Kaliii, 23, is an Atlanta drill rapper who experiments in R&B and pop. Kaliii released her first single, “OOP” in 2019, but started gaining attention on TikTok in June 2023 with her song “Area Codes.” The single peaked at No. 33 on The Billboard Hot 100. Following her recent success, Kaliii has been dubbed one of the new “it girls of rap.”
Kaliii began exploring and recording her first songs in a DIY studio made from a closet with foam plastered on the walls built by her mother’s ex-husband. Her mother’s ex-husband was not only a music producer but had prior experience in songwriting. With his musical background, he became a mentor to the young rapper, as he would help write lyrics and teach her how to become more animated while rapping. Becoming a rapper was not Kaliii’s first career choice, but the hobby slowly became her main passion.
Kaliii’s global appeal comes straight from her many chart-topping hits that often express the very notions of female empowerment. Many of her song’s main purpose is to try to boost the listener’s confidence through liberating lyrics. She describes her songs as “music for the girls,” during an era where female rap has started to take control of the rap game. Her next EP “FCK GIRL SZN” is full of sexual anthems featuring bigger names such as Young Nudy, NLE Choppa, and GloRilla.
Kaliii was one of the two openers for A Boogie With Da Hoodie’s tour called “Me VS Myself: The College Tour.” The tour spans across the United States, with most of its stops being in college towns. The tour found its way to IU’s campus, where Kaliii gave a thrilling performance at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. The tour was Kaliii’s first tour furthering her presence as one of the rap it-girls that is here to stay.
