Nazahn Warren, known to the world as CallMeShotti, is redefining what it means to be an artist with purpose. The Philadelphia-born rapper isn’t just dropping bars, he’s building bridges between music, education, and community empowerment. With the release of his full-length album Unrequited on September 5, 2025, Shotti has proven that his brand of hip-hop is more than entertainment, it’s testimony. As he gears up for his upcoming performance at the Launch Music Conference in Dallas, his story is quickly becoming one of perseverance, authenticity, and visionary ambition.
When you wake up in the morning, what’s the very first thing you do that sets the tone for staying “on the grind” as both an artist and a student?
CallMeShotti: I take a shower, I figure out the plan for the day and how I should execute, and then I get to work, and I prioritize the things that are most important for that day. Some days school is first on the schedule and some days my music career and community obligations are first priority. I have learned to equally manage both with the help of my team.
How has studying electrical engineering influenced the way you approach creating and structuring your music? Do you see parallels between wiring circuits and writing bars?
CallMeShotti: It hasn’t really influenced the art yet, it’s still early on, I haven’t gotten to the classes that reflect my major yet, so I wouldn’t say it influences the music much yet. However, electrical engineering has piqued my interest because I like the idea of building something grand that affects lives. That is literally what I feel about my music. I want my music to affect people’s lives.
Your mom plays the role of your “momager.” What has been the most powerful lesson you’ve learned from her about perseverance and business?
CallMeShotti: The most powerful lesson, that was unspoken but understood, is that there’s always a tool to use and room to improve. She’s been finding ways to push the tunes that I had never thought of and she has shown me how to stand fast within adversities and setbacks.
You’ve mentioned turning social anxiety into your spotlight. What mental practices or routines help you push through and turn that pressure into performance energy?
CallMeShotti: I’ve actually been working on my social anxiety just by forcing myself into those dragged out conversations, forcing myself to have a response for everything so that I’m never stomped in a conversation, and talking to people I usually would avoid. I am also taking a public speaking class. I think I’m way more comfortable with being the center of attention when it comes to me these days.
Shotti Cares is about empowering Philly youth. How does giving back fuel your hustle as an artist?
CallMeShotti: Giving back fuels my hustle because when I was a youth coming up, I would’ve appreciated the same opportunities that ‘Shotti Cares’ presents. It’ll create a safe haven for young artists, musicians, and students of music to grow and flourish in an environment that caters to all music. I also want to create a space for all creative and performing arts.
Congratulations on your new album, Unrequited. What is your favorite song(s) on the album and why?
CallMeShotti: My favorite song on the album is ‘WYO!?’ or ‘Drowning’ because the energy of those songs draw me in and make me want to replay it 100 times. I love the entire album, though, so it does become hard to pick a favorite, but it would definitely be between those 2 songs.
With the Dallas Launch Music Conference performance coming up, what can the Dallas music scene brace themselves for?
CallMeShotti: The Dallas music scene can brace themselves for an abundance of sounds, talent and potential that’s unlimited, a breath of fresh air for music and a promise to bring Hip Hop back to the frontlines of the music industry.
What advice would you give to young Black men and women who are grinding not just in music but in life, trying to push past generational barriers?
CallMeShotti: I advise black people to push through whatever barrier, overcome whatever obstacle, and to stand as one, together and not against each other. We are stronger as a unit! Surround yourselves with like minded people and set out on your mission and you should never fail as long as your heart is in it.
When people look back at your journey years from now, what do you want them to say about the grind it took to become CallMeShotti?
CallMeShotti: I want them to look back and say, “He never stopped”. Even when it felt like he was stagnant, he found the stairs and he kept climbing. Even when he saw people get special passes to the elevator and skyrocket past him, he saluted them and stuck to his own grind. He made a way for all his people, who proved the impossible to be possible. He laughed in the face of those who denied him and pushed past them. He did it the right way without crossing anyone while staying true to himself.
Connect with CallMeShotti:
Apple Music
Spotify
SoundCloud
Amazon Music
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube