Cale' Brock | Faith, Friendship, and the Music Industry | Biv10 Records Part 3 | 169

### About the Guest **Cale' Brock,** known during his time with the East Coast Family as Cale', is a talented vocalist who was part of Michael Bivins' famed artist lineup in the early 1990s. Despite early promise and association with acts like Boyz II Men, his anticipated solo success with BIV10 records did not materialize as expected. Today, Cale' continues to pursue music, grounded by his faith and enriched by his experiences, while also serving as a minister and working in the restaurant industry. He emphasizes the importance of persistence, community, and spiritual guidance in navigating life's unexpected turns. ### Episode Summary In this episode of ***Becoming UnDone***, host Dr. Toby Brooks delves into the fascinating journey of Cale' Brock, a member of the early BIV10 family who witnessed firsthand the highs and lows of the music industry alongside major acts like Boyz II Men. Amid a backdrop of reflections from the COVID-19 pandemic and fandom for Marvel movies, Dr. Brooks unearths Cale’s story of artistic potential, interrupted dreams, and eventual redemption. In a candid conversation, Cale' shares how a childhood saturated in gospel music laid the foundation for his allure to R&B, further fueled by a pivotal connection with friend and entrepreneur Mark Ecko. As Cale' recounts, the path from hopeful teenager to an insider in Michael Bivins' music universe was met with both exhilaration and disappointment. Despite an invitation into the East Coast Family and recording opportunities, broader dynamics and industry challenges prevented the level of stardom he aspired to. Themes of resilience and faith permeate the discussion as Cale' reflects on his journey through depression and eventual career shifts, maintaining the perspective that "here I am, still standing." Today's narrative weaves together lessons on potential, faith, and redemption that are pertinent both to artists and broader audiences alike. ### Key Takeaways - **Resilience and Faith:** Cale' Brock emphasizes the role of faith and community in navigating the ups and downs of life. Despite setbacks in the music industry, his commitment to personal belief and the support from friends like Mark Ecko provided a foundation for resilience. - **Importance of Mentorship:** Multiple figures, including Michael Bivins and MC Serch, played pivotal roles in Cale's journey, illustrating the necessity of mentorship and guidance in nurturing artistic and personal growth. - **Reflections on Industry Challenges:** Cale’ shares insights on the competitive and sometimes unpredictable nature of the music industry, where even promising beginnings can result in unforeseen challenges. - **Personal Growth Through Setbacks:** His story underscores the idea that personal and professional failures often lead to unexpected growth and new opportunities, such as his ongoing work in ministry and continuous creation of new music. - **Enduring Power of Music:** The episode is a testament to the enduring and transformative power of music and creativity, regardless of immediate recognition or success. ### Notable Quotes - “Mind you, I already had fear of not meeting him before… Like I'm the biggest New Edition fan ever.” - "You have to be faithful to the gift. He gave you the vision. You just gotta be faithful enough to see it through." - "Here I am, I'm still standing. After all I've been through, I survived." - “If this meant for you, it will happen.” - “I just didn't want to go back to Jersey. I didn't want to see my parents’ face with disappointment.” ### Resources - BIV10 Records - East Coast Family - Michael Bivins - Cale' Brock: Social media and official sites (pending updates related to new music) Listeners are left with a wealth of wisdom from Cale' Brock's journey and are encouraged to explore this episode for more insights. Stay tuned for future episodes of "Becoming Undone" to uncover more stories of resilience, transformation, and personal evolution. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.