Exclusive Interview with Calebdoee

Artist Spotlight: Calebdoee

Calebdoee is a rapper, songwriter, and producer from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Rapping since the age of nine, the 30-year-old artist has released five mixtapes while building a reputation for thoughtful lyricism, vivid storytelling, and production inspired by jazz, boom bap, and conscious hip-hop. Whether creating conceptual projects or deeply personal records, Calebdoee remains committed to preserving the artistry of hip-hop while continuing to evolve his sound.

In this conversation, Calebdoee dives into the memories that shaped their voice and the vision shaping their future.

Outverge: How do you handle a song idea that doesn't fit into your current project?

Calebdoee: I’ll shelve it for a later time/release; it doesn’t make sense to drop in a rush.

Outverge: Do you ever revisit old songs to rework or find inspiration?

Calebdoee: I listen to my old music to get a feel of where I would be in life and with music. I think about re-recording, but I don’t have much time to do it. 

Outverge: How do you blend different musical influences in your work?

Calebdoee: There are a lot of different ways I approach music; a lot of it comes from the diversity I listen to. I listen to more R&B than rap, and myself if it’s that way.

Outverge: What’s the most technically challenging song you’ve worked on?

Calebdoee: Blues and Night Ride stand out; patterns and pockets I’ve never tried but obvious it had to be done. I get different connections with flows and beats, especially these two.  

Outverge: What’s the significance of your album art and how do you choose it?

Calebdoee: I chose notes, off the strength of how I feel music. Every lyric is a note, a life of its own. No bars off.

Outverge: Do you have a dream director or visual artist you’d love to work with?

Calebdoee: Not really, I’m more about authoring and making those relationships as I go. I’m not big on working without some sort of connection.

Outverge: Can you share any behind-the-scenes moments from the making of your latest project?

Calebdoee: Most of it was making ‘PSA’ hitting the lights to get that dark mood to set the EP off. ‘YOU&ME’ and ‘Brooklyn, USA’ were good vibe songs, vintage to how I studio sessions used to be at a similar time.

Outverge: What message or theme do you hope listeners take away from your latest work?

Calebdoee: Whatever you do, whatever the time of day or year, find joy in what you’re doing and keep god first. Circumstances we live under can cause unhappiness and reckless living, but good vibes will always make another avenue to live.

Outverge: Are there any particular tracks on your new project that hold special significance for you?

Calebdoee: ‘Brooklyn, USA’ stands out because of the love I have for the Burrough. Love the vibes and musicians; hopefully I get out there soon.

Outverge: How do you continue to improve your musical skills and knowledge?

Calebdoee: Stay a student, respect the teachers, keep God in every thought, and let losing become a myth.