CallMeShotti
CallMeShotti
Bio
Born and raised in Philadelphia, PA, Shotti—short for CallMeShotti—was destined for a life in music. Inspired by his father, who was a rapper, Shotti first picked up the pen at just eight years old. By the time he was 14, Shotti had already stepped into a recording studio for the first time, finishing his 9th-grade year with a vision that would carry him through the highs and lows of life.
Growing up in Uptown before moving to Olney during 8th grade, Shotti’s surroundings played a huge role in shaping both his music and mindset. At Central High School, he was a 'popular loner'—known by everyone, yet comfortable in solitude. After being expelled in the 10th grade, Shotti was homeschooled for the remainder of that year, then completed his education at Simon Gratz Mastery Charter High School, where he graduated. These formative experiences influenced the narratives found in his music, which tells the story of personal struggle, growth, and survival.​​​
A versatile artist, Shotti has written over 200 songs, crossing multiple genres, including Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Soul, and Afrobeat. His music is 100% inspired by real events and emotions from his life: the wins, losses, happiest moments, and heartbreaks. He pours everything into his art, using it as a personal release for thoughts and experiences too private to share otherwise. To date, Shotti has released three albums, 15 singles, and four EPs, collaborating with several artists such as Lil Ki From Jerome, Lul Naj, D. Lo, and many others. Recording primarily at Homeroom Studios since 2020, Shotti's evolution as an artist continues, with each song more personal than the last.
Not only are Shotti’s lyrics deeply reflective of life in the streets of Philadelphia, but they also convey universal themes of pain, betrayal, love, resilience, and survival. Tracks like *Tomorrow*, *Who Ain’t*, and *On My Mind* explore emotional turmoil, broken trust, and self-reflection, while songs like *Paraphernalia* and *Lies* delve into the harsher realities of street life, loyalty, and retaliation.
Philadelphia runs deep in Shotti’s veins, and his love for the city is evident. He's an Eagles fan through and through, never missing a game, and Shotti believes LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time. When he isn’t working on music or watching sports, Shotti enjoys movies—particularly action, comedy, thrillers, and horror films—and is also a fan of anime, with *One Punch Man* and *Mashle* topping his list of favorites. Despite a picky appetite, Trix cereal and pizza from 'Old English' on 5th Street in Philly hold special places in Shotti’s heart.
Though socially anxious and not always one for large crowds, Shotti’s energy is contagious to those who get close. Raised primarily by women, he has a deep respect and understanding of women, something that comes through in both his life and his music. Emotionally intelligent and wise beyond his years, Shotti reflects a complex duality: strong but sensitive, confident but wary, always ready to express through music what he may not say out loud.
Despite the emotional weight of his music, Shotti remains grounded in his ambition. His main goal is to have his music not only heard but felt. He wants listeners to learn, take heed, and be inspired by the messages in his songs. His drive for authenticity stems from a life lived on the edge of vulnerability and strength, using music as both an outlet and a bridge to connect with others who might feel the same pain.
Beyond the music, Shotti’s journey has had many twists. He spent time serving in the U.S. Air Force from April 2021 to August 2023, stationed at AFB McGuire in New Jersey. However, that chapter came to an end after a series of disagreements with his racist seniors, as Shotti felt targeted and unfairly treated. This ultimately led to Shotti being administratively separated for minor tardiness. Since then, he has been hustling, doing house work, Uber Eats, security work, and other ventures to fund his music career and lifestyle.
With his sights set on global recognition, Shotti’s passion for music knows no bounds. He aspires to continue creating, connecting, and ultimately making his name known to the world, ensuring that every listener finds inspiration, understanding, and a piece of themselves in the art he creates.