Khalid

Biography

Khalid Robinson, known simply as Khalid, emerged as a powerful voice in contemporary music after being voted "Most Likely to Go Platinum" by his high school peers in 2016. A military brat, Khalid's upbringing took him across various states like Georgia and Kentucky, as well as Heidelberg, Germany, before he ultimately settled in El Paso, Texas. This transient lifestyle instilled a sense of isolation in him, which he channeled into songwriting. Initially sharing his music on SoundCloud, he quickly garnered attention, culminating in the release of his breakout hit "Location" during his high school senior year. The song became a massive success, selling over five million copies in the U.S.

In 2017, Khalid launched his debut album, *American Teen*, a vibrant blend of synth-pop and R&B that earned him five Grammy nominations, illustrating the universal experience of youth. His collaborations with artists such as Logic on the poignant "1-800-273-8255," Calvin Harris on "Rollin," and Normani on "Love Lies" further showcased his versatility in the music industry. In late 2018, he released the EP *Suncity*, which opened with a momentous audio clip of him receiving the keys to the city of El Paso, a testament to his rise. Reflecting on his journey, Khalid remarked on the inspiration he found in his surroundings, emphasizing his determination to create music that resonated with his experiences and emotions.