I was around different producers like Syk Sense (who produced the original beat for “Location”). Khalid: It was my first time recording in Atlanta. READ: Khalid album signing Friday at FYE Recording 'Location,' spring 2016 I first reached out to him in April (2016). He put up a Frank Ocean cover (“Lost”), then two more songs, “Coaster” and “Would You.” They kept getting better. I got more and more impressed with each release.

I was struck by how mature the lyrics were. Record labels take notice, April 2016īalogun: I think the first song I heard was 'Stuck On U.' A friend of mine sent it to me. I always wanted to do music, record, but I never had the confidence to do it. That’s what crafted my interest in recording. Everyone showed a lot of support at my high school.

I don’t feel like I’d be making the music I’m making now if I hadn’t gone there. The love and the friendships I made were influential. Khalid: I didn’t feel like I had a home until I moved to El Paso. He spoke to the El Paso Times in a phone interview in January. Balogun discovered Khalid through Soundcloud. Tunji Balogun, vice president of A&R, RCA Records: Balogun is a record company executive who has worked with a number of acclaimed hip-hop and R&B artists, including Bryson Tiller, SZA, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem and 50 Cent. MORE: Khalid finds his 'Location' in El Paso Khalid spoke to the El Paso Times in a phone interview prior to his concert at Tricky Falls in February. The 60th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony will be held Jan. He is nominated for five Grammy Awards including Best New Artist, Best R&B Song for 'Location' and best Urban Contemporary Album. Khalid's debut album, 'American Teen,' peaked at No. 16 on its Hot 100 singles chart the song has sold the equivalent of 3 million copies nationally, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.

8 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, No. Khalid: The singer's debut single 'Location' peaked at No. This is a look back at Khalid's time in El Paso, and his meteoric rise to fame, as told in various interviews with a few key players in the El Paso Times and other media outlets and through social media. View Gallery: Photos: Khalid through the year

Khalid album cover american teen