Perhaps his unconventional sound is shaped by his military kid upbringing, since 19-year-old singer-songwriter Khalid (unnecessary last name: Robinson) spent time in Georgia, Kentucky, New York City and Germany before he graduated from high school in El Paso, Texas. But seconds into listening to his certified platinum smash “Location,” you’ll notice that Khalid is a different kind of soul singer—warm and emotive but crisp and contrasting, with a voice and tone that seems to have more than 19 years behind it.
The breakout singer sold out every date on his 21-city Location Tour in January and February, rolling right into the release of debut album American Teen in March and a summer tour that will bring him to Las Vegas for a long sold-out show at Brooklyn Bowl this weekend. The Lil Wayne and Kehlani remix of “Location” is one of the unavoidable tracks of the summer, and Khalid has become one of the hottest feature commodities in R&B, hip-hop and dance, appearing on Calvin Harris’ “Rollin,” Logic’s “1-800-273-8255,” and Alina Baraz’s “Electric.” Khalid at Brooklyn Bowl at the Linq Promenade, July 22.
