Last summer, WTMD's Baltimore Unsigned challenged Americana singer-songwriter Caleb Stine and hip-hop artist Saleem to write four songs in six weeks. The unlikely collaboration yielded an incredible friendship and a solid full-length album, Outgrown These Walls. (Read the City Paper review.)
When Caleb and Saleem debuted "Baltimore" at a live taping at the 8 x 10 in July 2008, it was a revelation. Saleem's complex portrait of the city with Caleb's simple refrain, "I've got a dollar in my pocket and it's only Wednesday," moved more than a few people to shed a tear.
Saleem recently visited a Baltimore City elementary school to discuss his life as a musician. The kids had studied the song before the visit, and when they pick up the refrain, it's a celebration--and a testament to the power of music.
"Baltimore," Live at the 8 x 10
"Baltimore," Live at Cherry Hill Elementary
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