Khalid

Who Is Khalid? Get To Know The Award-Winning Singer

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Georgia-born singer Khalid has only spent the last few years in the spotlight, but the acclaim is heavy. Although credited as a Peach State native, Khalid spent much of his youth floating from one place to another. With a mother in the military, traveling was a staple in his life. Starting again and meeting new people along his adventures would help propel Khalid into a creative space.

While in high school, a young Khalid began experimenting with singing, teaching himself the foundations of what would shape a lucrative career. Like many others, he utilized social media and SoundCloud to help move his music to the masses. After singing to Right Hand and RCA Records, Khalid’s life would completely change. His 2017 debut album American Teen helped put him on the map, and his career hasn’t slowed since. Get to know the 25-year-old singer-songwriter.

From Online Sensation To Chart-Topping Superstar

Khalid’s first taste of success came in 2016 with his debut single, “Location.” The catchy, introspective track quickly gained traction online, ultimately catching the attention of major record labels. In 2017, at just 19, Khalid signed with RCA, marking the beginning of his professional music career. American Teen arrived that year and featured his noteworthy singles, “Young Dumb & Broke” and “Saved.” He was soon one of the industry’s most promising artists, and the investment proved worth it.

Khalid’s sophomore album, Free Spirit, was just as popular as the first. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, with songs like “Better” and “Talk” helping to push it to the top. Free Spirit saw maturation in Khalid as he clearly developed exponentially sonically and lyrically. Soon, he was reaching wider audiences.

Global Acclaim

Khalid’s meteoric rise did not go unnoticed, as his work garnered numerous accolades and nominations. He’s amassed five Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist, Best Urban Contemporary Album for American Teen, and Best R&B Song for “Location.” Of his wins, the singer has taken home trophies from the Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards, and more.

The Roxy and Free Spirit tours also helped expand Khalid’s fanbase. He traveled throughout Australia, North America, and Europe, etching his name into worldwide superstardom. Not only were they financially lucrative, but Khalid was able to perfect his stage presence in front of arena audiences.

Passion For Music

LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 01: Khalid performs onstage during the 2019 Billboard Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 1, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Khalid’s commitment to his craft shows no signs of slowing down. In an interview with Billboard, he shared his thoughts on his future in music, saying, “I just want to continue to create music and tell stories through my experiences. I think as long as I’m doing that, I’ll be content.” Given his track record of releasing critically acclaimed and chart-topping music, it’s clear that Khalid’s drive and passion for storytelling will continue to shape his career. As he explores new sonic territories and matures as an artist, fans can look forward to even more groundbreaking music from this talented singer-songwriter.

A Lasting Impact

Khalid’s powerful voice, evocative lyrics, and genre-blending sound have made him one of the most compelling artists of his generation. His ability to connect with fans through honest storytelling and a genuine passion for music has solidified his place among the industry’s most influential figures. As Khalid continues to evolve and grow as an artist, one thing remains certain: his music will continue to touch the hearts of fans worldwide, leaving a lasting impact on the ever-changing landscape of popular music. Stay tuned for his next album, rumored to be titled Everything is Changing, arriving soon.

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Khalid Criticizes A.I. Generated Songs

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Khalid is among many artists and creatives with mixed feelings about A.I.-generated songs. There has been a slew of tracks surfacing on the internet of big-name artists covering other artists’ songs. You’ve probably heard Ye or Drake over an IceSpice song once or twice on your TL. Khalid shared some of his concerns regarding the viral A.I. generated tracks.

In a recent interview with TMZ paparazzi, Khalid was asked about the recent waves of A.I. generated Drake tracks and more. Additionally, he was later asked if he would be okay with someone doing the same thing to his voice. “I have mixed feelings about it,” he told the paps. “I feel like A.I. is definitely going to be a helpful tool and it’s one of those things you can’t escape.” “Hopefully, you know, I still get to have my job for a really long time.” It’s fair to say we all hope to keep our jobs now that A.I. has crash landed on the scene. However, the American Teen songwriter was definitive in his criticism when asked about someone using his voice.

Khalid Sounds Off On A.I. Generated Music

Khalid performs during the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball.
Khalid performs during the Hot 99.5’s iHeartRadio Jingle Ball at Capital One Arena on December 13, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Furthermore, Khalid was asked if he would work with any dead artists with the use of A.I., it was a hard pass for the Texas native. As detailed in the interview, Khalid mentions authenticity being taken away as these A.I.-generated tracks begin to take shape. Evidently, the authenticity in the art is lost when the actual humans whose voices are being emulated, are not involved in the creative process.

Khalid is one artist that prides himself on the authenticity and quality of his work. We wouldn’t have songs like “Location” or “Reasons” without authenticity. The human element is what makes music, music. While the A.I. voice emulators are cool and a great tool, it doesn’t beat the real thing, and Khalid agrees. What are your thoughts on A.I.-generated music? Will this be the new wave for music now? Let HNHH know what’s up in the comments section below!

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Khalid Has ‘Mixed Feelings’ About AI-Generated Songs, Which Take Away The ‘Authenticity’ Of Human Artists

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As the debate about the value and utility of AI in music continues, another artist has added his voice to the conversation. Khalid, who most recently released new music last month with “Softest Touch,” was asked about his view of the situation by TMZ. His response was ambivalent; while he sees worth in AI as a tool, he sounds unimpressed by all the AI-generated reproductions of established artists that have been sweeping the internet lately.

“I have mixed feelings about it,” he said. “I feel like AI is definitely going to be a helpful tool and it’s one of those things that you can’t escape. Hopefully, you know, I get to still have my job for a long time… I feel like it takes away the authenticity and that’s something that I really value about myself.” With regard to AI “resurrecting” deceased artists for collaborations with contemporary idols, he said, “I respect all the music for what it is and I think I’m fine. I appreciate the legends as they are.”

As AI has become more commonplace in recent months, much like the popularity of NFTs a couple of years ago, some artists have encouraged its use, while others have floated the idea of using legal measures to curtail AI’s spread. Grimes and Liam Gallagher were some of the notable proponents of the technology, while Universal Music Group issued a sternly-worded statement about AI’s use cutting into artists’ profits — and notably, labels’ profits as well.

Khalid Hungers For The ‘Softest Touch’ On His Groovy New Single

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Khalid is back with a sexy new banger. On his new song, “Softest Touch,” he is smitten at the hands of a special woman.

On the new song, the singer delivers his signature low-pitched vocals over a ‘70s-inspired beat, with hopes to win the affection of the lady with the softest touch.

“You’ve got the softest touch, I just can’t get enough / When it comes to you, you are the one I want / You’ve got the softest touch, I just can’t get enough / This touch, you’ll always be the one I want / You’ll always be the one,” sings Khalid on the song’s chorus.

This scorching new single is thought to appear on Khalid‘s upcoming third album. Though he’s kept most of the details about the album rather mum, he revealed in an interview with KIIS-FM this past winter that he is planning to take his time with the project, as he feels it will be a career highlight for him.

“I’m really excited and honestly it’s some of my best music that I’ve made so far in my career,” he said. “Music means so much to me so I don’t want to rush it.”

You can hear “Softest Touch” above.

Khalid, Lil Baby, Elley Duhé, And More Will Perform At A Special ‘Outer Banks’-Themed Festival This Month

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We are just weeks away from the return of Outer Banks season three, but the surprises don’t stop at hotly-anticipated new episodes. Ahead of the show’s season 3 premiere, Netflix has announced a special music festival called Poguelandia: An Outer Banks Experience.

Poguelandia will take place at Huntington Beach in California on Saturday, February 18, just days before the season 3 premiere of Outer Banks. Set to perform are Khalid, Lil Baby, Elley Duhé, Alt-J, Surf Mesa, and The Nude Party.

In addition to these musicians, the cast of Outer Banks will also be in attendance. According to the festival’s poster, attendees will also be able to “vibe out by the twinkie,” “drink up at the boneyard,” and “chow down at the wreck,” and most importantly, “make some memories worth their weight in gold.”

Clothing brand American Eagle will also be present at the event, offering live custom printing of exclusive Outer Banks designs, and selling items from their exclusive Outer Banks capsule collection.

Tickets for the festival are set to go live tomorrow (February 4). Fans will be able to register for free tickets here. You can check out the festival lineup below.

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All episodes of Outer Banks‘ third season will premiere on Netflix on Thursday, February 23

Khalid Likens His Lover To A ‘Satellite’ In The Sky In His Futuristic New Video

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Khalid wears his heart on his sleeve, but his new video for “Satellite” shows that the person who has stolen his heart is often some distance away.

The Levi Turner-directed visual could function as a commercial for Sony as it depicts love in the 21st century through PS5s, computer screens, and televisions. The Fort Stewart artist stares into the distance through a window, wondering where his lover is when she isn’t on his mind. Only, she is always on his mind.

“You’re like a satellite that’s crossing through my mind / It always leads me straight, straight, straight to you,” the 24-year-old sings. Notably, he shows off his knack for choreography as he is flanked by backup dancers. The tune is so infectious that a woman roller skating through the street has to stop in her tracks, return to the wall of television screens she passed, and join in on the dance party.

Khalid has shared a few singles this year, namely “Numb,” “Skyline,” and “Last Call.” His last project Scenic Drive (The Tape) was released in December 2021 and featured a star-studded cast of artists such as 6lack, Lucky Daye, JID, Majid Jordan, Ari Lennox, Smino, and more.

Check out Khalid’s futuristic new video for “Satellite” above.

Khalid Grooves Into Love On His New Single, ‘Satellite’

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Khalid is keeping his fans fed. Just weeks after performing his Marshmello collab, “Numb,” at the MTV Video Music Awards, the El Paso native is back with another banger.

His latest, “Satellite,” is a hypnotic, ’80s-inspired anthem driven by synths and drums, as he delights in his infatuation for a new flame.

“La, da-da / We’re walking on a line / A line that leads me straight, straight, straight to you / You’re like a satellite / Crossing through my mind / It always leads me straight, straight, straight to you,” he sings on the song’s chorus.

While Khalid hasn’t shared much about a new album yet, he detailed his next era in an Instagram post announcing “Satellite” earlier this month.

“I’m having so much fun with music lately and I can’t wait for you guys to join me on this journey,” he said in the post’s caption. “Every day is a step towards me evolving as an artist, but this one right here…it feels special. I hold this dear to my heart! thank you guys for always holding me down.”

Last month, he teased the song’s music video in a tweet, saying, “I’m shooting my favorite video ever right now and I’m so excited.”

Check out “Satellite” above.