With a hint of hip-hop style, an African-American country singer, songwriter, guitarist, and nursing major pushes to make a name for himself in the country music empire.

Bakersfield College’s Emijah Calvin (Cowboy Calvin), 33, has already set a name for himself at the Bull Shed Bar & Grill, but he but plans to soar much farther in hopes of becoming the next Bakersfield legend.

“Country music is who I am and what I do,” Calvin said. “It tells about my personality, about my heart, and how I feel about love.”

Breaking into the underground country music scene in 2011 as former Silent Giant Entertainment Artist, Calvin has now chosen to become a self-managed and self-promoted artist, until he can get picked up by a major label that will properly promote him.

With new demos coming out soon and his YouTube video’s available, Calvin is trying to put himself in the local and potentially national spotlight.

Georgia born, Calvin grew up on country music. Living on a farm with his uncle, he experienced the country life first hand. From the day-to-day struggles, to the good old county fun, Calvin says that he is as country as they come.

“In the (country music) stories, the stories were stories that I can relate to,” said Calvin, who said he has been on a farm and worked in construction.

“Ninety-nine percent of my lyrics were about something that I lived,” Calvin said. “If I write a song, it’s about something that I experienced in one way, shape, or form. Either directly, or indirectly. Something that I did to somebody or that somebody did to me.”

Making a promotional video on YouTube, Calvin talks about who he is and why he thinks his music is unique. He wants to show his fans and potential fans where he fits into the country music scene and what he has to offer. He explains why someone with money should invest in him, and why country music fans should listen to his music.

“I want people to see why I am different from Eric Church, Luke Bryan, or Blake Shelton,” Calvin said.

When on stage, Calvin interacts with his audience. He dances on stage, helping them get into the groove. Occasionally, he will invite someone onstage to sing and dance with him.

Crystal Montgomery, 23, who has been to many of his performances, said that he has always been an amazing artist.

“He is very talented,” Montgomery said. “He has always impressed me with each and every performance.”

To learn more about Cowboy Calvin’s music, visit his website: http://www.cowboycalvin.com/