If there’s one thing the city of Chicago has been consistent with in the last decade, its been creatively talented hip-hop acts. As one wave has cascaded from the next, we’ve seen an interesting spectrum of what ‘rap’ can be. With 2019 still young, the next name to emerge in that conversation of what’s to come has been a relative upstart with a catchy name and concept to boot. If you haven’t already, it’s time to meet HappyBirthdayCalvin.
Having been a regular in the booth at AtTheStu in the city’s River West neighborhood, the young rapper has honed his craft with a dedicated team that recently announced an deal with L.A. Reid’s Hitco imprint. To say that Calvin has found himself in good company would be an understatement, but you might not now it from his initial releases. No Friends has been the theme thus far, an aesthetic that has so far pitted him as a sort of near-sighted distant, aloof spectator at the party, fun-loving wallflower, the list can go on. With a pair of projects already in the ether, the year is shaping up to be a true step out for the young artist.
And what a step it’s been. From relatively unknown just six months ago to logging several tracks on Soundcloud north of 100K with “No Friends” breaking a million plays in under two months, it’s been one of the more impressive debuts since Juice WRLD. With all the momentum at his back, it’s only a matter of time before the city and country at large are telling Clavin Happy Birthday. Dive into both projects here, check out Calvin’s music streaming regularly on Mild Sauce Radio and check back soon for something special.