Kevin McCall
Kevin Lamar McCall Jr. (born July 25, 1985) is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer from Los Angeles, California, best known for his collaborations with Chris Brown on chart-topping R&B tracks such as "Deuces" (featuring Tyga), which reached number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 2010, and "No BS" (featuring McCall), which peaked at number three on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in 2011.[1][2] McCall's breakthrough came in the late 2000s through his songwriting and production work, earning a Grammy Award nomination in 2011 for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Deuces," shared with Brown and Tyga.[3][4] He also contributed to Brown's 2012 album Fortune with the single "Strip," which peaked at number three on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[5] Beyond these partnerships, McCall has released independent mixtapes and singles, including "Sheets" and "Risk It All," establishing himself as a versatile artist in the R&B and hip-hop scenes.[6] In his personal life, McCall dated model and actress Eva Marcille from 2013 to 2015, with whom he shares a daughter, Marley Rae, born in 2014; their relationship ended amid public disputes over custody and allegations of domestic abuse, which McCall has denied.[7] More recently, McCall has spoken openly about financial hardships, including reliance on government assistance and ongoing royalty disputes with Brown's team, claiming over $3 million in unpaid earnings from his contributions to hits like "Deuces."[8] Despite these challenges, he continues to produce music and engage with fans through social media and podcasts as of 2025.[8]Early years
Family background
Kevin McCall was born Kevin Lamar McCall Jr. on July 25, 1985, in Watts, Los Angeles, California.[9][10] He is the son of Linda McCall, a church singer, and Kevin Lamar McCall Sr., a college football player who ran back for the University of Oregon.[11][12] McCall's family maintained a modest socioeconomic status, rooted in working-class professions centered around music and athletics, with his parents emphasizing discipline and talent development in their children.[11] McCall has three sisters, including Krystal and Tiffany, and grew up in a close-knit household where his mother played a central role in his upbringing.[13] Extended family members, including relatives who performed at gatherings and shared musical traditions, further shaped his initial exposure to music alongside the athletic legacy of his father's side, known for football achievements.[13][11] This familial environment in Los Angeles provided a foundation blending creative and competitive influences.Upbringing and influences
Kevin McCall was born on July 25, 1985, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in the Watts neighborhood of South Central Los Angeles, which shaped his early worldview amid urban hardships.[14][11] From a young age, McCall navigated the challenges of poverty, gang culture, and survival in "the hood," where daily life involved risks such as potential robberies and emotional turmoil within his family. At age 6, he experienced a significant trauma when his mother physically disciplined him harshly after he climbed out a window, an incident that highlighted the tense home environment and his role as an emotional outlet for his parents' strained relationship. These experiences in Watts, known for its socioeconomic struggles, instilled a resilience that influenced his perspective on perseverance and community dynamics.[15] McCall attended high school in Carson, California, and later Washington State University on a football scholarship, where he majored in social sciences and minored in music, balancing athletic expectations with his growing interest in performance.[11] McCall's initial musical sparks came from family gatherings and church, where he first sang in the choir as a child, encouraged by a tradition of performance among relatives. His early inspirations drew from R&B groups like Boyz II Men and Jodeci, whose harmonies and emotional depth captivated him during his pre-teen years, alongside admiration for artists like Tyrese who rose from similar backgrounds. Local hip-hop scenes in South Central also played a role in broadening his sound, blending with church-rooted gospel elements to foster his multifaceted approach to music.[11][14]Music career
Early beginnings
Kevin McCall transitioned to formal music pursuits in his early twenties, following his college graduation in 2007, when he returned to his hometown of Watts in Los Angeles and began self-teaching piano while honing production skills through online resources and local connections.[11] Growing up in the gritty environment of South Los Angeles, including areas near Compton, profoundly influenced his raw, street-infused sound, drawing from church choir experiences and family performances that sparked his passion for music from a young age.[11] He started by posting original tracks on MySpace and networking with producers and church musicians, gradually building a portfolio that included beats for local artists.[14] In the late 2000s, McCall immersed himself in Los Angeles' independent music scene, performing at jook joints and acoustic clubs to gain exposure and refine his multifaceted talents as a singer, rapper, and producer.[14] This grassroots hustle allowed him to saturate social media with his work, creating initial buzz among regional audiences and leading to early production credits, such as contributing to several tracks on mixtapes circulating in the R&B and hip-hop underground.[2] His efforts emphasized self-reliance, as he independently crafted demos and sought opportunities without major label backing at the outset. McCall released his debut mixtape, Un-Invited Guest, in February 2011, hosted by DJ Ill Will and DJ Drama, marking his first major solo project and showcasing his versatility across R&B and rap.[16] The mixtape highlighted his production prowess and vocal style, built from years of independent grinding in Los Angeles, where he opened doors through persistent networking and live shows that captivated local crowds.[11] This release solidified his presence in the city's vibrant scene, paving the way for broader recognition while he continued to navigate the challenges of pre-label independence.Breakthrough collaborations
McCall's collaborations with Chris Brown marked a pivotal turning point in his career, beginning in 2010 and propelling him into the mainstream R&B scene. Their partnership started with the track "Deuces," a breakup anthem from Brown's mixtape Fan of a Fan (The Album), which featured McCall alongside rapper Tyga. McCall not only provided featured vocals but also handled production duties, contributing to the song's raw energy and commercial success; it peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[17][18] The duo's momentum continued into 2011 with McCall featuring on "No BS," from Brown's album F.A.M.E., which reached number one on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. McCall also co-wrote "Yeah 3x," the lead single from F.A.M.E. This upbeat electro-pop track, produced by DJ Frank E and Calvin Harris, showcased McCall's songwriting versatility in crafting infectious hooks that aligned with Brown's evolving sound. It reached number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, helping F.A.M.E. debut at number one on the Billboard 200 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.[19][20] Later that year, McCall co-wrote and appeared on "Strip" from Brown's Fortune album, delivering sultry vocals that complemented the song's seductive vibe, produced by Tha Bizness. The single climbed to number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, further solidifying McCall's reputation as a key creative force behind Brown's hits.[21] These joint efforts, including additional contributions to the Fan of a Fan mixtape with Tyga, significantly boosted McCall's visibility, introducing his talents to a broader audience and establishing him as an in-demand songwriter and performer in the industry.[22]Solo releases
McCall launched his solo career with the debut mixtape Un-Invited Guest in February 2011, a self-released project hosted by DJ Ill Will and DJ Drama that featured high-profile guests including Chris Brown, Tyga, Gucci Mane, and The Game, blending R&B melodies with hip-hop influences to explore themes of romance, ambition, and street life.[16] Later that year, he released The Eargazm in July 2011, a 12-track effort where he handled much of the production alongside collaborators like Tha Bizness and D Mile, emphasizing sensual and intimate narratives through songs that highlighted his dual role as vocalist and beatsmith.[23] Following his brief stint with RCA Records, which ended amid creative differences, McCall returned to independent releases with the mixtape Definition in February 2013, delving deeper into personal reflections on relationships and self-identity while maintaining a raw, unpolished sound reflective of his street-rooted upbringing. This period marked a shift toward more introspective content, as seen in the Sextape EP released in June 2013, a concise four-track project centered on erotic and emotional vulnerability in modern romance. By April 2014, A.D.H.D. arrived as another mixtape, capturing the chaos of fleeting connections and urban hustle through energetic tracks that showcased his evolving production style. In 2015, McCall issued Sincerely, Kevin (Page 1), an eight-song EP that served as a heartfelt letter to fans, focusing on themes of love, regret, and resilience amid personal turmoil, distributed freely to maintain direct engagement with his audience.[24] The same year, In My Zone 3: The Lost Files expanded on this with previously unreleased material, incorporating features like Sevyn Streeter and Chris Brown to blend nostalgic vibes with contemporary R&B, underscoring his persistence despite label setbacks.[25] After a quieter phase influenced by legal challenges and industry hurdles in the late 2010s, McCall embraced digital platforms for greater autonomy, reviving his signature sound with The Eargasm (mixtape) in 2024, a 15-track collection that fused sultry hooks and introspective lyrics to revisit relational dynamics and personal growth.[26] This momentum carried into 2025, with a prolific run of independent drops including The Eargasm 2.0 in January, Eargasm III in February, ADHD Mixtape Reloaded, Definition, and Sincerely, Kevin, all self-released via streaming services to reflect his artistic maturation and adaptation to a fan-driven ecosystem.[27] These efforts built on the visibility gained from his early collaborations with Chris Brown, allowing McCall to carve a niche as a multifaceted R&B artist prioritizing authenticity over commercial constraints.Production contributions
Kevin McCall established himself as a producer and songwriter through his collaborations with major R&B artists in the early 2010s. His most notable early contribution came on the 2010 mixtape Fan of a Fan by Chris Brown and Tyga, where he co-wrote and co-produced the track "Deuces," which became a commercial success, peaking at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.[28][29] McCall continued his work with Chris Brown on the 2012 album Fortune, providing songwriting credits for "Strip" and serving as co-producer on "2012." These contributions helped shape the album's sound, blending R&B with pop and electronic elements, as Brown himself noted McCall's heavy involvement in the project's development.[30][31] Beyond Brown, McCall penned songs for other prominent artists, including "Roll Up" for Wiz Khalifa's 2011 album Rolling Papers, which reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100. His songwriting emphasized catchy hooks and rhythmic flows suited to contemporary R&B and hip-hop.[28] In the years following 2015, McCall shifted focus toward independent projects, producing beats and providing minor, often uncredited contributions to emerging R&B acts, though specific credits remain limited in public records up to 2023. He occasionally self-produced tracks for his solo releases, leveraging software tools to craft personalized instrumentation.[29]Discography
Studio albums
Kevin McCall's studio albums primarily explore themes of romance, personal introspection, and sensuality within contemporary R&B and hip-hop frameworks, often self-released through independent channels like Kingdom Music Entertainment and distributed via platforms such as UnitedMasters. His discography in this category began in the late 2010s, marking a shift from earlier mixtapes toward more structured full-length projects. Sincerely, Kevin was released on July 25, 2018, as McCall's debut studio album, comprising 16 tracks that delve into emotional vulnerability and romantic entanglements. Self-released under Kingdom Music Entertainment, the album features introspective cuts like "One Heart," which opens with a plea for genuine connection, and "S.O.S (Talking to Myself)," addressing self-doubt in relationships. Other highlights include "Love Police," blending smooth melodies with lyrical commentary on possessive love, and "Art of Seduction," emphasizing seductive narratives. The project received limited mainstream attention but showcased McCall's production skills, with him handling much of the instrumentation and writing.[32][33] In 2025, McCall issued two installments in his Eargasm series as studio albums, continuing his evolution toward concise, freestyle-infused R&B explorations of desire and resilience. The Eargasm 2.0, released on January 21, 2025, contains 9 tracks and focuses on intimate and hedonistic themes through a mix of original compositions and freestyles. Notable selections include "Latex," a sultry opener evoking physical passion, and "Perfume Freestyle" featuring 12 Til Dee, which layers nostalgic romance over trap-influenced beats. Tracks like "Strug Out Freestyle" and "Plan B Freestyle" highlight lyrical agility on topics of emotional turmoil and fleeting encounters, produced primarily by McCall himself.[34][35] Following shortly after, Eargasm III arrived on February 18, 2025, with 11 tracks that expand on the series' sensual core while incorporating motivational undertones. Self-released via UnitedMasters, it emphasizes empowerment amid relational challenges, as seen in freestyles addressing perseverance and self-worth. Key highlights feature extended intros and beats that blend R&B hooks with hip-hop flows, reflecting McCall's ongoing emphasis on auditory immersion and personal growth. The album builds directly on its predecessors, maintaining a runtime under 30 minutes for focused listening.[36][37]EPs and mixtapes
Kevin McCall has frequently employed extended plays (EPs) and mixtapes as non-commercial vehicles to experiment with his R&B and hip-hop sound, distribute music freely on digital platforms, and cultivate a dedicated following outside traditional album cycles. These releases often feature self-production, intimate themes, and collaborations that highlight his versatility as a singer, rapper, and songwriter. Early in his career, mixtapes served as essential tools for generating industry buzz following his breakthrough features on major tracks. His debut mixtape, Un-Invited Guest, arrived in February 2011, hosted by DJ Ill Will and DJ Drama, and was made available as a free download on platforms including SoundCloud. The 18-track project showcased McCall's emerging style through guest appearances by prominent artists such as Chris Brown on "Touch You," Tyga, Gucci Mane, The Game, Ludacris, Swizz Beatz, Omarion, and Rock City, blending smooth R&B hooks with hip-hop energy to attract over 100,000 streams and downloads in its initial months.[16][38] That same year, McCall followed with The Eargazm, a 12-track mixtape of predominantly original songs emphasizing his production prowess and lyrical introspection on relationships and ambition. Released for free via independent R&B outlets, it positioned him as a self-sufficient artist capable of crafting polished tracks without major label backing.[39] In February 2013, Definition emerged as a 13-song mixtape distributed freely on digital platforms, featuring Tank on the sultry "High" and heavy self-production by McCall. The release explored themes of confidence and sensuality, garnering attention for its cohesive sound and contributing to McCall's growing online presence with thousands of downloads reported on mixtape aggregators.[40][41] The Sextape EP, a concise five-track effort released in summer 2013, delved into explicit romantic and physical intimacy, serving as a promotional companion to his mixtape output. Available initially on free streaming sites, it underscored McCall's focus on bedroom anthems and achieved modest streaming traction on platforms like SoundCloud.[40] By 2015, McCall issued Sincerely, Kevin (Page 1), an eight-track EP framed as a promotional R&B mixtape, with songs centered on vulnerability, love, and personal growth. Distributed freely to maintain fan engagement, it highlighted his songwriting depth and was shared widely on social media and audio platforms.[24] Subsequent projects like the A.D.H.D. mixtape in 2014, which experimented with high-energy bangers and ADHD-inspired chaotic flows, and the ongoing Eargasm series—including Eargasm III in 2025—continued this tradition of free or low-barrier releases on Spotify and SoundCloud, often featuring sparse guest spots to prioritize McCall's solo vision. These efforts, while not charting commercially, sustained his cult following through thematic consistency in romance and self-expression.[42][43]Lead Artist Singles
Kevin McCall's debut single as a lead artist, "Naked" featuring Big Sean, was released on May 4, 2012, by RCA Records. The track received limited commercial success, barely entering the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. More recently, McCall has issued several independent singles, including "Risk It All" in 2025, which has garnered attention through streaming platforms but has not charted on major Billboard lists. Other 2025 releases like "Have You Ever" and "Sheets" continue his focus on R&B themes without notable certifications or peaks.[44]Featured Artist Singles
McCall gained prominence through features on Chris Brown's tracks. "Deuces" by Chris Brown featuring Tyga and Kevin McCall, released in 2010 by Jive Records, peaked at number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[45] "No BS" by Chris Brown featuring Kevin McCall, released in 2011 by Jive Records from the album F.A.M.E., peaked at number 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[1] "Strip" by Chris Brown featuring Kevin McCall, released in 2011 by RCA Records from the album Fortune, reached number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, marking one of McCall's highest-charting appearances.[46] No post-2020 featured singles with significant chart performance have been released.[27]| Single | Year | Lead/Featured | Peak Chart Position | Label |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deuces (Chris Brown feat. Tyga & Kevin McCall) | 2010 | Featured | #14 (Hot 100), #1 (R&B/Hip-Hop) | Jive Records |
| No BS (Chris Brown feat. Kevin McCall) | 2011 | Featured | #20 (Hot 100), #1 (R&B/Hip-Hop) | Jive Records |
| Strip (Chris Brown feat. Kevin McCall) | 2011 | Featured | #37 (Hot 100), #3 (R&B/Hip-Hop) | RCA Records |
| Naked (feat. Big Sean) | 2012 | Lead | Low entry (R&B/Hip-Hop) | RCA Records |
| Risk It All | 2025 | Lead | Uncharted | Independent |
Personal life
Relationships
Kevin McCall's most notable romantic relationship was with model and actress Eva Marcille, which began in 2013 and ended in 2015.[7] The couple, often seen together at public events in Los Angeles and Atlanta, represented a high-profile pairing in entertainment circles during their time together.[47] Following the breakup, McCall's dating history has remained largely private, with no confirmed long-term relationships reported. Brief rumors linked him to other figures in the music and entertainment industry, but these were unverified and short-lived. His post-2015 personal life has emphasized discretion amid ongoing public scrutiny from his career and past associations.[48] McCall's music frequently incorporates themes of romance and heartbreak, drawing from his experiences in relationships, including tracks like "Break Up (Freestyle)" that reflect emotional turmoil from breakups.[49] In interviews as recent as 2024, he has reflected on how personal entanglements influenced his songwriting, channeling vulnerability into R&B-infused narratives of love and loss.[50] By 2025, McCall has maintained a low profile regarding new romantic involvements, prioritizing privacy after years of media attention on his earlier partnerships.Family
McCall is the father of two daughters. His elder daughter, Jenesis, was born from a previous relationship around 2012. His younger daughter, Marley Rae, was born on January 31, 2014, with former partner Eva Marcille.[51][52] Following his split from Marcille, McCall has navigated challenging co-parenting arrangements for Marley, expressing a strong desire to remain actively involved despite periods of limited access. He has similarly maintained an intermittent but affectionate bond with Jenesis, often highlighting their connection in his personal reflections. In a June 2025 interview during BET Awards weekend, McCall described fatherhood as his "greatest accomplishment," crediting his daughters with providing purpose amid personal struggles, and noted that separation from them affects his daily motivation and creative output.[53][54] In an October 2025 interview, he further opened up about ongoing co-parenting difficulties and how financial challenges have impacted his role as a father, while reaffirming his commitment to his daughters.[55] McCall's parenting philosophy is deeply influenced by his own absent father, whose emotional unavailability left him feeling misunderstood as a sensitive child. He has recounted splitting his youth between attempting to prove his toughness to his father and serving as an emotional outlet for his mother's frustrations with the absent parent. This background has driven McCall to prioritize presence and empathy in his role as a father, aiming to break the cycle by fostering strong, supportive relationships with his daughters.[56][15]Legal and public controversies
Domestic incidents
In March 2014, Kevin McCall was involved in a domestic dispute with his then-girlfriend Eva Marcille, during which he allegedly became violent while she held their infant daughter, chased her through their home, knocked down doors, and threatened physical harm.[57] Marcille filed for and was granted a temporary restraining order on March 28, 2014, requiring McCall to maintain a distance of at least 100 feet from her and their child; the order contributed to Marcille receiving full custody of their daughter, Marley Rae, later that year and negatively affected McCall's professional opportunities amid public scrutiny.[57][58] The couple's relationship ended in 2015 following continued allegations of abuse from Marcille, though no formal charges were filed at that time.[59] On April 15, 2019, McCall was arrested in Los Angeles County on a felony charge of injuring a spouse or cohabitant stemming from an alleged assault on another partner, in which he reportedly punched her in the head while she drove on the 405 freeway.[60][61] He was released on $75,000 bond and faced up to four years in prison if convicted.[60] In September 2022, McCall was officially charged with the 2019 domestic violence offense after missing a court date.[62] The criminal case concluded in 2023 with a sentence of 90 days in county jail, five years of probation, and a suspended five-year state prison term.[63] Concurrently, the victim won a civil lawsuit against him by default, resulting in a $1.49 million judgment for damages related to the assault.[63] These outcomes further strained McCall's career, exacerbating financial difficulties and limiting industry collaborations.[64]Financial disputes
In October 2025, Kevin McCall publicly disclosed his severe financial difficulties during an emotional interview on the podcast Back On Figg, revealing that he relies on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to purchase groceries amid a significant career downturn.[65] McCall broke down in tears while explaining how his past songwriting credits, particularly from breakthrough 2011 collaborations, no longer provide sufficient income to cover basic expenses.[66] Central to McCall's hardships is an ongoing feud with Chris Brown over unpaid royalties totaling approximately $25,000 from their joint work on tracks like "Deuces" and three others produced around 2011.[67] McCall has repeatedly claimed on social media that Brown has withheld these earnings despite their contributions to successful albums, leading to heated public exchanges where Brown responded sarcastically via Instagram Stories, posting lyrics from "Deuces" to mock the situation.[68] These disputes escalated in late October 2025, with McCall reiterating his demands and rejecting any charitable aid, insisting the payment is rightfully owed.[69] Amid the controversy, rapper Young Thug publicly offered to pay McCall the $25,000 on Brown's behalf on October 21, 2025, reaching out directly to provide financial relief following the EBT revelation, but withdrew the offer on October 23, 2025.[70][71] McCall had expressed gratitude but emphasized his preference for resolution from Brown over external help.[72] The feud further spilled into an online exchange with singer Mario, who commented critically on Brown's Instagram post about the royalties issue, prompting McCall to clap back in the thread and accuse Mario of siding against him.[73] As of late 2025, McCall's net worth is estimated at $50,000, reflecting the toll of these unresolved financial conflicts and broader industry challenges on his once-promising career.[10]Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee / Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Grammy Awards | Best Rap/Sung Collaboration | "Deuces" (Chris Brown featuring Tyga & Kevin McCall) | Nominated[3] |