I take this opportunity to introduce you to Calden James, more popularly known as CalJ. You may think that CalJ is an abbreviated form of his name; however, CalJ shared that it means "Calling All Legends – Just Me." This young and talented artist is from the British Virgin Islands and has roots in Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis. I heard CalJ on ZBVI Radio on Saturday, March 19, 2022, being interviewed about his latest album, "The Difference." So, I reached out to him to learn more.
His Story
CalJ told me that he always felt that music was always in him but "it wasn’t as bright as yet.” He started rapping around age 13, but when he turned 14, he said he was “given a voice.” CalJ admitted that he sounded like a seagull at that age, but he kept singing. He recalled that his mother would ask him to stop singing. However, he kept honing his craft, and eventually, people told him that he sounded like John Legend.
First Performance
He first performed for an audience at a Ms. Fifth Form pageant in 2013/2014. CalJ expressed that Kamau Georges, artist, producer, and music teacher at the time, encouraged him to perform at the show. He performed “Ordinary People” by John Legend.
First Song
CalJ’s first song was "She’s Not You," produced by Kamau Georges.
"The Difference"
CalJ related that he chose this title because he is an example of difference. He referred to his roots in BVI, Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis. He also chimed in that this album contains music infused with various styles, and it reflects his ability to switch flow and accents. He promised a different flavor for every song. The album is available on all streaming platforms.
1. “Paradise” featuring GNDOE
R&B/Afrobeat
Producer: GNDOE
Lyric Snippet: Hook - “Baby, you so far, could you come a little closer, I just want to take you over, to a place called paradise, make sure you satisfied, you got me falling for you – I’m clumsy, baby I can use your company, in a place called paradise, make sure you satisfied”
2. “Must Win”
R&B/Hip Hop
Producer: Skychasers
Lyric Snippet: “I just got down on my knees and prayed to the sky, strapped on my wings so I could fly, I’m just sick and tired of seeing my momma cry, I had to go and hustle to come out of the struggle”
3. “Cutting Ties” featuring Skipp Znero
Trap
Producer: Dupree Beatz
Lyric Snippet: “They trying to drain all my energy, all of my haters are enemies, they won’t stop til it’s the end of me, I had to put them in the cemetery, bury them ….”
4. “On the Edge”
Reggae/R&B
Producer: GNDOE
5. “Favorite Place”
R&B
Producer: GNDOE
6. “Ready or Not” featuring Dave from the Grave
Producer: Skychasers
Lyric Snippet: “I’ve been watching you from way across the room, and you’ve been looking so nice that I just had to talk to you, the way you call me boo, the way you dripping sauce too, when I say baby you looking nice, she say that ain’t nothing new, you know the type of girl I’m talking bout, she make the handicapped walk it out....”
Shout Outs
CalJ recognized his family, especially his sister, and his fans who encourage and motivate him. He shared that Productions by Reset, operated by Chaurbin Smith, engineered “The Difference.” CalJ also highlighted Skipp Znero, formerly KevyKev who performed with him in high school in Top Class Entertainment, Dave from the Grave, and GNDOE, who all played a role in this album for vocals or production.
Who CalJ Listens To
CalJ likes Drake and Lil Wayne, but he thoroughly enjoys legendary R&B artists such as James Brown and Michael Jackson. For reggae, he listens to Tarrus Riley and Beres Hammond. He added that these artists inspire him to improve his lyrics.
A Word from CalJ
CalJ says:
- “I share my music for me and for people who want to listen to my style.”
- “I want to drop a song that has a lasting effect.”
- “My aim is to hit on the charts and to stay on the charts.”
- “I’ve been pushing my music hard.”
Favorite Track
CalJ chose two tracks, “On the Edge” and “Cutting Ties.” He loves the contrast between the tracks - hearing him sing and then trap music. He was proud to share that we can experience two vastly different performances from him on his two favorite songs.
Advice for Young people
- “Be real about your music because the more you keep capping – somebody is going to test you about your lyrics.”
- “Speak positive vibes in your lyrics so positive can return to you because negative lyrics will cause negative effects”
What Would You Do Differently
“I would make more connections – I had too much pride. Don’t be scared to ask for help – don’t be afraid to connect with people.”
What can fans can look forward to:
- Three to four more singles to come soon
- Next album later in 2022
- Some soca and riddims coming soon
Music Videos
CalJ is currently working with Nobleink on his music videos. The first video will be for “On the Edge.”
