Latest posts by Alaina Tennison
(see all)Is It Worth It: Discovering Rae Khalil
“Intoxicating melodies with Khalil’s smooth vocals make this one of my favorites for a summertime playlist,” says SugaBear, co-host of SugaBear and La Molly In The Morning on 104.7 THE DROP. This seems to be the general consensus, given that “Is It Worth It” is currently the most-played song at The Drop. It is smooth and slow, yet invigorating and danceable, making it the perfect tune for a leisurely summer day. “Rae Khalil is exactly what R&B music needs. The moment I listened to ‘Is It Worth It,’ I was hooked,” he says.
Having won a Grammy in 2021 for her songwriting and vocals on Anderson .Paak’s “Lockdown,” Khalil is a rising star destined to dazzle. Signed to APESHIT, the label launched by .Paak, Khalil is ready to open herself up to vulnerability in her new music. “Is It Worth It” is a taste of her upcoming album CRYBABY, which will be a self-reflection on her personal journey.
Khalil’s history is far from ordinary. As a California native, she grew up with exposure to a diverse range of music genres, from 90s rap to musical theater and jazz. As a teen, she was inspired to write her own rap music after discovering Wu-Tang Clan’s 36 Chambers and Chance the Rapper. In 2018, after dropping out of college and feeling a bit adrift, she recorded the debut album Girlfriend in her home with Jared Rubens, whom she met on Vampr. She also appeared on the Netflix reality show Rhythm and Flow, which opened up a floodgate of opportunities, including co-signs from Common and Queen Latifah and leading to her connection with .Paak.
In her own words, Khalil wanted to “make music for everyone”, and that warmth and sincerity translate authentically into her music. Tune into 104.7 The Drop to hear “Is It Worth It,” (because it definitely is), along with more current and future favorites here at the station.
Written By: Alaina Tennison