Recently featured in Apple Music’s playlist launch 'New Artists: Middle East.'

‍

Interviewed on live TV on MBC. His music gets played on the radio in Saudi which to him is insane to even say. Released 2 albums, 2 EPs and 4 singles including his latest 'On Fire.'

Khalid aka Kali-B is a singer, rapper, songwriter and producer from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. His musical journey started back in September 2009. He used to write songs along with YouTube beats a common practice for starters for many of the established artists today. It was always a huge passion for Kali-B, spending most of his time writing songs and top-line melodies. But it took a more serious and professional turn in 2016 and in 2018 when he dropped his debut project and ever since have been trying to be consistent and relevant.

How’s it going with the music amid the pandemic?

At the beginning of it, it was a bit challenging because I was used to hitting the studio almost every day where I usually make my music, but little by little I found myself getting more and more productive at home to the point where I ended up with so many demos that are still being worked on till this day. To tell you the truth; it was the most productive time for me musically, and that was when I actually started connecting with a lot of the artists inside and outside of Saudi Arabia around the region.

How is it like being a rapper in Saudi?

It was a bit tough in the beginning because my music isn’t in Arabic and I was rapping more than I was singing at the time, I didn’t know anyone that put out the same type of music that I’m putting out. Right now? The scene in Saudi is getting bigger by the second! Every day I get introduced to new artists with huge potential.

‍

it was the most productive time for me musically

‍

Support

What were your parents’ thoughts on your music?

My parents have always been the greatest supporters of what they now call “second career”. It feels amazing to have their support. Especially when there’s a family gathering and my father pulls out his phone and starts playing one of my songs and brags about it in front of our cousins and friends (laughs).

‍

The very first verse you ever wrote, what was it about?

I honestly do not remember, but it was probably so cliché that I totally forgot about it. I made so many songs throughout the years so sometimes it’s hard to remember all of their lyrics.

‍

it was probably so cliché that I totally forgot about it

‍

Take us through the process of releasing your first single ever.

I can take you through the process of releasing the first single I dropped professionally because the first song I released was probably only shared with a group of friends. It was a double single, so two songs dropped on the same day back in 2016. One was called 'Radio' and the other 'Guns & Roses' both are love songs but each of them had its own vibe and aesthetic. Those were the first two songs I released to all streaming platforms (which was a struggle trying to find out how to do it).

‍

What’s the biggest dream?

To headline a big festival in Riyadh! That would be awesome!

‍

Follow Kali-B: