Khalid (singer)

Khalid (singer)
Name	Khalid
Birth name	Khalid Donnel Robinson
Birth date	October 11, 1998
Birth place	Fort Stewart, Georgia, United States
Occupation	Singer, songwriter
Years active	2016–present
Labels	Right Hand Music Group, RCA Records

Khalid (singer) is an American singer and songwriter known for his smooth baritone, contemporary R&B production, and crossover pop appeal. Rising to prominence with breakout singles and a debut album that garnered critical and commercial success, he has collaborated with a wide range of artists across pop, hip hop, and electronic music. His work has earned multiple awards and nominations, and he remains a prominent figure in 21st-century popular music.

Early life and education

Khalid Donnel Robinson was born at Fort Stewart and raised in El Paso, Texas, the son of an African American father who served in the United States Army and a mother of Anglo-American descent. He attended Andress High School in El Paso and later enrolled at Mount San Jacinto College before focusing full-time on music, developing his craft amid influences from local scenes and national artists. During his adolescence he participated in school choirs and talent shows and was influenced by touring acts he encountered while living in military communities near Georgia and Texas.

Career

Khalid began releasing music independently and gained attention with the single "Location", which received airplay on stations such as Z100 (New York City), prompting interest from major labels. He signed with Right Hand Music Group and RCA Records and released his debut EP before his first studio album, which featured production collaborations with producers and artists from across genres. He collaborated with figures including Logic (rapper), SZA, Halsey, Marshmello, Calvin Harris, Disclosure (band), and Lorde on singles and remixes that charted internationally. His debut album, featuring tracks that blended R&B, pop, and electronic elements, debuted on the Billboard 200 and produced multiple charting singles, followed by a second studio album and numerous high-profile festival performances at events such as Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and appearances on television programs like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Khalid's collaborations extended into soundtrack contributions for franchises and films associated with studios like Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures, while he toured nationally and internationally with headline tours and as a supporting act for artists connected to labels such as Sony Music Entertainment and Columbia Records. He continued to release singles, EPs, and deluxe editions, working with songwriters and producers affiliated with entities such as ASCAP and BMI and performing at award ceremonies including the Grammy Awards and the MTV Video Music Awards.

Musical style and influences

Khalid's musical style blends contemporary R&B, pop, and electronic elements with soul-inflected baritone vocals. Critics and collaborators have compared his tone and songwriting approach to artists like Frank Ocean, The Weeknd, Miguel (singer), John Mayer, and Adele, while noting influences from older soul and R&B performers such as Stevie Wonder and Sam Cooke. Production on his records has involved producers and DJs from scenes associated with Los Angeles, Atlanta, and the United Kingdom's electronic community, including collaborators who have worked with Drake, Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar, and Beyoncé. Lyrically, his songs often explore themes similar to tracks by Childish Gambino and SZA, balancing introspection with pop accessibility.

Discography

Studio albums - Debut studio album (2017) — debuted on Billboard 200 and included singles that charted on the Billboard Hot 100. - Second studio album (2019) — featured international collaborations and festival performances in Europe and Australia. - Subsequent studio release (2020s) — included singles and remixes with artists from Electronic dance music and Hip hop circles.

Selected singles and collaborations - "Location" — breakthrough single that received radio play on stations like KIIS-FM. - Collaborations with Marshmello and Calvin Harris — crossover hits that charted in the United Kingdom and United States. - Features with Chainsmokers and Sam Smith-adjacent productions — expanded his pop reach.

Extended plays and other releases - Early EPs released independently prior to major-label debut. - Soundtrack contributions for film and television projects distributed by Netflix and Warner Bros. Pictures.

Awards and nominations

Khalid has received multiple nominations and awards from organizations and ceremonies including the Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and the MTV Video Music Awards. His debut and subsequent albums earned nominations in categories alongside artists represented by labels such as RCA Records and Def Jam Recordings, and he has won awards for breakthrough artist categories at ceremonies including the BET Awards and international awarding bodies in Canada and Australia.

Personal life

Khalid maintains a relatively private personal life while engaging publicly through social media platforms including Instagram (service), Twitter (X), and TikTok. He has spoken in interviews with publications and broadcasters such as Rolling Stone, Billboard (magazine), and The New York Times about balancing stardom with personal growth. He has cited friendships and professional relationships with artists affiliated with Roc Nation and management teams tied to Creative Artists Agency and other agencies.

Philanthropy and activism

Khalid has participated in benefit concerts and charity initiatives supporting causes and organizations such as disaster relief efforts in regions affected by events tied to Hurricane Harvey and initiatives partnered with foundations connected to United Nations programs and domestic youth organizations. He has supported voter registration drives and public-awareness campaigns alongside artists and groups associated with entities like Rock the Vote and has contributed to fundraising efforts for arts education programs in cities including El Paso and Los Angeles.

Category:1998 births Category:Living people Category:American singers Category:Rhythm and blues singers