Biography
Calid B. is a Chicago based triple threat: producer,emcee, and DJ, pioneering his own sound and movement, Afrobang. Inspired by Calid’s upbringing as a first generation African, Afrobang unites the African diaspora through music and curated experiences. Calid’s early Afrobang influences were rooted in family with his father being from the Ivory Coast and his mother being from East Orange, New Jersey. Calid was able to use his childhood experience to authentically shape Afrobang and explore the beauty and similarities in black American culture and African culture. Since its inception in 2016, AfroBang has since built a global community of supporters through several music releases, a weekly radio show, and merchandise that is shifting the culture.
Calid’s Afrobang sound fuses together contemporary hip hop production such as trap drums, synths, and 808s with the tribal percussions and rhythms from across the African diaspora. In addition to the music, Calid’s lyrical ability to effortlessly drop gems about African culture and provide positive affirmations, while also keeping you dancing and moving, easily sets him apart as a dynamic songwriter.
In the summer of 2016, Calid released his debut EP, also titled AfroBang, to much acclaim. The album soundtracked the summer with hits like “Gold” ft Sam Trump and Party Noire, and garnered press from the Chicago Tribune, HipHopDx, AllHipHop.com, TheseDays.news, and more.
Calid’s second album, AfroBang 2: The Son of Sogolon, dropped in August 2018, and has immediately gained praise for its message and production quality. Calid’s progression is evident with AfroBang 2, featuring standout records like “Mansa Musa,” “Free The Watoto,” and “All Night Long,” that all speak to unifying the culture. In a short time period, Calid has performed alongside the likes of Jidenna, Mr. Eazi, Afro B, and more.
When Calid steps outside the studio, you can also catch him working with some of the world's top brands on various marketing campaigns. As a creative director and strategist, Calid has applied his expertise in branding, social media, film and music for clients such as: Apple, Lululemon, McDonald’s, Miller Lite, Miller High Life, Simply Spiked, Coors Light, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Family Dollar, State Farm, Brita, Gimlet Media (The Nod, Civil Podcast), and Black Girl In Om.
Instructional Areas
Business of Music Applied Marketing for Music Business Digital Marketing Strategies Entrepreneurship
Creative Practice and Research Interests
Mental Health's Impact on Creativity Music and sport as a tool for community organizing.
Degrees
B.A., Ohio State University 2006