Philly Hip-Hop Artist CallMeShotti Drops Unrequited Album: A Bold Story of Love, Heartbreak & Growth
- Tammy Reese
- Sep 4
- 5 min read
By Tammy Reese
Photo Credit: Quavaughn
Philadelphia-born hip-hop artist, storyteller, and U.S. Air Force veteran CallMeShotti is making waves with his highly anticipated new album, Unrequited, set to release on September 5th. Best known for his collaboration with Grammy-nominated producer Herb Middleton, Shotti stands out for his unique ability to both rap and sing while seamlessly shifting his vocal tone to capture the depth of every track.
Co-produced by D-Light, Elijah Swain and CallMeShotti, with the creative direction of Kyla Congleton (NovaKaine), Unrequited takes listeners on an emotional journey through heartbreak, healing, and rebirth. From the vulnerable “Let Her Fly” to the haunting “Coping” and the dual-perspective storytelling of “Half & Half,” the project reaches its most powerful moment with “Cupid’s Dead” which is a poetic release of finality and reflection. The album is filled with deep, heartfelt, powerful, empowering, and relatable storytelling. Unrequited is exactly what the industry needs right now.
For those just getting to know you, who is Shotti outside of music?
CallMeShotti: I’m a hard worker, genuine, and caring. I love connecting with people and building networks. I’m an athlete, I love sports, I’m a hustler, and I’m always finding ways to make my dreams come true while putting the people around me in positions to win too.
What’s a fun fact about you that many people don’t know?
CallMeShotti: I’m really into exploring stars, planets, and astronomy.
What does music mean to you?
CallMeShotti: Music is everything. Since I was a kid, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. My mom would always tell me to have a plan B, but I couldn’t take anything seriously except music. Growing up wasn’t always easy, but music kept me going. I’d rather be heard than paid for it.
What was it like growing up in Philly? How would you describe the music scene?
CallMeShotti: I had a good childhood. I didn’t really start experiencing the city until I got kicked off the school bus in 6th grade and had to take public transportation. Philly has a lot of brotherly love if you look for it. The city gets negative attention, but it makes you tough. People might downplay you, but that allows you to have tough skin. Philly people can go anywhere and thrive because we’re built for it.
Who were your biggest musical influences?
CallMeShotti: My dad is the reason I do music. I never really listened to his music, but I was inspired just because he created music. I wrote my first song to a beat he was playing. That was the moment I knew I could do this. Growing up, I listened to mainstream hip hop, then I got into both underground and mainstream Philly artists. Now I listen to old-school rappers like Ice Cube, NWA, Jay-Z, and Nas, plus newer artists like Mariah the Scientist, Drake, and A Boogie. But I try not to be influenced too much, I want to sound like me. I do sound like me.
Looking back, how has the journey been so far?
CallMeShotti: It’s been meaningful. I’ve had moments in studios with people in bigger rooms than me, and I’ve had intimate performances where the love was real like performing for and with friends.
What inspired this album?
CallMeShotti: At first, the album was supposed to be self-titled, but it was inspired by a relationship I was in. It started with love vibes, but as things fell apart, it turned into a story about love and heartbreak. That’s the direction the project took.
How long did it take to complete?
CallMeShotti: About two months. I started in April/May with a deadline in August. I’m big on quality over quantity, so with every session, the songs and my voice kept improving.
What do you need in the studio?
CallMeShotti: Water, snacks, maybe liquor depending on the vibe, my friends, and creative inspiration. I take feedback seriously, so it’s important to have people around who keep it real such as engineers, producers, and friends.
Walk us through your creative process.
CallMeShotti: It’s always different. I might start with voice memos, hooks, or writing four lines at a time in the booth. For this project, I had a creative director, Novakaine, who helped shape things. Producers like D Light (UK) and Elijah Swan also played a big role. Each album comes together naturally.
What do you hope people feel after listening?
CallMeShotti: I want men to know it’s okay to be vulnerable and express their feelings. I want women to hear how men feel too. Mariah the Scientist really opened my eyes to that. I hope people find relief in my music and connect with the story.
Do you have plans for shows or tours?
CallMeShotti: Yes, I’m preparing for my first performance in Dallas for the Launch Music Conference on October 4th. I’ve got a three minute set, but I’m going to give it my all, network, and leave no “what ifs” behind.
Any final words to fans?
CallMeShotti: I appreciate everyone who listens, supports, and shows love. My goal is for people to live with my catalog, blast my music, and feel it. I’ll never put out something that doesn’t sound good. Keep listening and I won’t disappoint.
Anything else you’d like to share?
CallMeShotti: I’m moving away from drill music. I don’t like how it makes us tear each other down. I plan to take my drill tracks down before 2026. There’s so much more to talk about, and I want to focus on music that uplifts rather than divides.
About The Album (Unrequited):
Unrequited set to be released on September 5, 2025 at 12:00 AM but fans didn’t have to wait that long to get a taste. Two powerful singles from the project, Track 5: “Half & Half” featuring NovaKaine and the stunning closer Track 11: “Cupid’s Dead”, released early on August 15 across all streaming platforms.
Full track listing:
Let Her Fly
Overly Going
Say My Name
Coping
Half & Half
I Wish
WYO!?
Actress
Drowning
Next Episode
Cupid’s Dead
Connect online:
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/callmeshotti
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B07XCYPY86/callmeshotti
Twitter: https://x.com/CMShotti
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callmeshotti/
MusixMatch: https://www.musixmatch.com/creator/CallMeShotti
Matchfy Discount: MUSIXMATCHFY
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