When South Carolina’s genre-surfing rebel Caldwell linked up with St. Louis rap dynamo Sexyy Red for their new single “Beer & Baddies,” the result was a full-blown cultural collision. Fueled by 808s, southern swagger, and unapologetic raunch, “Beer & Baddies” smashes country charm into hip-hop heat with the finesse of a backroad burnout and the bravado of a club anthem. It’s loud, loose, and proudly unbothered — the kind of track that demands a red Solo cup in one hand and zero shame in the other. We sat down with Caldwell to talk about the wild journey behind the song, what it was like working with Sexyy Red, and how this party-starting anthem marks a turning point in his already unpredictable rise.

How did “Beer & Baddies” come together? What was it like working with Sexyy Red?

The song was originally just planned to be a solo record, but my manager, JQ, had the idea that Sexyy could come in and turn the record up, and obviously he was right. 

Sexyy was super cool and endearing. She showed up ready to work and was down to contribute any way she could. Some people involved tried to make the collab difficult and brought bad energy, but I think the record being dope as it was and Sexyy being genuine made it where it was impossible to ruin it. 

What makes “Beer & Baddies” special to you?

A lot of things make this record special. One, I was able to collaborate with an artist on top of their game and on top of the industry. The music video was special because I was able to be around so many cool people (the brothers of UofSC Beta and all the other extras) in my home state. It is also special because we were able to make it succeed in spite of a lot of negative factors, and I think it showed me my true team and their dedication to my project. 

You’ve worked with Fivio Foreign and now Sexyy Red. What do you look for in a collaboration?

I look for anyone who can come in and add to a song. Not just grabbing anyone for clout, but finding who makes the most sense and can creatively add depth to a record. 

Your music mixes country, hip-hop, and pop. Do you plan it that way, or does it happen naturally?

There’s not much planning involved, to be honest; the music just kind of happens. We have such a good creative team we make music with, and it took a while to find people who understood my vision and didn’t try putting a ceiling on what I can do or hold me back. Now that we have the right people, the music is effortless. I can’t wait for everyone to hear the new group of records I have. 

You’ve had two #1 singles. How has that changed things for you?

It’s opened a lot of doors and is a cool thing to say to someone at a bar. All jokes aside, I’m very proud that I have done something a lot of people can’t say they have done, and my kids can say their father is a number 1 artist. 

Your debut album is coming soon. What can fans expect?

It’s called ‘Carolina Lullaby’ and is an absolutely beautiful body of work. I had to keep a few older records I had, but 95% of the album is fully new stuff we have created in the past 5-6 months. It’s a whole new sound from me, and I think I am going to surprise a lot of people. 

You’ve mentioned Eminem, Bruno Mars, and Justin Bieber as influences. What have you learned from them?

The commitment to their artistry is inspiring and admirable. Never settling for just “good enough” and never letting the outside noise cloud what is in front of me. 

How has growing up in South Carolina shaped your music?

Great question. People think the South is just country music, and that’s not true. I grew up 2 hours from Atlanta and 2 hours from Charlotte. So, being between those two created a very eclectic melting pot of songs that people listened to. We would get down to some Hank Jr., but more often than not, it was Future, Lil Baby, DaBaby, OutKast, and plenty of others. 

What’s your favorite part of making music?

Creating something that belongs solely to me, and possibly creating something that invokes an emotion others can resonate with. Music has always been a big way in which I process and deal with mental health. Certain artists make you feel like you’re not alone, and I just hope I can do that for someone. 

Anything else you want people to know about “Beer & Baddies” or what’s coming next?

“Beer & Baddies” was fun, but this new music is timeless and undeniable. I cannot wait to share it.