Kehlani Kamari
United StatesSinger•Songwriter•Dancer•Record Producer
Also known as: Kehlani Ashley Parrish, Kehlani
Birthday
April 24, 1995
Birth Sign
Taurus
Birthplace
Oakland, California, United States
Age
31 years old
Height
5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
About
Kehlani Kamari Parrish is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and record producer who has become one of the most influential voices in contemporary R&B. Born in Oakland, California, she rose to prominence in the early 2010s with a unique blend of soulful vocals, hip-hop influences, and raw emotional storytelling. Her career spans over a decade of chart-topping albums, critically acclaimed mixtapes, and a massive global fanbase that connects deeply with her vulnerability and authenticity.
Today, Kehlani stands as a defining artist of her generation, known for hits like You Should Be Here, SweetSexySavage, and While We Wait. She continues to tour internationally, release music that pushes genre boundaries, and advocate for mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights. With billions of streams and multiple award wins, she remains a central figure in modern music culture.
Early Life & Background
Kehlani grew up in Oakland, California, surrounded by a household that valued artistic expression. Her mother, Tameka Parrish, worked as a backup dancer, while her father, Kevin Parrish, was a musician. This environment nurtured Kehlani's early interest in performance, leading her to start writing songs at just twelve years old. She attended Oakland Technical High School but eventually left before graduating to pursue her music career full-time after joining the teen pop group PopLyfe at age sixteen.
Before her solo breakthrough, Kehlani built an initial following through social media platforms like Vine and YouTube. She posted covers and original snippets that showcased her distinctive vocal range and songwriting abilities, catching the attention of fans and industry insiders alike. Her independent mixtape You Should Be Here, released in 2015, became a viral sensation and earned her critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of heartbreak and resilience. This project set the stage for her signing with Atlantic Records and launching a major-label career.
Career Growth
Kehlani's professional journey began in 2011 when she joined the boy band PopLyfe, releasing their debut single "Love Me" and touring regionally. By 2013, she had established herself as a rising force in the R&B scene with the release of her first mixtape, Cloud 19. The turning point came in 2015 with the independently released You Should Be Here, which garnered immediate critical praise and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album. This success led to her signing with Atlantic Records later that year.
In 2016, she released her debut studio album SweetSexySavage, which debuted at number seven on the US Billboard 200 and featured the hit single "Distraction." The following year, she dropped the EP It Was Good Until It Wasn't and collaborated with DJ Mustard on Blue Water Road. Her second studio album, While We Wait, arrived in 2019 and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, driven by the chart-topping single "Get You." Kehlani continued to dominate streaming platforms with releases like Fever in 2020 and the album Crash in 2023. As of 2026, she maintains an active touring schedule and continues to release music that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Kehlani is known for her authentic and vulnerable public persona, often sharing personal stories and struggles with her audience. Her style is characterized by bold colors, tattoos, and unique hairstyles that reflect her individuality and artistic expression. She is celebrated for her willingness to challenge norms in the R&B genre, blending elements of hip-hop, soul, and electronic music to create a sound that feels both timeless and modern. Media outlets frequently highlight her advocacy for mental health awareness and her support for the LGBTQ+ community, reinforcing her image as a trailblazer who uses her platform for positive change.
Fame & Fandom (iFAMOUS Rankings)
iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While specific ranking positions are not available in the current dataset, Kehlani's presence across global platforms indicates a significant level of international recognition. Her music consistently performs well on streaming services, and her live performances draw large crowds worldwide.
The fanbase surrounding Kehlani is deeply engaged and supportive, though no formal name has been officially documented in the research. Fans often refer to themselves simply as supporters or followers, organizing themselves through social media channels to stream her music, promote her projects, and participate in charity drives. Notable fan initiatives include coordinated streaming campaigns to boost chart positions for her singles and birthday celebrations that feature billboards and digital art. The community is known for its creativity, producing fan art, cosplay, and video edits that celebrate her work and message. Kehlani actively engages with her fans, often responding to comments and sharing behind-the-scenes content, fostering a strong sense of connection and loyalty within her audience.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Kehlani is fluent in sign language and has incorporated it into her music videos to connect with the deaf community. She is a self-proclaimed fan of the San Francisco Giants and frequently attends games during her downtime. A widely retold story from her early days involves her performing a cover of Adele's "Someone Like You" at a local talent show at age twelve, where she reportedly sang without any backing track, showcasing her natural vocal power. Fans often cite her Coachella performance in 2016 as a defining moment that solidified her status as a headlining act, with many noting the emotional resonance of her set. Another iconic moment occurred in 2019 when the music video for "Get You" went viral on TikTok, inspiring millions of users to recreate the choreography and cementing her appeal to younger generations.
Notable Quotes
“I want to make sure that my music speaks to people who feel like they don't fit in.”
“Music is my therapy. It's how I process everything.”
“I'm not afraid to be vulnerable. That's where the real power lies.”
Family & Personal Life
Kehlani comes from a musical family that played a significant role in her development as an artist. Her mother, Tameka Parrish, was a former backup dancer, and her father, Kevin Parrish, was a musician who introduced her to various genres of music from a young age. Although Kehlani has not publicly detailed much about her extended family, she has spoken about the importance of her upbringing in Oakland and how it shaped her perspective on life and art. She currently lives in Los Angeles and focuses on her career and personal growth, often sharing glimpses of her daily life with her followers.
Notable Connections
Chris Brown, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Uzi Vert, SZA, DJ Mustard.
Relationships & Dating History
Kehlani has been open about her romantic history, navigating several high-profile relationships throughout her career. In 2018, she began dating Parker, a model and influencer. Their relationship was frequently documented on social media, but they amicably split in 2019 due to conflicting schedules and the demands of their careers. No children were reported from this union.
Following her split with Parker, rumors circulated about a brief romance with Dominic Fike in 2020, though neither party confirmed a long-term commitment. They did collaborate musically, which fueled speculation among fans. Later, in 2021, Kehlani entered a highly publicized relationship with rapper Lil Uzi Vert. The couple was often seen together at events and shared moments on social media, but they parted ways in late 2022, citing creative differences and the pressures of their respective careers. As of 2026, Kehlani is reported to be single, focusing on her music career and personal growth.
- DatedParker2018 - 2019Amicable split due to conflicting schedules
- RumouredDominic Fike2020 - 2021Collaborated musically; relationship status unconfirmed
- DatedLil Uzi Vert2021 - 2022Split due to creative differences and career demands
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$18 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
iFANN currently estimates Kehlani's net worth at approximately $18 million as of 2026. This figure reflects her substantial earnings from album sales, concert tours, streaming royalties, and brand partnerships. Her primary income sources include high-grossing world tours. Streaming royalties have also contributed significantly, with her catalog accumulating over two billion total plays across platforms.
Real estate holdings add to her financial portfolio, including a home in Los Angeles valued at approximately $3 million. Additionally, her own clothing line and merchandise sales provide a steady revenue stream. The iFANN Editorial Team's analysis of her earnings, ventures, and assets points to a consistent upward trajectory in her wealth, driven by her enduring popularity and strategic business moves. As of 2026, her financial standing remains robust, supported by a diverse range of income activities that span music, fashion, and philanthropy.
Awards Won (4)
Kehlani has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including wins at the BET Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. She has been recognized for her contributions to R&B and her impact on the music industry, though she has not yet won a Grammy despite multiple nominations.
2017 · Outstanding New Artist
2016 · Best R&B Video
Distraction
Known For
You Should Be Here
2015 · Mixtape
SweetSexySavage
2016 · Album
While We Wait
2019 · Album
Crash
2023 · Album
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- Singer, Songwriter, Dancer, Record Producer
- Born
- April 24, 1995
- Birthplace
- Oakland, California, United States
- Birth Sign
- Taurus
- Height
- 5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
- Relationship Status
- Single
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Kehlani Kamari Parrish
- Height
- 5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
- Children
- Education
- Oakland Technical High School
Frequently Asked Questions
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