Kelela: An R&B Artist to Follow
Kelela has an eclectic style that emphasizes and plays with the beats, progressions, and sounds she uses to craft her music. Her otherworldly vocals and alien-like melodies create a listening experience that pulls you in.
She began her music career with a mixtape in 2013 called Cut 4 Me and released EP entitled Hallucinogen in 2015. The EP chronicled the beginning, middle, and end of a relationship in reverse order. In 2017, her debut album came out called Take Me Apart. It was critically acclaimed and generally well-received. Pitchfork Magazine called it “technically stunning and emotionally realized” and rated it an 8.6 out of 10.
All of her work includes boundary pushing and innovative sounds coupled with smooth R&B. She’s worked with other game-changing artists such as Solange and Danny Brown. Fans of their alternative style should make sure to keep up with her work.
My mother delivered me in Wiesbaden, Germany. I have an African-American father and German mother. I lived there until I reached around age 8 and we moved to Saint Louis, MO. I now attend Truman State University in Kirksville, MO aiming to complete an English major with a Film Studies minor since I enjoy thinking of creative concepts and analyzing film.