Kehlani Ashley Parrish, known professionally as Kehlani, is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer celebrated for her soulful voice and genre-blending music. Rising from a challenging childhood in Oakland, California, to global stardom, she has become a symbol of resilience and artistic innovation. With Grammy nominations, chart-topping albums, and a growing influence in pop culture, Kehlani stands out as one of the most versatile artists of her generation.
Quick Facts of Kehlani
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kehlani Ashley Parrish |
| Date of Birth | April 24, 1995 |
| Place of Birth | Oakland, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Dancer |
| Genres | R&B, Pop, Neo-Soul |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3–6 million |
| Relationship Status | Dating Kiara Russell (2024) |
| Children | 1 (Adeya Nomi Young-White) |
Early Life and Family Background
Kehlani was born on April 24, 1995, in Oakland, California. Her early life was marked by adversity: her father passed away when she was a toddler due to drug addiction, while her mother struggled with substance abuse and frequent incarceration. Consequently, Kehlani was raised by her aunt in a stable environment that nurtured her talents.
Growing up in Oakland exposed her to a rich musical culture. Initially, she aspired to become a professional dancer and trained at the Oakland School for the Arts in ballet and modern dance. However, a knee injury in her teenage years shifted her focus to singing. Inspired by Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu, she began developing a unique sound blending R&B, neo-soul, and pop.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Kehlani’s career began as the lead vocalist for the teen pop cover band PopLyfe, which gained national recognition after finishing fourth on the sixth season of America’s Got Talent in 2011. Despite the success, she left the group due to contractual disputes and experienced months of homelessness before releasing her first solo track on SoundCloud.
In 2014, Kehlani released her debut mixtape, Cloud 19, earning critical acclaim. Her second mixtape, You Should Be Here (2015), debuted at No. 5 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart and garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album.
Key Milestones:
- Debut studio album SweetSexySavage (2017), debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
- Critically acclaimed albums It Was Good Until It Wasn’t (2020) and Blue Water Road (2022).
- Fourth album Crash (2024) explored R&B, rock, and country influences, earning three Grammy nominations.
Notable Works and Achievements
Kehlani’s discography features chart-topping albums and viral singles:
- Cloud 19 (2014) – Breakthrough mixtape.
- You Should Be Here (2015) – Grammy-nominated.
- SweetSexySavage (2017) – Billboard success.
- Crash (2024) – Experimented with multiple genres; Grammy-nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album, Best R&B Song (“After Hours”), and Best Melodic Rap Performance (“Kehlani”).
Awards & Recognitions:
- Multiple Grammy nominations.
- Billboard Music Award nominations.
- Viral TikTok success with “After Hours.”
Current Relevance and Recent Updates
Kehlani remains a dynamic presence in music and activism. In 2024, she released While We Wait 2, recorded in just two weeks from her backyard studio. Collaborating with rapper GloRilla on “Xmas Time,” she added a fresh perspective to holiday music. She has also advocated for mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, and social justice, including Palestinian rights.
Personal Life and Relationships
Kehlani identifies as queer and uses she/they pronouns. Her personal life has been widely covered, including relationships with NBA player Kyrie Irving, rapper YG, and artist 070 Shake. Since 2024, she has been dating Kiara Russell. Kehlani is also a mother to daughter Adeya Nomi Young-White (born 2019), co-parented with guitarist Javie Young-White.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2024, Kehlani’s net worth is estimated between $3–6 million. Her income comes from music sales, world tours, brand endorsements, and strategic investments. She maintains a minimalist yet chic lifestyle, owning properties in Los Angeles, driving eco-friendly luxury vehicles, and prioritizing yoga, hiking, and wellness routines.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
- Heritage includes Native American, African American, Filipino, and Spanish roots.
- Originally aspired to attend Juilliard before pursuing music.
- “After Hours” went viral on TikTok via dance challenges.
- Recorded While We Wait 2 entirely at home in pajamas.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Kehlani actively supports:
- Mental health awareness through public speaking and campaigns.
- LGBTQ+ rights as an openly queer artist.
- Social justice initiatives, including racial equality and Palestinian advocacy.
Her legacy combines musical innovation with activism, inspiring fans worldwide to embrace authenticity and resilience.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Kehlani plans to continue releasing genre-defying music and may explore acting or fashion ventures. Her influence extends beyond music into activism and popular culture, establishing her as a symbol of courage, creativity, and authenticity.
