Photos by Sharon Steele – Kehlani Ashley Parrish, known mononymously as Kehlani, is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer born on April 24, 1995, in Oakland, California. She first gained attention as a member of the teen pop group PopLyfe, which appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2011. After leaving the group, she pursued a solo career, releasing her debut mixtape Cloud 19 in 2014. Her second mixtape, You Should Be Here (2015), was critically acclaimed and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album.
Kehlani’s debut studio album, SweetSexySavage (2017), solidified her as a key player in R&B, blending contemporary and classic elements of the genre. She is known for her soulful voice, open discussions of mental health, and queer identity, which she incorporates into her music. Some of her popular songs include “CRZY,” “Distraction,” and “Nights Like This.” Throughout her career, Kehlani has been praised for her authenticity and vulnerability, becoming an influential figure in modern R&B and pop music.
