Kam Kalloway

Words By Bec Doyle | January 27 2022

Proof That The Hustle Can Pay Off

Kam Kalloway, is a multi-faceted artist creating music that is authentically him. This Cali born artist isn’t playing by the rules or adhering to industry norms. Driven by his desire to connect and inspire, his sound is constantly evolving with his experiences and how he wishes to express them. With early musical roots, and a strong work ethic, Kam found himself working across various aspects of the music industry, including interning at prolific labels such as Universal and Chris Brown Entertainment, before getting back into the studio and working on his own music, giving him the knowledge and industry insight not many artists possess. Armed with this experience, raw talent, and undeniable style, Kam Kalloway is on the rise, and is a prime example that with hard work and dedication, the hustle can pay off.

Kam wears woven suit by Lanvin, Shirt by Vivienne Westwood

How did your career as a recording artist begin?

My Mom is a gospel singer and my dad played drums in a band so I’ve always been around music but didn’t get in the studio until I was around 14. I was behind the scenes in the entertainment field for a while but reconnected with music in the pandemic.

When you say “behind the scenes” in the Entertainment industry, how so?

I did a lot of interning at the beginning of my journey. I first interned for a film production company after working a job as an extra in a lil Wayne Music video. They eventually hired me as a Production assistant and on a separate music video I did for “Kelly Rowland”, I met the SVP of Universal Motown Who at the time (Sylvia Rhone). She had me walk a lady to her car who ended up giving me an internship at UMG in Video Productions and A&R. After leaving that label I briefly interned for an RnB artists Label (Neyo) “Compound Entertainment ” and shortly after finally landing myself my final Internship with pop Icon Chris Brown at he and his former managers companies “CBE” and “Phase Too Ent”.

What was the inspiration behind your new track “Atlanta”?

The idea of “Atlanta” came from my first trip from LA to Atlanta at the beginning of the Pandemic. The song integrates a lot of the experiences I had and shout out some of the city staples like “magic city” and “Spelman College” .

What was your experience during the production process?

It was the second to last song I had written with a new group of Atlanta based producers I had met in the studio earlier that month. I remember being real tired that day cause we had gone through like 10 records and were trying to figure out the sound for my project. I had ran out of money to afford the nicer studio we were previously recording at and ended up getting a deal at artist “TK Kravitz” personal studio. I remember My Producer “Lule’’ had sent me a beat and soon as the engineer pulled it I knew it was gold, but wasn’t sure how to approach it. So second half of the chorus I had “Omega The Kid” do the high part to keep the vibe in the Swag of ATL.

“Kizzy” was one of your tracks released late last year that gardnered alot of attention, what is the song about ?

I was in ATL, and I went to the strip club. I wrote Kizzy in LA after coming back inspired from the vibes.

Were you involved in the creative direction of the music video?

Absolutely. I produced , and directed it. It took us 4 separate shoot dates over a month apart to film it.

Slick Woods has a cameo in your music video, are the two of you friends?

Yea. slicks the homie, I actually brought her in after the first initial cut to help execute the concept.

Kam wears Suit by Jesse J Collections, Turtle Neck Sweater by Escada

What has been your favorite music collaboration to date?

Writing with TK Kravitz & Jaqueese

If you could collab with anyone on your next track, who would it be and why?

Drake, I studied him for years and he has a lot of influence in my Artistry.

Who were you inspired by musically growing up?

Motown, gospel, my dad would make me rehearse Usher and Temptation songs on summer breaks.

How has your sound developed?

I don’t have many songs out but every record is different and constantly evolving. I don’t like to be Pigeon holed so the sound is pretty expansive and the message is, to overcome, after facing a ton of hardship after my second trip to Atlanta.

How would you describe your personal style?

A vibe. I love my black brands - especially Off white RIP to VIRGIL

What sets you apart from other hip hop artists established or emerging today?

I’m different cause I’m an artist that’s gonna release what I want even if it doesn’t fit the “brand”. I come from a diverse upbringing so though this record may be trap my next may feel more rnb, or pop; whatever feels right. This could be good and bad sometimes cause when you go through some of the songs they may sound like different artists at times but that’s also the beauty of it.

Kam wears Suit by Jesse J Collections, Turtle Neck Sweater by Escada and Hat by Rodney Jon

You’ve worked extremely hard to get where you are, who do you credit your success to?

God, everything happens in his time. I also believe in understanding purpose; as vain as the industry can be, my intent is to inspire and connect people through storytelling.

What was the catalyst in starting your own label Twenty4 4Ever, and what do you envision for the label?

I’m a songwriter 1st so I wanted to start a company behind my music. I’m focusing on my project at the moment. I do eventually want to give other artists a platform to express themselves as well tho.

Outside of work and the entertainment industry, what are you passionate about?

Spending time with the family. I really like helping people without opportunity in other capacities, beyond Entertainment. I was a kid that had to fight for things on my own. People have always been hesitant to give me a shot and I hate seeing other people who are applying themselves get overlooked.

What’s something no one knows about you?

Most people don’t know that my uncle is a former mayor of Compton. My dad’s side of the family were born and raised in the city so as a kid I was back and forth from Hub city.

Kam wears Suit by Jesse J Collections, Turtle Neck Sweater by Escada and Hat by Rodney Jon

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