July 2022, Los Angeles, California. Brandon Demetrius Underwood, known as Dimtri or Cali_Bombay, is a recording artist and business owner with roots in southern Illinois, Chicago and the St. Louis area, now based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Dedicated to his craft from the start, he keeps a steady flow of new content and has plenty in the works.
Debut album and new store
Cali_Bombay announced that his debut album, The 6, would be released on 30 July. Ahead of the launch, he opened an online store, thehoodcornerstore.com, and says pre-sales of his merchandise passed 7,000 before the album’s release.
“Creatively, I’m working on music, directing my own music videos and recording other artists,” he says. “I’m building a solid team to keep me grounded.”
What drives him
Authentic, visionary and prolific, Cali_Bombay is motivated by the desire to prove himself. “I’m willing to sacrifice short-term pleasure for bigger gains later, and I hold myself accountable for reaching my goals,” he explains. He performs regularly to showcase his latest music.
Where are you from?
“I moved a lot growing up. I was born in southern Illinois, and my family lives in Chicago and St. Louis.”
How have you overcome your struggles?
“Learning that pain is temporary. Follow through with your plan, even if not everyone understands your vision. At the end of the day, take care of your family and carry on the tradition.”
Who influenced you most?
“My parents, DMX, Malcolm X, Michael Jackson, Nas, Steve Jobs and Warren Buffett.”
Turning adversity into motivation
Cali_Bombay has faced serious challenges, including addiction, the end of a seven-year relationship, losing close friends and family members, going broke and losing a business. He has also watched his parents struggle and seen friends lose their lives on the streets. Those experiences have shaped his determination.
His advice to others: “Learn to master your emotions first and train your mind to think for yourself. Never feel bad about leaving toxic, unsupportive people in the past.”
Follow Cali_Bombay
- Instagram: @CALI_BOMBAY
- Feature by @Focuseddd_
