Photos by Loren Toney – Kehlani is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer born on April 24, 1995, in Oakland, California. She gained initial fame as a member of the teen group Poplyfe, which reached the finals of America’s Got Talent in 2011. After leaving the group, Kehlani pursued a solo career, quickly earning recognition for her distinct blend of R&B, pop, hip-hop, and neo-soul influences.
Kehlani’s first major release was the 2014 mixtape Cloud 19, which garnered positive reviews and put her on the radar of the music industry. Her follow-up project, You Should Be Here (2015), received critical acclaim and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album. Known for her candid lyrics and emotionally raw music, Kehlani’s sound often explores themes of love, relationships, personal growth, and mental health.
In 2017, Kehlani released her debut studio album, SweetSexySavage, which was praised for its smooth production and heartfelt songwriting. Over the years, she has continued to evolve her sound, releasing successful projects like It Was Good Until It Wasn’t (2020) and Blue Water Road (2022). Kehlani is also known for her open discussions about her personal life, including her experiences with bisexuality, motherhood, and mental health, making her an influential voice in contemporary R&B.
Her versatility as an artist, paired with her vulnerability and authenticity, has earned her a dedicated fan base and widespread respect within the music industry.
