Kehlani
A singer-songwriter whose raw, genre-blending R&B anthems about love and healing forged a deep, devoted connection with a global audience.
Born 1995 (age 31)·American singer-songwriter·Birthday: April 24·Millennials
Biography
Kehlani's artistry was born from Oakland's vibrant scene and a life of formidable resilience. They first appeared on national television with the group PopLyfe on 'America's Got Talent,' but their true voice emerged in the intimate, self-released mixtapes that followed. 'Cloud 19' and 'You Should Be Here' weren't just collections of songs; they were candid diaries set to music, blending R&B, hip-hop, and pop with a vulnerability that felt revolutionary. Their Grammy nomination for the latter project signaled a major arrival. Kehlani's subsequent albums, like 'SweetSexySavage' and 'It Was Good Until It Wasn't,' refined this sound into polished yet deeply personal statements, championing queer love and emotional honesty. More than a hitmaker, they built a community—a 'tsunami' of fans who found solace and strength in music that treats fragility as its own kind of power.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kehlani was born in 1995, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kehlani Was Born
The biggest hits of 1995
#1 Movie
Toy Story
Best Picture
Braveheart
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Kehlani's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1995Born
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2000Started school
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2008Became a teenager
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2011Could drive
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2013Could vote
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2016Turned 21
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2025Turned 30
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 31 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album for the mixtape 'You Should Be Here' in 2016.
- Earned a platinum certification for the hit single 'Gangsta' from the 'Suicide Squad' soundtrack.
- Their mixtapes 'Cloud 19' and 'You Should Be Here' were both certified gold by the RIAA.
- Headlined a successful world tour for their album 'It Was Good Until It Wasn't' in 2020-2021.
Did You Know?
They are non-binary and use they/them pronouns, advocating for LGBTQ+ visibility.
Kehlani is a trained dancer and often incorporates complex choreography into their live shows.
They have a tattoo of the word 'Tsunami' on their neck, the name of their fan base.
They are a dedicated parent to their daughter, Adeya, born in 2019.
“I just want to make music that makes people feel less alone.”
