Khali

Lyon's origins and Bordeaux's rise

This gradual emergence led him to perform as an opening act for artists like Di-Meh and Ikaz Boi. In April 2020, he took a crucial step by joining the label Try to Live, led by Myth Syzer, whose unique style resonated with his own. This partnership allowed him to release four singles, including one with Loveni, and to publish his second EP, "Le tournesol," in August 2020, marking his transition from the independent scene to a publishing structure.

His music then falls within the new wave movement, a subgenre of hip-hop where he begins to establish his unique style. His lyrics, often introspective, blend French, English, and Arabic to address doubt and the desire to succeed. The productions, frequently featuring a piano or acoustic guitar, create a deep and melancholic atmosphere that becomes his signature sound even before the release of his first major albums.

The era of long-format albums

On May 21, 2021, Khali released his first self-produced album, Laïla, produced with his producer Niels. This project was immediately praised by critics and the public, reaching 135th place in Wallonia.

Two years later, on November 25, 2022, he released his second album, "Il me ressemble pas non plus." This album confirms his status as a key figure in the emerging French music scene, capable of creating long-format albums. The album reached 27th place in the French Top Albums chart and remained in the top 10 for six weeks, while in Belgium and Switzerland, it reached 28th and 56th place, respectively. Tracks like "Je m'en moque" and "Jamais comme ils vont" reveal a growing artistic maturity.

In May 2023, his career reached a new peak with a concert at the Olympia in Paris, where all tickets sold out in less than an hour. He also participated in the We Love Green, Montreux Jazz, and Ardentes festivals, further solidifying his position on the national stage. On December 1, 2023, he unexpectedly released the 23- project, consisting of eight tracks including "Bottega," accompanied by a music video, marking his transition to an established career.

Sound and Influences

Khali's music is characterized by a voice often compared to that of Playboi Carti, adopting a high and distinctive register. This North American influence is complemented by admiration for Gunna, Nav, Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Gotit, and Lil Keed, who influence his flow and production. In French-speaking regions, he also draws inspiration from the work of Laylow and Hamza, creating a bridge between international and local scenes.

His style is characterized by a blend of sung flows and rhythmic breaks, supported by intimate instrumental arrangements using piano or acoustic guitar. This aesthetic creates a deep and melancholic atmosphere, conducive to expressing an intimate daily life and constant introspection. His lyrics alternate between French, English, and Arabic, reflecting his Moroccan and Algerian family heritage while addressing a global audience.

This stylistic blend allows him to stand out in a crowded scene, where his authentic universe, although not always universally praised, remains undeniable. His ability to incorporate diverse cultural references without losing his own voice makes him a central figure in contemporary French hip-hop, capable of transforming a simple instrumental into a true concept album.

Collaborations and Musical Network

Throughout his career, Khali has maintained lasting relationships with several key artists from the new wave scene. Chanceko appears as a recurring feature, illustrating his place at the heart of a cohesive artistic collective. From his first EP, he actively collaborates with Kosei and La Fève, pioneers in the genre, who support him in his early days.

In 2020, he collaborated with Loveni on the single "Bulletproof," marking an important step in his openness to collaborations. These partnerships are not just appearances but demonstrate a gradual integration into the influential circles of French rap. Each collaboration strengthens his credibility and expands his audience.

His work with the Try to Live label, initiated in 2020, provides him with a framework to develop his projects with producers like Myth Syzer and Niels. This stability with established figures allows Khali to refine his sound and regularly release singles and EPs that contribute to his discography without ever breaking with his artistic identity.

Discography and Timeline

His discography began with a series of self-produced singles released in 2020, including "Valentine," "Pas méchant," "Demain," and "20 -," before the arrival of a record label. In 2021, he released songs such as "LA TOILE," "PEZZZ," and "NO PHOTO," followed by his debut album, "Laïla."

In 2022, the release of "Il me ressemble pas" was followed by singles such as "LE MONDE EST A TOI." The year 2023 saw the release of the "23-" project in December, after an impressive festival tour.

The year 2024 marks a new wave of releases with singles such as "FREE," "KHALI IL SAIT," "FOREVER," and "PLM DEATHROW." This consistent release schedule demonstrates ongoing activity and the ability to maintain public interest between major albums.