The 14-track album combines Pee Wee's silky-smooth vocals with the R&B/Hip-Hop grooves of veteran-producer Todd Collins (dc Talk, The Katinas, Out of Eden) and is a "melting pot" of old school R&B and up-to-the-minute sounds. The street vibe and credibility of the project are further enhanced by the contributions of celebrated emcees Rob Hodge, Big Sonny, and Bobby Bishop.
"The songs on this album are like a collection of short stories," says Pee Wee. "My approach to writing was to give the characters in the stories something to look forward to. The main ideas are hope, love, joy, and a better life. The conclusion is that these things can be obtained through Jesus Christ."
Although primarily R&B in nature, Street Soul blends smart infusions of hip-hop, pop, soul, rock and gospel, as well as taking the listener on sunny excursions to the land of 1970s radio. The album speaks about the love God has for His children, and they for Him in songs like the rolling guitar Earth Wind and Fire/Marvin Gaye-vibed "I Choose Love." The CD also addresses issues relating to the importance of men living up to the role set for them in songs such as the catchy "Party," the impactful "Better Life" and the soulful "Can Somebody." Pee Wee's songs touch on subjects such as fatherless children, abandoned women and weak spiritual leadership in the home and church, and encourages healing for all. The album focuses on the way that God sees all of us through our struggles every day.
"Most of my career, I sang traditional black gospel," Callins explains. "But I felt the urge to broaden my singing experiences and received confirmations from the Lord that He was going to fulfill all the promises He made to me. And while fulfilling those promises, He said He would use me to further the Gospel by saving, restoring, delivering, and healing souls." Let the church say amen!
Pee Wee's love for music began early in life; as a three-year-old he played drums in his grandfather's church. He later took up the keyboard, and became a minister of music at 12 years of age. By 1988, he started touring locally with his aunts as Pee Wee and The Heavenly Voices. In 1994, he recorded an album, called The Family That Prays Together Stays Together, with sixty of his family members. His musical success has enabled him to share the stage with such acclaimed artists as Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Shirley Caesar and more.
One more thing ... You're probably wondering why he's called Pee Wee. Like Kurt Carr and Kirk Franklin, Callins is not a tall man. But as we all know, "good things often come in small packages." This musical minister may not be Michael Jordan-tall, but his voice is strong and his heart is big, and Street Soul is definitely a well-done R&B album that anyone and everyone could enjoy.
