

Last Updated: 31 Jan, 2025 | Views: 4069
Age: 30
Profession: Singer
Other Profession(s): Song writer
Famous For: Songs like ‘Up At Night’, ‘Good Life’
Higher Education: Oakland School for the Arts
About (Profile/Biography):
Kehlani Ashley Parrish, born in Oakland, California in 1995, emerged as a powerhouse R&B artist who defies conventional labels. Initially gaining fame as a member of PopLyfe on America's Got Talent, they transformed into a solo sensation known for raw emotional honesty and fluid artistic expression. Their music seamlessly blends R&B, pop, and hip-hop while openly addressing mental health, sexuality, and personal growth.
Early Life of Kehlani
• Born to an African-American father and mixed-race mother, the talented artist was raised by their aunt after losing their father to addiction and their mother to incarceration, shaping their resilient perspective on life and art.
• Teen years saw them joining PopLyfe at age 14, making it to fourth place on America's Got Talent, before Nick Cannon's mentorship helped transform the young talent into a solo performer.
• Growing up in Oakland's diverse culture influenced their musical style, with the artist learning multiple instruments and developing a unique vocal technique at Oakland School for the Arts.
Kehlani’s Career Milestones
• The release of "Cloud 19" mixtape in 2014 caught music industry's attention, leading to Complex naming them one of the "15 Artists to Watch Out for in 2015".
• "You Should Be Here" mixtape in 2015 debuted at #5 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, marking their first major commercial success.
• Atlantic Records signing led to "SweetSexySavage" in 2017, showcasing their evolution from mixtape artist to mainstream success while maintaining artistic authenticity.
Awards & Recognition received by Kehlani
• Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album for "You Should Be Here" in 2016, marking their first major award recognition.
• Billboard Women in Music "Rule Breaker" award in 2017 for challenging industry norms and advocating for mental health awareness.
• American Music Award nomination for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist in 2020, solidifying their place in contemporary R&B.
Personal Life & Controversies around Kehlani
• The artist publicly came out as pansexual in 2018, becoming an influential voice in LGBTQ+ representation within mainstream R&B music.
• Their 2016 hospitalization after an apparent suicide attempt sparked important conversations about mental health in the music industry and social media's impact.
• A public triangle with NBA player Kyrie Irving and PARTYNEXTDOOR in 2016 led to cyber-bullying, resulting in their powerful stance against online harassment.
Less Known Facts about Kehlani
• The artist has extensive training in ballet and modern dance, initially planning to pursue a career at Juilliard before focusing on music.
• Their grandmother was a significant influence who exposed them to neo-soul and traditional Filipino music, inspiring their diverse musical palette.
• The talented musician can play six instruments proficiently, including trumpet and guitar, though rarely showcases this in public performances.
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