From Oakland, California, Kehlani Ashley Parrish rose to fame after her debut in music in 2014. A singer, songwriter, and record producer, Kehlani has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the music industry, and has become one of the most sought-after artists today. She’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, and has won numerous awards for her exceptional talent. Read on to learn more about Kehlani Ashley Parrish’s incredible story.
1. Meet Kehlani Ashley Parrish
Kehlani Ashley Parrish is a singer, songwriter, and record producer hailing from Oakland, California. She signed with Atlantic Records in 2014, and has since then released four studio albums, with her fifth set to be released later this year. From her candid lyrics to her powerful voice, Kehlani has established herself as one of the brightest stars in the music industry.
2. From Oakland to the World Stage
Kehlani began building a fanbase through her Myspace page in the early 2010s. Her first release was a mixtape titled “Cloud 19”, which was released in 2014. Following the huge success of her mixtape, Kehlani was signed with Atlantic Records and released her first commercial album “SweetSexySavage” in 2017. Her fanbase escalated exponentially, and she has since been touring around the world, performing for millions of fans.
3. A Life in Music
Kehlani has never forgotten her roots and often talks about her hometown Oakland. Her music is often an accurate representation of her journey, from the struggles and pain of growing up in Oakland to the joys of achieving fame and success. She has described her music as “a mix between R&B, hip-hop, and pop, with a hint of soul”.
4. Early Inspiration and Education
Kehlani grew up in a Christian household and attended the Oakland School of the Arts, focusing on musical theatre. She was inspired to pursue music by the likes of Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Alicia Keys. She credits her early education in music for her success today, noting that it gave her the opportunity to develop her musicality and vocal range.
5. Musical Beginnings
Kehlani’s first breakthrough was winning a local talent contest at the age of 14. She then joined a group called Poplyfe, which performed on the sixth season of America’s Got Talent. Despite not winning the competition, Kehlani and Poplyfe gained a lot of attention and a growing fanbase.
6. An Unstoppable Rise
In 2014, Kehlani released her debut mixtape “Cloud 19”, which was critically acclaimed and praised for its soulful and honest lyrics. She quickly became a fan favorite, and was signed with Atlantic Records shortly afterwards. Her first official album “SweetSexySavage” was released in 2017, debuting at number three on the Billboard 200 chart.
7. Collaboration Central
Kehlani has worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Zayn Malik, Chance the Rapper, Rihanna, and Travis Scott. She has also released singles with singers like Nicki Minaj, G-Eazy, and Cardi B. Her music has been featured in various films and tv shows, including “The Vampire Diaries”, “13 Reasons Why”, and “Power”.
8. Music Awards and Accolades
Kehlani has been nominated for numerous music awards, including Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and American Music Awards. She has also won numerous awards, including a BET Award, an MTV Video Music Award, and an MTV Europe Music Award.
9. Growing List of Ventures
Kehlani has also ventured into other fields beyond music. She has been a judge on the American singing competition “The Voice”, and was also a coach on the Australian version of the show. She has also done some acting work, appearing in the films “The After Party” and “You Should Have Left”.
10. A Positive Life Outlook
Kehlani is a mental health advocate, often speaking openly about her own struggles with depression and anxiety. She advocates for seeking the right help and supports the idea of self-love. She also promotes body positivity and inclusivity, often talking about her experiences on her social media platforms.
11. Notable Achievements
Kehlani has achieved a lot in her career, from collaborating with some of the biggest names in the music industry to winning multiple awards. In 2020, she was also featured on the cover of Forbes as one of the “30 Under 30”, an accolade based on “accomplishments and potential”.
12. Being Kehlani
Kehlani is a huge inspiration to many, as she has shown that anything is possible with dedication and hard work. What makes her stand out is her openness and honesty when talking about her personal struggles and successes. Her music is often based on her real life experiences, and it’s this authenticity that has made her one of the biggest stars in the music industry today.
Kehlani Ashley Parrish has come a long way from her humble beginnings in Oakland, California. From her debut in 2014 to her potential fifth album in 2021, she has proved that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Kehlani’s music speaks to millions of people, as it’s a reflection of her own struggles and successes. She is an inspiration to many, and she’s showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.