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Nice Kicks: You stated that there are a few sneakers that feel really good fresh out of the box in your song, Soles on the Street. Specifically, what sneakers are you referring to?
Calcei: I think the New Balance 998 is very comfortable right out of the box. The Pro-Keds 69er is also very comfortable. They have a lot of support in the midsole. I’m one of those that does not believe in keeping shoes in the box. I like to wear every shoe I have.
Nice Kicks: In your song Sneakerfiend, you touch on the topic of sneakers that really make people feign and do crazy things. Which sneakers have caused you to do the things you mentioned in the song? Have you ever did them personally or were just highlighting things you have witnessed?
Calcei: Like I said earlier, I don’t stand in line for shoes, so I hope to maybe find the rare ones on eBay or something. But, the sneakers that have made me feign are definitely all of the New Balance 1500s. Also, most of the 3s and 5s. The colette x New Balance 1500s definitely have me going right now especially since they only dropped in Europe. I’m trying not to do those crazy resell buys anymore because I am married now. But, I am really having a hard time not trying to get those.
Detroit rapper CalceiNice Kicks: Since you reside in the Detroit area, do you support Rick Williams and the Burn Rubber shop? What are your thoughts on their New Balance MT580 collaboration?
Calcei: I really like them a lot, but I’ve been really concentrating on the vintage game lately. But like I said, that’s a really great shoe, and he did a really good job with it. That shoe, along with the colette x New Balance 1500, have me going right now.
Nice Kicks: As we all know, we see a ton of Chucks on the west coast, and a lot of Foams on the east coast. What is the staple sneaker in the Detroit area? We asked Burn Rubber’s Rick Williams a similar question, so we want to know if you all are eye-to-eye on this view of the Detroit scene.
Calcei: Definitely Air Force 1s and of course Air Jordans. I see a lot of the younger cats wearing Blazers now, but I would definitely say Detroit and Air Force 1s are synonymous.
“My favorite is the New Balance 1500. I love the mesh and all of the other materials that make the shoe. Plus, it’s hard to get those. You can’t really find them in the US. You have to do the European thing to get some 1500s.”– Calcei |
Nice Kicks: Were you inspired by any Detroit artists growing up? Who had the biggest impact on your music locally?
Calcei: The one that influenced everybody is Dilla. I wouldn’t say he influenced my rhyming or anything like that because I was just trying to have fun and be me on this EP. But as far as influence, Dilla has definitely had the biggest impact on me. When that Fan-Tas-Tic (Vol. 1) album dropped in the summer of ’97, everybody had that album. It was just revolutionary. It was game changing. RIP J Dilla.
Nice Kicks: How has your reception been in Detroit since you dropped Laces In, Tongue Out?
Calcei: It’s funny because I get better reception out of state right now. I’ve had one one release show, and I’m just getting my name out here in Detroit. I’m working on getting shows out here.
Nice Kicks: So, what’s next for Calcei in terms of sneakers and music?
Calcei: I’m working on using my music for a sneaker documentary about sneakers in the Midwest. I’m working on trying to do some shows out of state as well. I know a DJ out in Cali. I’m just trying to build and keep it moving.
Click here to listen and download Calcei?s Laces In Tongue Out digital album for just $5!
