Really Khalil is a talented entertainer in Southeast Georgia. His music blends urban vibes and inspiring messages, drawing fans with his unique style and genuine personality. His single ‘Fine Wine’ gained popularity worldwide in 2023. It was featured in Apple Music playlists across 88 territories. ‘A Good Time’ was added to Spotify’s R&B Favourites, while ‘WINNIN’ hit #3 on Billboard’s Top Triller Global Chart. ‘Supermodel’ made waves in Turkey, and ‘Hard Times’ appeared in Showtime’s ALL ACCESS: Spence vs. Crawford. His album ‘Love Matters’ was named Best Local Album by Connect Savannah. Khalil’s music has also been featured in various TV shows, ads, and radio stations across the US and Canada.
The Update India recently caught up with Really Khalil for an exclusive interview and here are a few excerpts from it:
The Update India: Tell us something about yourself?
Really Khalil – Something that many people may not know about me is that I had the incredible opportunity to meet Muhammad Ali when I was just a baby. While I can’t recall the moment firsthand, there’s a cherished photo in our family album capturing him holding me. Reflecting on that encounter fills me with a sense of awe, reminding me of the profound impact of greatness and perhaps even leaving a trace of that energy within me.
The Update India: What motivated you to choose this as your career/passion?
Really Khalil – My passion for music has been a lifelong journey. While my friends delved into rap and freestyling, I initially found myself timid, opting to provide the rhythmic backdrop by tapping out beats on the lunchroom table. It wasn’t until I mustered the courage to share my first song with a friend, only to be met with harsh criticism, that I truly embraced the challenge. Rather than discouragement, those words ignited a fire within me, propelling me to hone my craft relentlessly. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but through persistence and dedication, I discovered my ability to create music that resonates.
The Update India: What changes have you witnessed in the music industry? How do you try to adapt yourself with these changes?
Really Khalil – Navigating the complexities of the music industry has been a continuous learning curve for me. From deciphering various forms of royalties to understanding the intricacies of copyright and sync licensing, I’ve realized that the industry extends far beyond its surface. Despite encountering hurdles typical of independent artists early in my career, I’ve remained steadfast in my pursuit, immersing myself in a constant cycle of education and adaptation. Whether through online research, insights from industry experts, or hands-on production courses, I’ve embraced a holistic approach to understanding both the creative and business aspects of music.
The Update India: Your most favourite or difficult projects you’ve worked upon?
Really Khalil – As for my top five favorite tracks, they include: “What’s Up Baby?”, “Touchdown”, “A Good Time”, “Supermodel”, and “Fine Wine”. Among the myriad projects I’ve undertaken, the music video for “A Good Time” stands out as one of the most ambitious endeavors. Collaborating with my fiancée, we endeavored to push creative boundaries with each production. From coordinating multiple locations to assembling our largest cast yet, every aspect of this project demanded meticulous attention. Despite the challenges, the experience was immensely rewarding, underscoring our commitment to innovation and artistic excellence.
The Update India: What are you looking forward to learning further or what kind of projects are you interested to work on?
Really Khalil – In addition to my solo endeavors, I’ve taken strides to expand my skill set, delving into beat production and aspiring to predict industry trends more adeptly. Collaborating with talented songwriters and enhancing my visibility as a writer are also key aspirations on my journey.
The Update India: Your experience or any learning so far in the music industry, that taught you some major lessons?
Really Khalil – One invaluable lesson I’ve learned is the importance of recognizing and mitigating burnout. While unwavering determination is essential, it’s equally crucial to acknowledge the natural ebb and flow of life’s rhythms. Embracing moments of stagnation as opportunities for inspiration and rejuvenation has allowed me to approach my career with renewed vigor and resilience.
The Update India: Tell us about your latest music.
Really Khalil – My latest single, “What’s Up Baby?”, offers a vibrant depiction of the drive for success within a romantic relationship. Combining infectious energy with smooth, melodic tones, it’s a testament to the dynamic range of emotions woven into my music. With a surprise twist awaiting listeners midway through, I’m eager to share this journey of discovery with my audience. Stay tuned for the accompanying music video, promising an immersive visual experience that mirrors the essence of the track.
