Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Kehlani's music career began in 2009 as the lead vocalist of the teen pop group PopLyfe. The band, whose music was produced by former Tony! Toni! Toné! member D'Wayne Wiggins, performed throughout the Bay Area and gained national attention in 2011 when they competed on the sixth season of America's Got Talent, finishing in fourth place. During the competition, judge Piers Morgan told Kehlani, 'You've got real talent, but I don't think you need the group.'
After leaving PopLyfe due to disagreements, Kehlani faced significant challenges, including contract issues and brief homelessness. However, their breakthrough came when America's Got Talent host Nick Cannon discovered their solo song 'ANTISUMMERLUV' on SoundCloud in 2013. Impressed by their talent, Cannon helped Kehlani secure housing in Los Angeles and funded studio time, enabling them to pursue their solo career.
Studio Albums and Discography
Kehlani signed with Atlantic Records and released their debut studio album SweetSexySavage in 2017, which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. Their second album, It Was Good Until It Wasn't (2020), reached number two on the chart. The third album, Blue Water Road (2022), peaked at number 13 and received critical acclaim, while their most recent studio album, Crash (2024), peaked at number 25 on the Billboard 200.
Prior to their studio albums, Kehlani released successful mixtapes that garnered significant attention. Their second mixtape, You Should Be Here (2015), was called the 'year's first great R&B album' by Billboard magazine and earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album. The mixtape featured collaborations with artists like Chance the Rapper and BJ the Chicago Kid.
2025 Achievements and Current Impact
The year 2025 marked a pivotal moment in Kehlani's career with the release and success of 'Folded.' The single's achievement as their first top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hit, combined with dual Grammy nominations, represents a significant validation of their artistry and evolution as an R&B artist. The 'Folded Homage Pack' remixes further demonstrated their collaborative reach and standing within the music industry.
Beyond music, Kehlani has remained active in activism and social causes. Some of their performances were canceled in 2025 due to disagreements over their public statements, though Kehlani responded by clarifying their stance against violence and support for all people. Their influence extends beyond recording, as they have appeared in film and television, including a cameo in Creed III (2023) and a guest role in The L Word: Generation Q (2022).