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Philadelphia-born hip-hop artist and U.S. Air Force veteran Nazahn, better known by his stage name CallMeShotti, is carving out his place in music with realness, compassion, and lyrical precision. On September 5, 2025, he released his full-length album Unrequited across various streaming platforms. This project expresses a raw confessional and a motivational soundtrack. Now, with momentum on his side and a reputation built through collaborations with multi-Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum producer Herb Middleton, Shotti is set to take the stage at the Launch Music Conference in Dallas on October 4. For him, music isn’t just entertainment; it’s survival, storytelling, and a way to connect with listeners who need a voice that speaks directly to their struggles and triumphs.

With tens of thousands of organic followers, how do you balance being accessible to fans while protecting your personal peace?

CallMeShotti: I try to stay off social media as much as I can because it can get draining. As an artist, I can’t just delete it; I have to be there to promote my work, but I don’t post as many personal things. Social media can really take a toll, and sometimes people create characters in their heads that aren’t reality. It’s especially draining when you know people in real life and start to wonder what they might be saying.

Heart of Hollywood Magazine and AP News recently spotlighted you. When you saw your name on those platforms, what was the first thought that crossed your mind that you didn’t say out loud?

CallMeShotti: It made me feel more seen, like people are starting to see my potential and step into the world of CallMeShotti. It’s interesting reading the way things are written about me, even interviews I didn’t answer directly. I appreciate all of it because there were times when I wasn’t being featured at all. I don’t take it for granted. Having eyes on my music now means a lot.

When fans step into your Dallas show, what’s one emotion you want them to walk out with that goes beyond excitement?

CallMeShotti: My album is about 24 minutes, but my performance set is thirty minutes. I want people to really feel what I’m saying in those thirty minutes, while getting a sense of the album, and then get the album. I want them to relate. When I say something, I want them to think, “That’s exactly how I felt.” I want the audience to experience my music as if it’s their own story. There was a time when I couldn’t even express my emotions, and music helped me find the words. So, I want the audience to walk away with a new way to put their own feelings into perspective and to understand that it’s okay to feel. Men and women — we all have emotions.

Please tell us about your collaboration with Herb Middleton.

CallMeShotti: My cousin Pam got me in the door, but she told me I had to speak for myself. She introduced me to Ms. Kim, who then introduced me to Herb Middleton. Herb listened to my songs and told me that my songwriting was top-tier. From there, we started working together. He gave me beats, and the first song we did was “We Did It.” We made two versions — one about the Eagles and another celebratory track. It was a fun process, and Herb saw what I could do. We even had sessions where we wrote songs in just ten minutes.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

CallMeShotti: The greed. Everything is about money now, and a lot of people don’t have passion anymore. You hear people saying hip-hop is dying or it’s not the same. Too often, labels only care about clout. Real talent goes unnoticed while they push someone just because they have “the look.” The passion is gone, and even the drill scene is hurting the industry. It creates unnecessary tension because people feel overlooked. Collaboration is rare these days. I wish the industry focused more on finding and showcasing real talent, such as artists who write and create from the heart.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter the music industry?

CallMeShotti: Don’t take things too personally. A lot of it isn’t personal, it’s just business. Everyone has their own agenda. It’s a dog-eat-dog world, and you’ll face competition. If you don’t get picked, don’t let it break you. Some people get opportunities because of family or connections, while you might feel like an outsider. But if you have talent, keep grinding because eventually it gets noticed. Work on your craft daily because there are artists out there perfecting their skills and getting into rooms you want to be in. Take advantage of opportunities, even if they scare you. I missed chances just by being too shy to talk to certain artists, and those moments could have changed my life. Be aware of scammers, too. I’ve been scammed before as an up-and-coming artist. Protect yourself, but keep pushing.

What would you like readers to take away from this article?

CallMeShotti: That I’m real. I don’t want to be anything other than myself. I’m not here to fake it for anybody. I’m genuine, and I make music not just for me but for the people who depend on it. I want to be heard. I want people to know I’m as real as it gets these days. If you listen to my music, I hope it teaches you something or sparks a realization. How you take it is up to you, but just know it comes from a real place.

How can readers connect online? 

CallMeShotti: Connect online

Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/callmeshotti/1478800494

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Akw8L00Rpz8gKgiBF4GYT?si=BC_2CZWjQQmW5AsnN_ewRw

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/callmeshotti

Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/artist/73260492

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B07XCYPY86/callmeshotti

Twitter: https://x.com/CMShotti

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075799030046

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callmeshotti/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@callmeshotti?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@callmeshotti

MusixMatch: https://www.musixmatch.com/creator/CallMeS