Known as The Move Man, Nato Caliph gets audiences on their feet and dancing to
thought-provoking, socially conscious lyrics. The prolific
Knowledge-Battle-Rhyme Spitter (as coined in his hit single Move Pt. 2) has
collaborated with artists ranging from Murphy Lee of the St. Lunatics, Bits &
Pieces, Soul Tyde and Konfusion to Creation. Well-known to underground hip-hop
listeners, his impressive body of recordings have generated sales and interest
from the Midwest (Vintage Vinyl, Disc Connection) to New York (Fat Beats) and
across the globe via the Internet (virginrecordsonline.com, cdbaby.com,
soundclick.com and funkytracks.com). Hes moved crowds at the Missouri Black
Expo and a number of St. Louis hot spots: Mississippi Nights and The Pageants
1st Fridays, Blueberry Hill, Hi Pointe, Red Sea and Creepy Crawl. Caliph has
performed with The St. Lunatics and Bilal on stage while also contributing to
several compilations, including Soul Tyde: Hip-Hop & Soulfulish and
Dream-Reality records All about the Benjamins featuring Mystical and Cee-lo.
His eagerly anticipated new album, "Cipher Inside" is due to hit the streets winter 2006.
Born Shedrick Remon Kelley on August 9, 1980, the St. Louis natives most
influential years were spent growing up in the suburbs of University City. At
U-City Senior High School in 1995, he met and befriended a schoolmate and
hip-hop artist Phact to form KTC Konfusion to Creation. They soon enlisted a
third member, Cin, to round out the hip-hop trio. As a finished product, KTC
worked diligently to become three of St. Louis prospering underground minds and
voices to be heard and felt throughout the streets. KTC received their first
taste of fame when they performed their debut hit single, Smoken Verbs, at a
performance at Washington University. Their individuality, originality and heady
lyrical content grabbed listeners from the onset.
Among his musical influences, Caliph cites the likes of Jay-Z, Rakim, Wu-Tang
and The Lost Boyz. As an artist, however, Caliph is in a league of his own.
He seasons his witty wordplay without use derogatory or foul language. He
eschews the glorification of drugs, sex or violence in his music.
Caliph founded Cipher Music Group in 2004, and has recently entered an alliance
with F5 Records (www.f5records.com). Standouts among his previous solo work
include Wisdom Cipher, The Home Work Series Volume 1: Class is in Session, The
Home Work Series Volume 1.2: Class is in Session + Bonus Tracks and The Home
Work Series Volume 2: Extra Credit. The vinyl singles Move Pt. 2 and This is
For received heavy rotation on St. Louis two hottest hip-hop radio stations,
Q95.5 and 100.3 the Beat. His latest 7 album All I Know b/w From Here
featuring Isis Jones was released in May 2005.
With a pseudonym meaning to bomb with success, Caliph is determined to blow up
on the hip-hop charts. With many accomplishments under his belt and a creative
voice that demands attention, Nato Caliph has what it takes to successfully
excel further within the music industry.
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Written by: Aaron Berkowitz
Yes. And yet again tight songs with meaning. I don't know how you do it. To come up with new material that's so fresh. You gotta let me put "Don't Know" up on the page.
What's up with the show on the 9th? Been telling everyone about it. Did you decide not to do it b/c its your bday and you're throwing a party instead? We can only hope that you will be hosting/throwing a big bday bash for yourself :)
Hey I'm gonna send out the word about Atomic Cowboy. I'm sure you'll generate a lot of interest :). When you get the chance check out the movie Zeitgeist. It's only available online. Let me know what you think.
I just wanted to answer the comment left by the girl who wants to know where she can get ur CD. Streetside Records on the Loop is where I picked up all the left over copies for our crew. You can also find him at Slacker's CD's and gifts. Check out the f5records website.
Besides that we wanted to stop by and show you some love on this fourth of July weekend! I'll send you an email about the interview. Have a great weekend and hope to see you soon :)
We were at the Gramophone last night and were extremely impressed! You have a variety of followers that spans all ages and cultures. "All I Know" performance last night was superb! We want to hear a live album!
On to a different topic...as we are very confused because you're not playing at the Loop's "Music Showcase" today. Seriously, you're one of the best lyrical hip-hop artists around. You deserve a showcase.
Thanks for coming bye my page checking out my new single “YOU GOT A WIFE, A MISTRESS, AND A GIRLFRIEND, SO WHATCHA WANT WITH ME”? Stay in touch cause there is more to come!
Funny thing is a friend of mine teaches a hip hop class at a University here in Houston and he found out about you through one of his students. I heard your music for the first time this past friday and immediately brought the album on itunes. You are talented.
