Kali Uchis

1.1. Birth and upbringing

Karly Marina Loaiza was born on July 17, 1994, in Pereira, Colombia, the city of origin of her Colombian father. Her mother is American. Her parents met in the late 1980s. Uchis spent her early childhood in Colombia, then moved to Alexandria, Virginia, in the United States at the age of 12. During her high school years, her father moved back to Colombia, and she subsequently spent her summers there with her father, uncles, and aunts. For the school year, she resided in Virginia with her mother and older siblings. Her early life was not without challenges; she was eventually kicked out of her home for skipping classes and breaking curfew. During this period, she lived in her car, where she began writing songs on her keyboard that would later form part of her debut mixtape.

1.2. Education and musical development

While attending Alexandria City High School (then known as T. C. Williams High School), Uchis learned to play the piano and saxophone and participated in a jazz band. Beyond music, she developed an early interest in other artistic fields, frequently skipping classes to spend time in the photo lab creating experimental short films. This interest in photography also led her to design the cover art for her early mixtapes. Initially, Uchis did not intend to become a singer, as her primary artistic ambition was to direct films. She also wrote poetry. It was during this time that she was given the nickname "Karluchis," which she later modified to "Kali Uchis" for her professional career.

2.1. 2012-2016: Debut and early activities

Shortly after graduating from high school, Kali Uchis released her debut mixtape, Drunken Babble, on August 1, 2012. The mixtape was noted for its "genre-defying" sound, incorporating influences from doo-wop, reggae, and early 2000s contemporary R&B. It was entirely self-produced by Uchis, who aimed to reinterpret the vintage sounds of artists like Branton Woods and soul music from the 1960s and 1970s.

In 2014, Uchis collaborated with rapper Snoop Dogg on the song "On Edge," which was featured on his mixtape, That's My Work 3. That same year, NPR's music program Alt.Latino highlighted Kali Uchis as a favorite artist and a promising female singer to watch, featuring her songs multiple times between 2014 and 2015.

In February 2015, Uchis released her debut EP, Por Vida. It was initially offered as a free download on her official website before becoming available on iTunes. The project featured production contributions from a diverse group of musicians, including Diplo, Tyler, the Creator, Kaytranada, and BadBadNotGood. To support the EP, Uchis embarked on her first tour in October 2015, joining Leon Bridges for a series of performances across the United States and parts of Canada.

2.2. 2017-2018: Breakthrough with Isolation

The period of 2017 and 2018 marked a significant breakthrough for Kali Uchis with the release of her critically acclaimed debut studio album, Isolation.

In April 2017, Uchis was featured on several tracks from Gorillaz's fifth studio album, Humanz. These collaborations included "She's My Collar," "Ticker Tape" (a bonus track from the deluxe edition), and "She's My Collar (Kali Uchis Spanish Special)" (a bonus track from the super deluxe edition). The following month, she released "Tyrant," featuring English singer Jorja Smith, which served as the lead single for her upcoming debut album. In June 2017, Uchis announced her first headlining North American tour in support of the album, which ran from August to October 2017. The tour commenced at the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in San Francisco and included a stop at the Pop Montreal music festival.

On August 25, 2017, Uchis released "Nuestro Planeta," featuring Reykon, as the second single from the album. In October 2017, her collaboration with Colombian musician Juanes, "El Ratico," earned her a nomination for a Latin Grammy Award for Record of the Year. She also received a Grammy Award nomination for "Get You," her collaboration with Canadian singer Daniel Caesar, at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards.

From January 15 to February 16, 2018, Uchis supported Lana Del Rey on select North American arena dates of her world tour, the LA to the Moon Tour. The track "After the Storm," featuring Tyler, the Creator and Bootsy Collins, was released as the third single in January 2018. The official announcement of her debut studio album, Isolation, occurred in March 2018 during her appearance on The Tonight Show.

Isolation was officially released worldwide on April 6, 2018. The album garnered widespread critical acclaim, receiving an average score of 87 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on 17 reviews. It peaked at number 34 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's fourth and final single, "Just a Stranger," featuring Steve Lacy, was released on October 29, 2018. In July 2018, Uchis performed at the major outdoor music festival Fuji Rock Festival '18 in Japan.

2.3. 2019-2021: Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) and international recognition

The period from 2019 to 2021 saw Kali Uchis further expand her musical reach, culminating in the release of her second studio album, her first predominantly Spanish-language project, and achieving viral international success.

In June 2019, Uchis collaborated with American R&B band Free Nationals and American rapper Mac Miller on the single "Time." This marked Miller's first official posthumous release following his death in September 2018. In December 2019, Uchis released "Solita," which was initially intended as the lead single for her upcoming second studio album but was later included as a bonus track on the album's vinyl release. On December 9, 2019, she was featured on the single "10%" by Canadian producer Kaytranada, from his album Bubba. This collaboration went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards. Uchis also contributed to Little Dragon's sixth studio album, New Me, Same Us, for a remix of their song "Are You Feeling Sad?". On February 27, 2020, Uchis appeared in Thundercat's music video for "Dragonball Durag."

On April 24, 2020, Uchis released the EP To Feel Alive, which was recorded entirely in isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On August 7, 2020, Uchis released "Aquí Yo Mando" alongside American rapper Rico Nasty. This song, which had been previously previewed in an episode of the HBO series Insecure, served as the lead single for Uchis's second studio album, Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios). This album marked her first project predominantly sung in Spanish.

"La Luz" with Jhay Cortez was released as the album's second single on October 1, 2020, with an accompanying music video released on October 26. On November 6, the album's pre-order became available, and the full tracklist was revealed on November 13. "Te Pongo Mal (Préndelo)," featuring Jowell & Randy, was released as the album's sole promotional single on November 17. Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) was officially released on November 18, 2020. The album went on to peak at number 1 on the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart.

In early 2021, "Telepatía," a track from Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios), experienced a significant surge in popularity after a lip-sync challenge went viral on TikTok. Before its official release as a single, the song debuted within the top 10 of Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart, eventually reaching the summit on May 22, 2021. "Telepatía" also achieved impressive streaming numbers, reaching number three on Spotify's US Top 50 and number two on the service's Global Top 50. The song peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received a double platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The success of "Telepatía" also led Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) to re-enter and peak at number 52 on the Billboard 200.

On June 18, 2021, her boyfriend Don Toliver released "Drugs N Hella Melodies," a collaboration with Uchis, as the second single from Toliver's second studio album, Life of a Don. On September 29, 2021, Uchis released the single "Fue Mejor" with SZA, which was included as a bonus track on the deluxe edition of Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios).

2.4. 2022-present: Red Moon in Venus and Orquídeas

Since 2022, Kali Uchis has continued to expand her discography with new studio albums and collaborations, solidifying her presence in both English and Spanish-language music markets.

On April 21, 2022, while on the red carpet of the Latin American Music Awards, Uchis announced that she had completed work on both her third and fourth studio albums, one in English and one in Spanish. On August 15, 2022, she shared a snippet of a house-influenced song titled "No Hay Ley" on her social media, which was officially released as a single on September 2, 2022.

On January 19, 2023, Uchis released "I Wish You Roses" along with its music video, serving as the first single for her upcoming third album. Four days later, on January 23, 2023, Uchis officially announced her third studio album, Red Moon in Venus, which was released on March 3, 2023. The album was accompanied by a tour featuring special guest Raye, which commenced on April 25, 2023, in Austin, Texas, and concluded on May 30, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona. On February 15, 2023, her boyfriend Don Toliver released "4 Me," a collaboration with Uchis, as a single for his studio album Love Sick. On February 24, 2023, Uchis released "Moonlight" as the second single for Red Moon in Venus, featuring production credits from Benny Blanco, Cashmere Cat, and Leon Michels. Red Moon in Venus included guest appearances from Omar Apollo, Don Toliver, and Summer Walker, and peaked at number four on the Billboard 200.

In July 2023, Uchis announced a "new era" for her music, alongside a new single titled "Muñekita," featuring Dominican rapper El Alfa and American rapper JT from City Girls. This track was released on August 4, 2023, as the first single for her upcoming fourth album. On August 11, 2023, Uchis collaborated with Colombian singer Karol G on the song "Me tengo que ir," which appeared on Karol G's album Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season).

On October 11, 2023, Uchis officially announced her fourth studio album, titled Orquídeas, revealing its cover art and release date of January 12, 2024. On October 16, 2023, she announced the album's second single, "Te Mata," which was released on October 20, 2023, accompanied by a music video. Orquídeas debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. On July 31, 2024, Uchis announced a follow-up project to Orquídeas, titled Orquídeas Parte 2, which was released on August 9, 2024.

2.5. Major collaborations and features

Throughout her career, Kali Uchis has engaged in significant collaborations and featured appearances with a diverse range of artists, contributing to their projects and expanding her own musical repertoire.

• Snoop Dogg:** "On Edge" from his mixtape That's My Work 3 (2014).
• Gorillaz:** "She's My Collar," "Ticker Tape," and "She's My Collar (Kali Uchis Spanish Special)" from their album Humanz (2017).
• Jorja Smith:** "Tyrant" (2017), a single from Uchis's album Isolation.
• Reykon:** "Nuestro Planeta" (2017), a single from Uchis's album Isolation.
• Juanes:** "El Ratico" (2017), which earned a Latin Grammy nomination.
• Daniel Caesar:** "Get You" (2017), which received a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance.
• Tyler, the Creator:** Featured on Uchis's single "After the Storm" (2018) and was a producer on her EP Por Vida (2015).
• Bootsy Collins:** Featured on Uchis's single "After the Storm" (2018).
• Steve Lacy:** Featured on Uchis's single "Just a Stranger" (2018).
• Free Nationals and Mac Miller:** "Time" (2019), Mac Miller's first posthumous release.
• Kaytranada:** "10%" from his album Bubba (2019), which won a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. He also produced on her EP Por Vida (2015).
• Little Dragon:** Remix of "Are You Feeling Sad?" from their album New Me, Same Us (2020).
• Thundercat:** Appeared in the music video for "Dragonball Durag" (2020).
• Rico Nasty:** "Aquí Yo Mando" (2020), a lead single from Uchis's album Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios).
• Jhay Cortez:** "La Luz" (2020), a single from Uchis's album Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios).
• Jowell & Randy:** "Te Pongo Mal (Préndelo)" (2020), a promotional single from Uchis's album Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios).
• Don Toliver:** "Drugs N Hella Melodies" from his album Life of a Don (2021) and "4 Me" from his album Love Sick (2023).
• SZA:** "Fue Mejor" (2021), a bonus track on the deluxe edition of Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios).
• Omar Apollo:** Featured on Uchis's album Red Moon in Venus (2023).
• Summer Walker:** Featured on Uchis's album Red Moon in Venus (2023).
• El Alfa and JT (from City Girls):** "Muñekita" (2023), a single from Uchis's album Orquídeas.
• Karol G:** "Me tengo que ir" from her album Mañana Será Bonito (Bichota Season) (2023).

2.6. Live performances and tours

Kali Uchis has engaged in various live performances, including headlining tours and appearances at major music festivals, showcasing her evolving stage presence and growing discography.

• 2015:** Embarked on her first tour in October, joining Leon Bridges for performances across the United States and parts of Canada.
• 2017:** Announced and completed her first headlining North American tour in support of her debut album, running from August to October. This tour included performances at the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in San Francisco and the Pop Montreal music festival.
• 2018:** Supported Lana Del Rey on select North American arena dates of her world tour, the LA to the Moon Tour, from January 15 to February 16. In July, she performed at the Fuji Rock Festival '18 in Japan, a prominent outdoor music festival.
• 2023:** Led a tour accompanying her third studio album, Red Moon in Venus, with special guest Raye. The tour began on April 25 in Austin, Texas, and concluded on May 30 in Phoenix, Arizona.

3.1. Musical style and genre

Kali Uchis's musical style is frequently described as "genre-defying." Her sound is a rich fusion of R&B, neo soul, Latin, reggae, hip hop, soul, and funk. Early in her career, her debut mixtape Drunken Babble was noted for its integration of doo-wop and early 2000s R&B, showcasing a vintage yet innovative approach to sound. Her music often incorporates elements that create a nostalgic yet fresh atmosphere, appealing to a broad audience.

3.2. Musical influences

Uchis has cited a diverse array of artists, musical eras, and cultural elements as inspirations for her artistic development. She is significantly influenced by the music of the 1960s, particularly its blend of early soul, R&B, and doo-wop, stating that both the music and the aesthetic culture of that decade inspire her.

Her musical inspirations also include jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. Other musicians she has mentioned as influences on her sound are Curtis Mayfield, Loose Ends, Ralfi Pagan, and Irma Thomas. Beyond Western music, Uchis draws inspiration from prominent Latin American figures such as Celia Cruz, Salma Hayek, La Lupe, Selena, Shakira, and Ivy Queen, reflecting her bicultural background and contributing to her unique sound.

4.1. Relationships and family

Kali Uchis has been in a relationship with American rapper Don Toliver since 2020. In January 2024, she announced that she was expecting her first child with Toliver through a music video featuring her songs "Tu Corazón Es Mío" and "Diosa." She gave birth to a son in March 2024.

4.2. Identity

Uchis openly identifies as bisexual, an aspect of her identity that she has frequently explored and reflected in her music and public image. Her self-expression and public persona often embrace themes of fluidity and individuality.

5.1. Studio albums

• Isolation (2018)
• Sin Miedo (del Amor y Otros Demonios) (2020)
• Red Moon in Venus (2023)
• Orquídeas (2024)

5.2. Extended plays (EPs)

• Por Vida (2015)
• To Feel Alive (2020)

5.3. Mixtapes

• Drunken Babble (2012)