek: How did you first get started in music?

Calebdoee: I got started around 8 or 9. I grew up around it and found a liking in writing songs and poems for girls at school.

MusicsWeek: Who or what has inspired your sound the most?

Calebdoee: My family has had a big influence; my cousins showed me their music video in 2011, and it made me realize it was obtainable, not something you only see on TV.

MusicsWeek: Is there a song or album that really shaped your journey as an artist?

Calebdoee: Carter II and College Dropout were the first albums I caught live and was able to understand, the speakers my cousin had riding around listening to those are some of my fondest memories growing up. Around that time, I started gravitating towards writing and making my own music.)

MusicsWeek: How do your personal experiences influence the music you create?

Calebdoee:  All of my music is based on personal experiences, it adds to the authenticity of what I want to do for the listeners.

MusicsWeek: What were some challenges you faced early on, and how did you get through them?

Calebdoee:  Definitely the resources, it’s always been who you know rather than what I know for me, and I didn’t know many people in this business. But once I got through those hurdles and jitters in the booth, it’s like riding a bike now.

MusicsWeek: What kind of mark do you hope to leave with your music?

Calebdoee: I plan on leaving something that people can always go to, see themselves in it, and use it to make them better people. I don’t have many goals for myself, more for my family and people who take a genuine liking to my music.

MusicsWeek: Looking back, what’s the biggest change you’ve seen in yourself since starting out?

Calebdoee:  The growth of the sound, the courage, the self-belief, I had to see it happen first, which is the most satisfying part of doing music.

MusicsWeek: Which moment or achievement in your career are you most proud of?

Calebdoee:  My mother and sister appreciating my music, it’s my biggest worry that I steer off my track but it’s only in hindsight. Early music to now, they’ve always been behind me, and I can’t ask for anything better than that.

MusicsWeek: When you’re not making music, what do you love to do?

Calebdoee: Anything sports or music related, but I like to skate, spend time with family, I would say video games but they got too easy.

MusicsWeek: How do you keep yourself inspired and motivated every day?

Calebdoee: Waking up everyday motivates me, knowing we’re in a here today gone tomorrow world. Those who came before me will always be an inspiration, carrying the torch of what hip-hop is supposed to be.