Giving Orlando Artists a Place to Be Heard
The Kitchen first linked with Young Calli at Calli’s Smoke Sesh in August, where we interviewed CSMB and Hitechdony for the first time. When we pulled up for another edition, we had to catch up with the artist helping put these nights together.
Calli has been giving Orlando artists and other up and coming acts a place to perform, connect and get in front of new listeners. We opened our Young Calli interview by giving him his flowers for that. His answer later in the conversation made it clear how much the people showing up mean to him.
“Everybody here is my flex,” he told us.
Between talking about his own music, Future’s influence, his vinyl collection and a very direct 2slimey hot take, Calli gave us a closer look at the artist behind Smoke Sesh.
Halloween Smoke Sesh Brings Orlando’s Underground Together
Calli’s Halloween Smoke Sesh brought that house party energy to downtown Orlando. The two story venue gave everyone room to hang out and catch performances, while a store next door doubled as another performance space. Members of CSMB (300soulja, Hitechdony, CSMB Fo, CSMB Mafi, Zordxn,) pxurge, 17teen, Young Calli himself and plenty more hit the stage throughout the night. It was a welcoming, safe space for artists to perform and connect with the people showing up for Orlando’s underground, with each ticket also coming with a special treat for Halloween.
“Everybody Here Is My Flex”
When we asked about his biggest recent flex that had nothing to do with money, Calli pointed to the event itself.
“I think it is easy to just flex my accomplishments but it’s important to also flex the people that helped you reach those accomplishments,” he said.
“Everybody here is my flex. Everyone who appreciates me and comes here for the party—that’s the flex.”
For someone putting time into hosting underground shows, that answer deserves some attention. Calli used the moment to recognize the people helping make those nights happen and everyone coming out to support.
“More than jewelry, money, everything. I appreciate everyone that is here.”
Getting Familiar With Young Calli’s Music
For anyone discovering him through the Smoke Sesh, Calli recommends starting with “Look at My Eyes,” the single he says is available on all platforms.
“That one does a good job at showing how my sound is inspired by R&B, Kanye, a little bit of autotune,” he explained.
When we got to our question about an album that changed his life, he named Future’s SAVE ME and singled out “Xanax Damage.”
“That’s the album that sculpted my current sound, and where I’m at right now,” he said.
Hearing how Future put those melodies together inspired Calli to experiment himself. It gives new listeners some context for the sound he’s developing and what he hears in the artists he looks up to.
Kanye, Drake, Wayne and Kendrick Make His Mount Rushmore
Kanye was the first name on Calli’s Mount Rushmore of favorite artists. Drake followed, with Calli giving him credit for “what he did for the pop side of things.”
Lil Wayne was another essential pick.
“Without Lil Wayne we wouldn’t be here,” he said.
Choosing the fourth took some thought, but Kendrick Lamar got the spot. Calli credited Kendrick’s impact on the West Coast, rounding out his list with Kanye West, Drake, Lil Wayne and Kendrick Lamar.
Four picks, plenty of influence, and Calli knew someone would have something to say about them.
The Concert That Made Him Want to Perform
Calli grew up attending concerts with his mom, including shows at the House of Blues. One early memory that stuck was seeing a local band he remembers as “New Era”. Their mix of rap and rock connected with him, reminding him of the sounds he loved in Linkin Park.
The show that helped him decide what he wanted to do with his own life came later: seeing Tyler, The Creator and Vince Staples on the Flower Boy tour.
“It was then that I realized that’s what I want to be doing for the rest of my life,” he told The Kitchen.
Now he’s performing himself and helping other artists get onstage through Calli’s Smoke Sesh. Knowing what that concert did for him makes that part of his story especially worth hearing.
Pre-Show Rituals: Smoke, Repetition and Practice
Asked about his pre-show rituals, Calli’s first answer was quick: “I smoke!”
He also listens to his songs on repeat to help learn them and practices with his home setup. Alongside hosting and bringing people together, he’s putting in the preparation for his own performances.
Digital Media or Physical Media?
Calli is firmly on the physical media side of the conversation. He told us he owns at least 300 vinyl records, and it is dope collecting his favorite albums. Calli appreciates the artistic value of having a physical copy.
“With all these digital drops that come and go, I’m big on owning physical media because it’s something no one can take away from you,” he said.
If an album means something to him, he wants to own it. With that many records at home, he’s backing that up.
Favorite Snack or Food?
We had to get a food question in, too. Calli’s choice was a seafood boil.
“That’s the one thing that I always pick every time,” he said.
Keep Up With Young Calli and Calli’s Smoke Sesh
From our first CSMB and Hitechdony interviews in August to catching up with Calli himself, the Smoke Sesh has given The Kitchen more opportunities to connect with Orlando’s underground. We’re glad to keep showing up and spotlighting the artists involved.
Watch our Young Calli interview on Instagram, check out “Look at My Eyes,” and follow @youngcallimusic for updates on his music and Calli’s Smoke Sesh.
Stay tuned to The Kitchen for more interviews, underground rap coverage and the artists putting on for Orlando.
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