By: Elena Mart
There’s something magnetic about CallMeShotti, an energy that moves somewhere between poetry and prophecy. When he steps on stage, it’s not just a performance, it’s a release. The kind that comes from living every lyric before writing it down. From a soul-stirring debut in Dallas’s Deep Ellum to building a movement with his hands (and his mom’s), Shotti is channeling real life into rhythm and raw honesty into art. His story isn’t about fame, it’s about feeling. It’s about restoring the heartbeat to hip-hop and using his voice to build bridges, not just playlists.
Let’s start with Dallas. How did it feel being on stage and connecting with the crowd in that city? What moment from that performance will stay with you the most?
CallMeShotti: It felt great! That was my first time performing so far away from home, and as I performed, I never felt uncomfortable. The Deep Ellum folks in Dallas, Texas, and the visitors of the Launch Music Conference were very hospitable. Throughout my entire show, they cheered me on and even asked to take pictures with me after. The show was nice, The NINES Bar was nice, Deep Ellum was nice, and the people were nice. My favorite moment was when a music/touring executive, Jeremy (who used to work closely with PnB Rock) acknowledged my talent.
Your lyrics often carry both energy and depth. What inspires your writing process these days?
CallMeShotti: My writings and lyrics are based solely off of lived experiences. When I write a new song, I just let my life write for itself and let the beat and flow relay the message. Life’s challenges create the path, and I just follow it. Writing is easier and everything flows smoothly when the lyrics are lived before they are written.
Your merch line is getting a lot of attention. What inspired the designs and message behind it?
CallMeShotti: The CallMeShotti merch is the introduction of Shotti the artist, and it is a small way for the fans to support me as an independent artist who is learning to navigate his way through this industry and this unprofitable streaming madness. The merch started with a flash drive that has my album “Unrequited” on it, and it also has a lyric sheet for each song, a few messages from me, and a thank sheet like back in the day CDs. Then there’s the t-shirt with the album cover, the t-shirt and hoodie with my artist logo, a beanie hat with my artist logo, the Shotti glass (Shotti Glass), and the Shotti baseball cap. All of the merch was inspired by my passion for music and the brand I’m trying to create. Thanks to my mom, she was the sole manufacturer behind it all. My momager is wearing many hats to ensure I’m successful within my music career.
Photo Courtesy: Quavaughn / QNC Photography
What does the CallMeShotti lifestyle or mindset represent to your fans?
CallMeShotti: CallMeShotti Lifestyle represents transparency, accountability, action over words, a nonstop grind to get to what I’m most passionate about. Also, a reminder that it’s okay to be vulnerable, relatable, and in a community.
You’ve been building a name as a unique voice in music, with a new album out now. What do you think sets you apart from other artists in your lane?
CallMeShotti: As an artist, I tell my story authentically. I don’t try to adapt to anyone else’s way of living or ideology. I play in my own lane and steer myself straight ahead. I remain focused on my own goals while still uplifting those around me. I’m empathetic, I’m genuine, I stand on morals and principles, and I have a great sense of humor. Most importantly, I play with words like a poet.
What’s something about you — creatively or personally — that fans might be surprised to learn?
CallMeShotti: When I go into the booth, I only have the hook written. The rest of the song is created off whatever emotions I’m feeling in that moment. Whatever the hook makes me relive, or what memories I revisit. I let the song form itself while still keeping it structured.
Can you share any exclusive news or upcoming collaborations your fans should look out for?
CallMeShotti: I’m trying to start a non-profit called “Shotti Cares,” which will uplift and bring light to young talent in my city and one day hopefully the world. “Shotti Cares” will provide a modern state-of-the-art creative and performing arts facility for the youth of Philadelphia for free. The facility can be accessed by children who wish to paint, rap, sing, act, dance, produce, direct films, etc. It will have a wide range of activities at Shotti Cares’ expense, and it’s all to reduce crime and teach a skill. Philadelphia kids have greatness within their bones, and it’s time we start to teach them, guide them, and pull that greatness out of them.
I’m also about to start working on my new album (Old School Hip-Hop), and my manager is going to start reaching out to artists like Will Smith, Freeway, Redman, Method Man, etc, for charitable features so we can remind my generation what real hip-hop is all about. I don’t know if my dream will become realized, but we are going to work really hard to bring this dream to reality. I just want my generation to experience real hip-hop like my mom’s generation used to experience it. I want this album to have a new generation and old generation feel. If I can’t get any of the old school hip-hop artists to join me, I’m going to do my best to make it happen alone. My generation needs to know what real rap/hip-hop sounds like. I want talent to always take priority in this industry again.
The album doesn’t have a title yet, but it’s in the works. This is an exclusive drop of inside details.
What keeps you grounded as your platform continues to grow?
CallMeShotti: Some people don’t find themselves until after the money or clout. I know who I am already, I know what I want, I know why I do it, and I know who I do it for. I have a goal, and I fight to succeed for the people who depend on me.
Be sure to visit the website: https://www.callmeshotti.com/
