Caleborate's "4 Willem" is kind of like anthem for broken people with prollums that seem insurmountable. The song is still lined with slivers of hope, however, and the 24-year-old rapper brought a new wave and new sound to St. Pete for a set where we were reminded that, "They don't run the world, you do." In the spirit of "4 Willem" here are four takeaways from last night's Art & Soul party on Central Avenue.

People make the party, and the crowd inside the packed basement space at Iberian Rooster crowded around the small stage for every opening set. Especially good were the very energetic ones from BOTB-winning pop-crooner Joshua Cruz and party-starting, soulful singer Sierra Amora who bounced around after gruff-voiced songwriter Tommy Phenom (and his ridiculously-talented guitarist) kicked things off. Front and center vibing out to all of the performers? Headliner Caleborate himself. Big shout out to A. Briscoe for dancing her ass off before it all started, too.

Even one practice can make imperfection feel perfect. For the first time on his tour supporting 2017’s Real Person, Caleborate was backed by a live band which had one day to practice. The Berkeley, California boy was all about it and took his time in between songs to soak it all in. “I’m merely a lyricist,” he said. “Give it up for these real life musicians playing real life instruments.” That band — keyboarding Julian Carrington, drummer Caleb Sanders and Keith Rusell on bass — gave life to songs like “4 Willem,” “Down” and “Bankrobber” where Caleborate embraces imperfections, raps about loneliness and isolation all while managing to turn in uplifting hooks and lines that make it feel like life (for all of the impossibly dire situations it puts people in) is still actually worth living..

Yes, four songs was somehow enough. When Caleborate declared that it would be a short set, no one ever imagined that it would only be four songs long, but the earnest he brought to the stage made the performance emotionally fulfilling and totally left us eagerly anticipating his return.

Somethings are definitely worth staying up late for. The yutes can do it, but I felt for every old-timer who stuck it out past 2 a.m. to see Caleborate’s set through. Still, feeling a little bleary-eyed as Caleborate welcomed Sierra Amora to help him close out the set made it feel all the more special. There’s no telling where/when Caleborate will be back in our Bay area, but we’ll be back in the building guaranteed.

See more of Brian Mahar's photos, and listen to 'Real Person,' below.