Caleborate Archives - FUXWITHIT

Caleborate Is At His Best On ‘How’s Life?’

Colin — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 01:20:45 +0000

“How’s Life?” It’s a simple question that is often asked but seldom deeply considered. You may hear it from an old friend or former colleague. It’s an informal inquiry to catch up. At the surface it can seem simple, warranting a thoughtless, “good, u?” or “busy.” But upon deeper reflection, it’s asking a lot. How is life?

On Caleborate’s newest single he explores the inquisition with the depth and openness that made his breakout album Real Person so special. The production matches the subject matter balancing a laidback melancholy feel with a hint of optimism. It’s upbeat yet breezy. Kinda dancy but not too much so. As usual with Caleborate it’s the lyrics that really make this one special. The hook switches from its first to second pass evolving with the words within the verse. When the rapper reflects on how life is he delves deep; from the highs of penthouses and businesses meetings to independent exploration on hikes and shrooms, fighting fear and overcoming pride.

How’s life, how’s life, how’s life?
Complicated, I simplify, I’m satisfied
I’m doing me, I’m not taking orders, like Shopify
I’m doing fine
-Caleborate

Life is hard. It’s beautiful. It’s always evolving. In two and a half minutes Caleborate reminds you of all this while giving you a nudge to dive a bit deeper into self-reflection. How’s Life? A little better listening to this.

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Caleborate & Kota The Friend Keep It Real On ‘Contact’

Colin — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 04:56:27 +0000

When you think about quality rap, Caleborate & KOTA The Friend are two artists that instantly come to mind. The past year has made frivolous, overly materialistic party rap feel disconnected from reality. Clubs have been closed and social interaction has been minimal. Thankfully great art is shining through, acting as a companion to ease us all through the weird days that continue to drift by. ‘Contact’ fills this void exceptionally. From its laidback soundscape to the down-to-earth raps, it’s a head-nodder assured to have you bumping on repeat.

Giving the instrumental introduction some room to breathe sets the tone perfectly. Caleborate’s opening bars are a vivid trip into his mind with, “I could feel the sin in my lungs/The magic in my skin/The weight on my heart/The flame on my pen/ The chip on my shoulder that’s stacking on ten/The blunt in my hand help me run from my friends.” The verse showcases the openness and honesty that makes Real Person so exceptional. From sleeping on floors to overcoming lows, it’s a portrait of an artist who’s truly lived struggle but knows better days are ahead.

The hook is assured to have you singing along, half positive affirmation, half stoner anthem with Caleborate rapping, “And shoutout to the ones that accept me for me/ And shoutout to the homie for selling me good weed/ You might catch a contact if you fuck around with me.”

Fresh off of Lyrics To GO Vol. 2 KOTA the Friend keeps the vibe alive with his guest verse. The Brooklyn emcee has quickly become one of my rappers for his sharp bars, smooth cadence, and grounded approach. All are on display through ‘Contact’ as KOTA explores love, family, and making it out of the basement. The additions of regal strings and backing vocals create a truly uplifting energy as he spits, “I could move a mountain if I want to, I could make somebody dreams come true/ I torch the struggle like it’s nothin new/ I lit up the tunnel I take Kota in the rain and we be dancin in the puddles and he love me like a fool.”

Whether you’re struggling through your own lows or just looking to vibe out to some real rap, catch a ‘Contact’ with Caleborate & KOTA The Friend.

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Caleborate Returns With Moving Single ‘Hear Me Out’

Colin — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 02:23:28 +0000

One of the most beautiful things about rap is the honesty and connection a listener can feel when the artist is truly open. Each story, bar or verse presents a slice of the artist’s soul and brings you deeper into their world. Few albums in recent years have brought listeners into an artist’s world better than Caleborate’s aptly titled Real Person. Released in 2017, the project still stands as one of my favourite rap albums of the past five years, drawing quick comparisons to fellow west coast emcees Blu’s underground classic Below The Heavens. With two years since that release Caleborate returns with the first taste of his upcoming EP in ‘Hear Me Out’.

Alongside familiar producer Willem Ardui the two illustrate their chemistry once more. The backing is subdued yet emotive providing the perfect canvas for Caleborate to command listeners’ focus. His verses and delivery feel like catchy up with old friend who’s opening up while dropping bars as you listen attentively. ‘Hear Me Out’ is a vibe and the instrumental extended outro only furthers the fact. Listen to it below and be sure to check out the visual.

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