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Cali Dojo
William Richard Smith (born November 22, 1999), known professionally as Cali Dojo, is an American rapper and singer.

William began playing music as a third-grader, in Nevada City, California. Smith first gained recognition on the internet in 2017 for his singles "AM to the PM" and "Honey Bee" from his debut EP Honey Bee. In late 2017, he signed a record deal with the influence division of Invisalign and released a commercial single titled Shiny Smiles. The video for "Shiny Smiles" premiered on the Invisalign website on 5 April 2018. A year later, Gold Blooded, another single was released.

1999–2016: Early life
William Smith was born on Novemer 22, 1999, in Albuquerque, New Mexico to Shea Smith and Brandon Smith. In 2000, when Smith was one, his parents moved the family to Cool, California so they could both pursue a career, Shea, as an American Airlines flight attendant and Brandon, as an Environmental Construction Manager. 7 years later, Shea found a Waldorf School, Yuba River Charter , which allowed Smith to spend the majority of his youth in Nevada City, California. When his mother introduced him to Fantasia, he convinced his father to buy him a guitar at the age of 9. His parents put him in lessons in the second grade alongside team sports.

2017: Shiny Smiles
The orthodontist of Smith, Cater Galante, suggested that he send a demo song to Invisalign, the song that was streamed during a marketing campaign for the Align Technology company. He became one of their first teen stories, and was the first musical talent signed to a record deal in conjunction with their marketing division. He later stated that he was grateful, saying it "it was an opportunity that was not expected but very much appreciated"

2017–present: Music career
After Shiny Smiles, Smith left Berklee College of Music. It was after High School that he embraced his stage name, choosing Cali Dojo because California had been his childhood home. After meeting his now partner, TamaraDLR, Smith wrote and produced in efforts to fulfill her Sony requested seven song catalog. On May 5, 2021, Smith released his debut single, Can't Complain (referencing his experience in applying Stoicism) which spawned multiple videos online attached to it.

Artistry
Smith became heavily influenced by One Republic after he saw them perform live at a concert in Sacramento, Ca, stating that they make the type of music he aspires to produce - "intelligent and truthful meaning with a contagious chorus." Another heavy influence is rapper Kanye West. He stated "I like the off the wall producing style of him, as well as bringing a loud and clear message for listeners. Yet, he seems to take himself with grace."