Apr 24, 1995
Taurus
Oakland, CA
30 years old
N/A
N/A
R&B Singer
Kehlani: A Journey Through Resilience and R&B Artistry
Early Life and Background
Kehlani Ashley Parrish, born on April 24, 1995, in Oakland, California, is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer known for her soulful R&B sound and candid lyricism. Raised by her aunt due to her mother's incarceration and her father's death during her infancy, Kehlani faced numerous challenges from a young age. Her diverse heritage includes Black, white, Native American, Filipino, and Spanish roots, which have influenced her musical style and personal identity .
Musical Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Kehlani's passion for the arts led her to attend the Oakland School for the Arts, where she initially focused on dance. A knee injury redirected her path toward singing, and at 14, she joined the local pop cover band PopLyfe. The group gained national attention by finishing fourth on the sixth season of America's Got Talent in 2011. Following contractual disputes, Kehlani left the group and faced a period of homelessness. With support from entertainer Nick Cannon, she released her first solo track, "ANTISUMMERLUV," on SoundCloud, marking the beginning of her solo career .
Career Milestones and Discography
Kehlani's discography showcases her evolution as an artist:
Cloud 19 (2014): Her debut mixtape received critical acclaim and was listed among Complex's "50 Best Albums of 2014."
You Should Be Here (2015): This mixtape debuted at number 36 on the Billboard 200 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album .
SweetSexySavage (2017): Her debut studio album peaked at number three on the Billboard 200, featuring hits like "CRZY" and "Distraction."
It Was Good Until It Wasn't (2020): This album reached number two on the Billboard 200 and included singles such as "Can I" and "Toxic."
Blue Water Road (2022): Her third studio album debuted at number 13 on the Billboard 200, reflecting a more introspective and experimental sound.
Crash (2024): Released on June 21, 2024, this album featured collaborations with artists like Jill Scott, Omah Lay, and Young Miko .
In addition to her albums, Kehlani has released mixtapes such as While We Wait (2019) and While We Wait 2 (2024), further showcasing her versatility and depth as an artist .
Personal Life and Advocacy
Kehlani identifies as queer and uses both she/her and they/them pronouns. She has been open about her experiences with mental health, motherhood, and her journey toward self-acceptance. In 2019, she gave birth to her daughter, Adeya Nomi, which she describes as a transformative experience. Kehlani is also known for her activism, using her platform to advocate for social justice issues, including support for Palestine, as reflected in her music video for "Next 2 U" .
Tours and Performances
Kehlani has embarked on several tours to connect with her global fanbase:
SweetSexySavage World Tour (2017)
Blue Water Road Trip (2022)
Crash World Tour (2024–2025): This tour supports her latest album, Crash, and features performances across North America and Europe .
Legacy and Impact
Kehlani's journey from adversity to acclaim serves as an inspiration to many. Her authentic storytelling, combined with her commitment to social issues and personal growth, has solidified her place as a significant figure in contemporary R&B. As she continues to evolve artistically, Kehlani remains a voice for resilience, self-love, and empowerment.
