Philadelphia-based artist Scholito has always made music rooted in reality, but his latest release, “Ball Drop,” marks a clear shift in focus. The track, a collaboration with Freeway and produced by Tryfe, arrives with a tone of renewal. It reflects where Scholito has been and where he’s heading. For an artist whose work blends vivid lyricism with real-world perspective, this moment represents a turning point, not only sonically but personally.
Growing up in Philly’s inner city, Scholito’s perspective was shaped by firsthand experience with loss, hardship, and resilience. His mother raised him on her own, while his brother was sentenced to life at 15. That event left a lasting impact and gave him what he describes as a permanent “chip on his shoulder.” The pain and urgency of those years helped form the foundation of his music. While his sound evolved over time, merging the hunger of his early work with aspirations of lifestyle and luxury, his storytelling remained constant.
Scholito began rapping in high school, but things took a serious turn when NBA star Allen Iverson offered him a deal in his senior year. That moment, combined with the later milestone of hearing his music on the radio, pushed him to see music as a real career path. While many artists enter the industry hoping for quick success, Scholito’s path has been marked by slow, steady development built through experience, reflection, and the work of staying independent.
With “Ball Drop,” he wanted to create something that matched the energy of a fresh start. Coming out of the instability of the pandemic years, he felt the time was right for a record that spoke to possibility and forward motion. The collaboration with Freeway wasn’t about chasing a co-sign; it was a product of long-standing trust and mentorship. And the video, which features Scholito’s brother Dell, who was recently released after serving 25 years, adds an emotional layer to the work that ties back to the beginning of his story.
Now partnered with 4th Quarter Ent., Scholito continues to lead his company, Free World, with a focus on control and consistency. The new team structure gives him room to scale without sacrificing his identity. Scholito is also currently developing a TV series titled They Call Me Saint, with his partner Saint. He’ll be co-writing and acting in the series with filming beginning this fall.
Scholto has a lot in store to say the least, a full-length project and line up of new performance dates, including more shows with Freeway. For Scholito, this is less about arrival and more about alignment, a moment where the music, the mission, and the team finally feel like they’re moving in sync.
Watch the music video for “Ball Drop” below:
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