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BET Awards 2017 | Behind the Lights of Khalid

Find out more about breakout star Khalid!
  1. 'Location' Is About A Car?

    (Photo:  Kacie Tomita/RCA)

    Photo: Kacie Tomita/RCA

    (Photo: Kacie Tomita/RCA)

    Yup, you read that correctly! Khalid's hit single, "Location" was about a car, or lack thereof. Growing up in El Paso, Texas, Khalid did not have a car and often asked friends for rides. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the singer stated that his need for a car and reaching out to friends for rides sparked his creativity.

  2. He's An 'Army Brat'

    Khalid didn't grow up with an ordinary lifestyle. Both of his parents served in the U.S. Army, so moving around a lot was something Khalid has to get used to. Khalid had many different locations as his address and even lived in Germany for six years!

  3. Mother's Influence

    Khalid, who was born as Khalid Robinson, credits his mother as his biggest musical influence. While serving in the U.S. Army, Khalid's mother became a part of the U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus. By doing so, she could avoid deployment and stay wit her two kids. His other musical influences range from Brandy to Father John Misty and also Billie Holiday.

  4. Kylie Jenner Made His Career?

  5. Well, not quite, but a snap from the youngest Jenner elevated Khalid's career and put him in front of a larger audience. Kylie Jenner featured the song on one of her Snaps and from there his hard work plus her shoutout jumpstarted his career!

  6. Starting Off Strong

    His music clearly doesn't go unnoticed. Khalid's album American Teen debuted at No. 9 on Billboards Top 200 chart! That's major!

  7. He's A Recent High School Grad!

  8. Most of us finish high school and either get jobs or go on to college before we find ourselves and a career. Not Khalid. The recent high school grad graduated from Americas High School in 2016 and, within a couple of months, he became an R&B/pop phenomenon! Not many people can say they've hit success right out of high school. We're rooting for Khalid and hope to see his career go far.

  9. The Next Big Thing On Broadway

    Prior to his success as a pop/R&B singer, Khalid had dreams of being on Broadway. In high school, he was a member of his high school choir. He had plans to do musical theater until his passion for poetry grew. Even before being a singer came about, Khalid had thoughts on being either an English teacher or music teacher.

  10. Upward Location

    (Photo: Kacie Tomita/RCA)

    Kacie Tomita/RCA

    (Photo: Kacie Tomita/RCA)

    Khalid's sudden success proves that, no matter where you are in life, your hard work can open up doors for you. He continues to engage his many crowds with his catchy love tunes and lyrics. Though success came quick for the 19-year-old star, he still remains humble. We're here for more Khalid and can't wait to see how he and his music grows!

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