Keffaleng

Keffaleng
Background information
Birth name Aaron Alem
Also known as Keffaleng
Born (1995-01-26) January 26, 1995
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Genres R&B, Hip hop, Pop, Trap Soul
Occupation(s) Singer,Songwriter,Producer
Years active 2015 – present
Labels DPXND
Associated acts Amir Obe, Playboi Carti
Website www.keffaleng.com

Aaron Alem (b. January 26, 1995), known by the stage name Keffaleng, is a Canadian singer, rapper, producer, and songwriter from Toronto, Ontario. Alem is known for his two studio albums and for founding the independent recording label, DPXND. Alem has received a number of awards, and was featured on Sarah Jay’s Top 40 Up-And-Coming Canadian Rappers & Crews of 2016.[1]

Early life

Alem was born to parents of Ethiopian heritage in Scarborough, Ontario on January 26, 1995. During his childhood, Alem lived near Victoria Park Avenue until his family relocated to Downtown, Toronto. Alem was introduced to music by his father at a young age, who introduced him to music from Michael Jackson, Harry Belafonte, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Kool and The Gang, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, and Lionel Richie. Alem was also inspired by hymns at a local Ethiopian Orthodox Church, 50 Cent's "Get Rich Or Die Trying" album and Kid Cudi's musical style.

Music career

Alem began his career in 2016 when he was featured in a music video for a song by Toronto artist GOV.[2] That same year, Alem released his debut project, the "Still Shanti" EP which received awards.[3] The "Still Shanti" EP, was a five track album produced by CVRE, and Vinnyx & Nahum. The album produced several singles that earned national radio play in the United States.

In March 6, 2017, Alem followed up with a project titled "Not So Famous."[4] The EP was well received by critics including those at The Source Magazine who referred to Alem as a "Canadian Mastermind."[5] The album includes a collaboration with recording artist Amir Obe on the single, "Yeah, Yeah".[6] Alem has stated that the EP's title is "a declaration that fame is one of the most dangerous drugs in existence".[7]

In April 2017, Alem's single "Anything" was featured on Rap Season "Rap Season Mix," mixed by DJ,blogger, and radio host Josephine Cruz.[8] The single was also added to the video on demand provider Music Choice, rap music channel #855 in April 2017.

In May 2017, Alem's work was featured on the playlist of IHeartRadio station "Dais Creates".[9] That same month, Complex featured the single "Anything" on the list of "The Best Canadian songs for the month of April 2017."[10] Keffaleng was also Interviewed by Hip Hop Canada, on May 5, 2017 which he discussed the "Not So Famous EP", the dangers of fame, and the importance of Kid Cudi.[11] On May 19, 2017, Alem was recognized by Noisey when he was added to the Essential Guide to Toronto Rap.[12]

On May 23, 2017, the video for the ep's title track "Not So Famous", directed by RXSH was debuted by Vibe.[13] The single "Anything" was featured on Topsify playlist via Apple Music on June 5, 2017. In July, 2017, Keffaleng was featured and interviewed in Respect. Magazine.[14]

Discography

Studio album

Title Album details
Still Shanti EP
Not So Famous EP

Singles

Title Year Album
"Our Year" 2016 "Still Shanti ep"
"D.K.M.B."
"Off the Wall" 2016 Non-album single
"Hit It And Quit It"[15]
"Yeah, Yeah" featuring Amir Obe 2017 "Not So Famous"
"Anything"

References

  1. ↑ "Keffaleng - "Still Shanti" (EP)". www.thisis50.com. ThisIs50. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  2. ↑ "Toronto's Next Breakout Artist Keffaleng Releases "Hit It And Quit It" Produced by VinnyX". RESPECT. Respect Inc. 13 February 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2017.
  3. ↑ "Song Of The Day: Keffaleng Previews Not So Famous Project With "Off The Wall" Single". HipHopCanada.com. Hip Hop Canada. 21 January 2017. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
  4. ↑ "Keffaleng Releases Wavy New EP 'Not So Famous' | MTV UK". MTV / UK. MTV. Retrieved 23 March 2017.
  5. ↑ Rathon, Rocko (7 March 2017). "Keffaleng Liberates His 'Not So Famous' EP Feat. Amir Obè". The Source. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
  6. ↑ "Listen to Keffaleng's New Song "Yeah Yeah" featuring Amir Obe". The Smokers Club. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
  7. ↑ "Premiere: Keffaleng's Moody 'Not So Famous' EP". Vibe. Vibe Magazine. 6 March 2017. Retrieved 14 March 2017.
  8. ↑ "Rap Season Mix". RapSeason. Rap Season. Retrieved 11 April 2017.
  9. ↑ "Trakhaüs Episode 20". HustleGirl. HustleGirl. Retrieved 2 May 2017.
  10. ↑ "Northern Touch: The Best Canadian Songs Of The Month (April)". Complex CA. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  11. ↑ "Not So Famous: Keffaleng Discusses The Dangers Of Fame & The Importance Of Kid Cudi". HipHopCanada.com. 10 May 2017. Retrieved 19 May 2017.
  12. ↑ "The Essential Guide to Toronto Rap". Noisey.
  13. ↑ "Keffaleng's "Not So Famous" Video Takes Fans To Toronto". Vibe. 23 May 2017. Retrieved 6 June 2017.
  14. ↑ "RESPECT. Interview: This Is Keffaleng. Toronto's Creatively Emerging Enigma | RESPECT". RESPECT. 12 July 2017.
  15. ↑ "keffaleng | 2DOPEBOYZ". 2dopeboyz.com. 2dopeboyz. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
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