Cal Scruby

Born in 1989, Cincinnati-based rapper Cal Scruby spent his formative years in a modest Ohio community, where an affinity for hip-hop developed at a measured pace. Following studies at Ohio State University, he launched his own recordings in 2011, refining an approach built on incisive freestyle technique and tracks that often explored pop-culture references alongside campus life. His debut single, “Best Foot Forward,” was recorded by Scruby himself inside an OSU library; afterward he uploaded a run of a cappella freestyle clips under the heading “Scruby Snacks.” Riveting Entertainment signed him in 2014, and the following year the label issued his first full-length project, House in the Hills. Lead single “Ain’t Shit Change” included a guest appearance by Chris Brown and quickly drew extensive international notice. Scruby spent the subsequent two years on the road before returning in 2017 with the Long Story Short EP.