Q: To Sir Calloway, what is the definition of Southern Hip Hop?
Sir Calloway: Well, my definition of Hip Hop in general is creative communication in the form of rhythm, wisdom and words. As far as ‘Southern’ Hip Hop, I’d say the element of blues, uncut SOUL from the gut.
Q: How did you get the name Sir Calloway aka Notebook Shawty?
Sir Calloway: The nickname “Notebook Shawty” was given to me by the late, great Cutty Cartel (of rap group ‘Jim Crow’/Attic Crew’) & Monsta Luther King during a studio session some years back, due to the amount of notebooks I used to thumb through in my backpack…& Basically for my pen game, songwriting abilities and overall lyrical wordplay. I’m more of a poet that happens to rap, my work could easily be categorized as philosophy as well as classic hip hop.
Q: How was it touring with Lil Jon and B.M.E camp in 2005? How did this experience help your music career?
Sir Calloway: Definitely had a lot of fun on that tour, & it was truly a unique learning experience.
Q: Sir Calloway has a few collaborations under his belt in the music industry. What would you say was the best collaboration you have done and why?
Sir Calloway: Always a pleasure to collaborate with members of the LOaD Breed team, in addition, I’d have to say my collaborative project “Water for Thirst” with producer Spittzwell is also a favorite of mine. Together, we created something special from scratch that I feel will stand the test of time.
Q: Do you feel networking and performing is a major key in growing your fanbase, streams and followers?
Sir Calloway: Depends on who you are networking with and/or performing for, In the right rooms in front of the right people? Sure, absolutely.
Q: Can you tell the people what inspires Sir Calloway when you’re writing music?
Sir Calloway: What inspires me is the essence of the culture itself…as well as LIFE & all the struggles, victories, ups – downs, lessons that come along with it.
Q: Do you have any advice for artists who are looking to get into the music industry in the future?
Sir Calloway: My advice would be trust few, control your own destiny and learn as much as you can about the business itself (ownership, publishing etc.) & stay true to who you are, be yourself in a business that will try to sell you as someone else.
Q: You just dropped an album called “Water for Thirst. What made you name your album “Water for Thirst”?
Sir Calloway: “Water for Thirst” is a concept album, a body of work that speaks to the spiritually, morally and musically dehydrated. The title quite frankly implies that the culture as a whole is thirsty and in need of replenishing, revitalization and artistic hydration. “Water for Thirst” is audio vitality and an unforgettable listening experience.
Q: You have released a new song called “Tried Tested & True” can you tell the people what this song is about and why you felt the need to drop it as a single?
Sir Calloway: The title itself is pretty much self-explanatory on our individual journeys…we’ll be tried, tested and our reactions to aforementioned trials & tests will ultimately determine our measure of truth and strength.
Q: What can we expect next from Sir Calloway aka Notebook Shawty?
Sir Calloway: As far as what to expect next from me – I’ve been known to be musically unpredictable and somewhat mysterious at times, so. That being said, one may never know. All I can say for now is to stay tuned and be sure to check out the ‘Water For Thirst” album until then.
Q: Thank you for taking the time out for this interview with The R Report Magazine. Is it anyone you would like to thank or give a shout out to?
Sir Calloway: Thanks to you as well for reaching out, It is greatly appreciated… Of course, I’d like to shout out Monsta Luther & The LOaD Breed team as well as extra special thanks to supporters of the movement.
