Royce Caldwell

Royce Caldwell
Royce Caldwell
Birth name	Royce Desmond Caldwell
Born	June 17, 1985 (age 39); New York, New York, United States
Genres	Hip hop, East Coast hip hop, Pop, R&B
Occupation(s)	Rapper; singer; songwriter; record producer; entrepreneur; actor;
Instruments	Vocals
Years active	2003-present
Labels	Smith & 9th
Website	roycecaldwell.com

Royce Desmond Caldwell (born June 17, 1985), is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, and activist from Brooklyn, New York.

Early life and education[edit]

Royce Caldwell was born in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in the Red Hook Houses in the borough's Red Hook neighborhood. As a child, he was exposed to hip-hop and became interested in the genre. His father dabbled in Hip-hop and R&B music production, which influenced Royce. He started writing rhymes at an early age and performed at local talent shows and block parties.

Caldwell attended Murry Bergtraum High School, where he continued to hone his rap skills.

Music career[edit]

Caldwell began his music career in the early 2000s, performing at local shows and open mic events in Brooklyn. He gained a following with his introspective lyrics and socially conscious themes, which resonated with audiences in the borough.

Musical influences[edit]

Throughout his career, Caldwell has been influenced by a diverse range of hip-hop artists. His list of inspirations includes The Notorious B.I.G, Jay-Z, Nas, Outkast, Kanye West, Nipsey Hussle, and Childish Gambino. Jay-Z's music and business acumen provided a blueprint for Caldwell, while Nas's storytelling skills and Outkast's unique sound left a lasting impression on him. Caldwell has also been inspired by Kanye West's genre-defying approach to music and Nipsey Hussle's work as both an artist and activist. Childish Gambino's style and social commentary have also left an impact on Caldwell's own music. Despite drawing from these influential artists, Caldwell has managed to create his own distinct sound and style in the hip-hop community.

Business ventures[edit]

Smith & 9th[edit]

Caldwell ventured into the business world in 2017 by starting his own independent record label, Smith & 9th.

Smith & 9th was founded by Caldwell with the goal of providing a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent and reach a wider audience. The label takes its name from the Brooklyn subway station where Caldwell used to spend hours writing and perfecting his craft.

Since its inception, Smith & 9th has released several successful albums and singles, including Caldwell's own critically acclaimed projects. The label's focus on authenticity and artistic freedom has attracted a diverse roster of talent from various genres, including hip-hop, R&B, and soul.

In addition to music production and distribution, Smith & 9th also offers a range of services to support its artists, including marketing and promotion, and creative direction.

Activism[edit]

Caldwell has been an advocate for social justice and activism throughout his career. He has used his music as a platform to address issues such as police brutality, racial inequality, and poverty. He has also been involved in various community outreach programs and charity events in the Brooklyn area.

Personal life[edit]

Caldwell is known for his private nature and has not publicly discussed his personal life or relationships. He is a philanthropist and has been involved in various charitable organizations in Brooklyn and beyond.

Discography[edit]

Books[edit]

Legacy[edit]

Caldwell's impact on the hip-hop community, particularly in Brooklyn, has been widely recognized. He is known for his socially conscious lyrics, dedication to his community, and unique flow. His influence can be heard in the work of many up-and-coming rappers from Brooklyn and beyond.