R&B/Rap artist, Eric “GuttaIzReal” Calender II

Vinyl with the Verse- GuttaIzReal comes from the CLASSICS.

A “water like” flow, a pinch of grime, and a whole lot of REAL. Perfect recipe for the perfect rap verse. A classic sound. Dish that on a pair of headphones…and that’s GuttaIzReal. The north St. Louis artist gives us a taste of “throwback hip hop”. Come for a serving…leave with a VIBE.

“My dad was a DJ. So, growing up, I was always around vinyl…digging in the crates.” Eric Calender II aka “GuttaIzReal”,33, was born and raised in a family of true “music heads”. “Even my grandparents were always playing those oldies but goodies.”, he says. This environment cultivated a passion for music. Not just any music, but music with DEFINITION and DEPTH.

The Baden area native grew up listening to and watching what he calls “the greats” in hip hop. “It was Tupac, Biggie, Nas, and Eminem.”, says the Hazelwood East alumnus. “As far as new school, definitely Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole.” He is also inspired by local popular artists Bo Dean, T-Dubb-O, and LouTribe Jigg. Calender says he’s impacted from a variety of music genres and legends; “…from Prince and MJ to Linkin Park.”

Under his label, 5th Element Entertainment, GuttaIzReal released his first single, “Poetry” on streaming platforms in December 2022. “I wrote that right after I came home from the joint.”, he reflects. He followed up with singles “Callin’ Me” and “Poetry (Remix)”, featuring artists Ronald Bell and Nick2Cole. Gutta also released a remastered version of “Poetry.” His latest single, “Better Route” was released in November 2023, and he is currently working on his debut EP, “Enigmatic.”

Gutta describes his style as “a melting pot”. “I’m versatile and one of those artists, that when they drop…you don’t know what you’re gonna get. Like a jack-in-a-box.”, he says. “You just know it’s gonna be dope whatever it is.” GuttaIzReal’s goal is to continue growing as an artist and promoting unity in the industry. “I see the whole midwest coming together. Just like the south, east coast, and west coast.” While pursuing his artistic agenda and remaining genuine in his truth, style and delivery; Gutta may be as REAL as it gets.

“Stick to what’s true to you. Stay in your lane.” -GuttaIzReal

IG: @guttaizreal