Calliko

As the Midwest stakes its claim for rap supremacy a new area other than Cleveland, Chicago, Detroit, and St. Louis which had previously been responsible for producing the region’s Hip Hop stars thus far has emerged given way to the famed “Quad Cities”. Consisting of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa and Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline in Illinois they comprise the five cities that straddle the mighty Mississippi river and serve as the birthplace of Rap music’s newest breakout sensation…”Calliko”. Born and raised in East Moline “Calliko’s” home town has long since been known as the home of “John Deere & Company” the world’s largest manufacturer of agricultural equipment. While East Moline might not be a hot bed for Rap talent yet if the much heralded “Calliko” continues about his ground breaking ways he may soon replace the late great John Deere as the area’s most iconic figure. Strong words maybe, but then again one need only look, listen, or merely observe the to die for hunk enter a room to know whatever true star power is “Calliko” possesses it.

If ever an artist epitomized turning tragedy into triumph it would be the always super positive “Calliko” who over his young life has already had to overcome a near fatal car accident that left him paralyzed for 10 months. Factor in being raised by an extremely young mother and absent father along with falling victim to the streets and one might wonder how he became the success he is today. Well the answers are simple says “Calliko” who sites perseverance, hard work, undeniable talent, humility, his team, and putting God first as the keys to achieving his goals. Mentored personally by one of the biggest names in Hip Hop “Twista” is the superstar who gave “Calliko” his name after witnessing the young spitter’s mind blowing rapid fire delivery. The consummate entertainer “Calliko” has more than paid his independent dues having performed to date 1,500 shows throughout the Midwest while in the process collaborating with a slew of fellow rap stars to include but not limited to “Wiz Khalifa”, “Do or Die”, and “Waka Flocka Flame”.

The sheer definition of irresistible swagger “Calliko’s” intoxicating delivery is what allows his songs to hit with razor sharp precision. A truly remarkable songwriter is most evident in his long list of hit records that challenges the mind and soothes the soul. Poised to do for the “Quad Cities” what chart topping rappers “Bone Thugs N Harmony”, “Nelly”, “Eminem”, and “Kanye West” did for their respective Midwestern hometowns is the calling of a larger than life talent destined for international superstardom. Fearless in his pursuit to push the limits of creative expression is the mindset of a one of a kind talent who puts the “O” in originality. Having already released the classic mix tape “The Departure” the first in a trilogy of cd’s sponsored by “Greedy Genius Sneakers” that had the infectious hit “Whip It Around” featuring national recording artist “Wiz Khalifa” to rave reviews, accumulating 30,000 downloads in the first two weeks, performing at world renowned events like “The South by Southwest festival” & “The Vitamin Water/Fader Magazine Uncapped Live” annual mixer, and headlining the “Counter Culture Tour” is the life of an exceptional artist whose been endorsed by “Fader Magazine” as well as music blogs “Fakeshoredrive.com”, “Illroots.com”, and numerous others. Busier than ever putting the finishing touches on his highly anticipated follow up to “The Departure” a mix tape entitled “The Layover” and touring the country to stellar reviews is what has his buzz at epic proportions setting the stage for the new voice of Hip Hop…”Calliko”