Kehlani

Kehlani, whose real name is Kehlani Ashley Parrish was born April 24, 1995, in Oakland, California. She is an acclaimed American singer and songwriter who has significantly shaped contemporary R&B music. Raised by her aunt after being adopted due to her mother’s struggles with addiction and her father’s early death, Kehlani’s early life was marked by resilience and a profound connection to music. Initially aspiring to be a dancer, a knee injury during junior high redirected her focus to singing. Influenced by R&B and neo-soul artists like Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, Kehlani joined the local pop group PopLyfe at age 14.

PopLyfe gained national attention as a finalist on “America’s Got Talent” in 2011, where Kehlani’s talent stood out, earning praise from the judges. However, after the show, Kehlani faced significant challenges, including contractual disputes and a period of homelessness. Despite these obstacles, her perseverance led to a breakthrough when Nick Cannon, impressed by Kehlani’s solo track “ANTISUMMERLUV,” provided her with an apartment and studio time in Los Angeles.

Kehlani’s music career formally launched with the release of her debut mixtape, Cloud 19, in 2014. The mixtape received critical acclaim and was featured on Complex’s list of the “50 Best Albums of 2014.” Building on this success, her second mixtape, You Should Be Here, released in 2015, debuted at number five on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album. The project not only solidified her position in the music industry but also led to a sold-out North American tour and critical recognition from publications like Complex and Rolling Stone.

In January 2017, Kehlani released her debut studio album, SweetSexySavage, which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. The album showcased her versatile vocal abilities and emotional depth, contributing to her growing reputation as a significant artist in contemporary R&B. Following this, she made notable guest appearances, including on Eminem’s 2017 single “Nowhere Fast.”

Kehlani’s career continued to flourish with the release of her second studio album, It Was Good Until It Wasn’t, in May 2020. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, reflecting her continued commercial success and artistic growth. The project was followed by the 2021 mixtape While We Wait, which further demonstrated her evolving sound and artistic vision.

Her third studio album, Blue Water Road, released in April 2022, received critical acclaim and showcased her maturation as an artist. The album’s success was supported by the Blue Water Road Trip tour, which featured performances across the US and Europe, and highlighted her growing global influence. In 2023, Kehlani headlined notable events, including the WNBA All-Star Game and the MLS All-Star Game, further cementing her place in the music industry.

In April 2024, Kehlani released the lead single “After Hours” from her upcoming album, Crash, which debuted at number 25 on the Billboard 200. The album, reflecting her dynamic artistry and personal experiences, continued to build on her legacy. Additionally, Kehlani used her platform to make a statement on social issues, as seen in her music video for “Next 2 U,” which supported the Palestinian cause and expressed solidarity with those affected by the Gaza-Israel conflict.

Throughout her career, Kehlani has demonstrated remarkable resilience and creativity, establishing herself as a prominent and influential voice in modern music.