CALEB
GILES
Caleb Giles is a 23 year year old rapper and producer from the Bronx, heavily influenced by jazz and soul alike. Giles takes music as seriously as his faith as they are his constants in life. Giles has a positive mindset as he found it necessary to get through the pandemic. He arrived at a beautiful conclusion which is that “joy is a birthright”. Giles also plays saxophone for Standing on the Corner, and he’s been a contributor on both an Earl Sweatshirt and Solange record.
Under the shade is Caleb Giles’ third album and is heavily influenced by the [slUMs] lo-ny sound. Reminiscent of Earl, Mavi, and MIKE, Giles raps lyrically and over percolating beats that complement his rapping style. The album is about being a burdened, black man in New York City, primarily discussing his issue with poverty.
This song is a somber and sad listen. Caleb talks about his issues with poverty here pretty obviously. A hooptie is an old and dilapidated car which contributes to the theme of not having much. However, Caleb maintains subtle gratefulness, understanding that you have to work with what you have.
“Damn, I wish I had a hundred dollars
I wish it all made sense
I wish we wasn't pushing in a hooptie
But Johnny's car got us far, I admit
”
The theme of poverty continues with Caleb talking about his difficulties with employment and rap. Stuck in between a dream, rapping, and reality, a job, Caleb is in the middle. However, he also understands the potential rap has to offer him because his dream would be a reality and he would have money if he gains commercial success.
"
I wish that I could hold a fucking job down
I wish my bars had sense
I wish a dream didn't cost a dollar
But is a dream still a dream if you rich
"