Khalid Donnel Robinson was born on February 11, 1998, in Fort Stewart, Georgia. He is of African-American and Mexican descent. His family moved to El Paso, Texas, when he was small, and he attended high school there. He began making music at an early age, writing his first song at the age of 15 and posting it on SoundCloud.
In July 2016, Khalid released his debut single, "Location". The song was an immediate success, peaking at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA. It also peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart and was certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry. The song has received over 645 million streams on Spotify.
Khalid's debut studio album, American Teen, was released on March 3, 2017. The album peaked at number four on the US Billboard 200, and was certified platinum by the RIAA. It was also certified gold in the UK and Australia. The album was nominated for four Grammy Awards, including Best Urban Contemporary Album.
In 2018, Khalid released his second studio album, Suncity, which debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200, and was certified gold by the RIAA. His third studio album, Free Spirit, was released in April 2019 and debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. He also released his fourth studio album, Up All Night, in October 2019.
Throughout his career, Khalid has collaborated with numerous artists, including Normani, H.E.R., Calvin Harris, and Disclosure. He has appeared on television shows like Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He has also appeared in commercials for the video game Just Dance 2020 and the streaming service Hulu.
In 2020, Khalid won the Grammy Award for Best Music Video for his song "Talk". He also became the youngest artist ever to have three albums certified platinum by the RIAA.
Khalid is an advocate for mental health awareness, and has spoken openly about his struggles with anxiety and depression. He has also been involved in numerous charity initiatives, including the El Paso Shooting Victims' Fund and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Brand New
Khalid Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(I-I) Just say the word and you know I'm on my way
(I-I) But that don't mean nothing to you (no, no)
I still hear you say to me
But you wanna be in ear (yeah)
Talkin' all this and that (yeah)
And you wanna know what's on my mind
Do you even take it there?
Kinda feeling that
I been checkin' you a long, long, long time
And I want you bad
You know what I want, don't be acting brand new (oh, whoa)
I got what you want, don't be acting brand new (oh, oh, whoa)
I could put you on, put you on something new (yeah, yeah, yeah, whoa)
Come and put me on, put me on something new
You know what I want, don't be acting brand new (don't be acting brand new)
I got what you want, don't be acting brand new (don't be acting brand new)
I could put you on, put you on something new (don't be acting brand new)
Come and put me on, put me on something new
You know what it is
Face to face
I'll give you the biz
Say my name
Pull up in a Benz
Switching lanes
I can throw it all
It ain't a thing
But you wanna be in ear (yeah)
Talkin' all this and that (yeah)
And you wanna know what's on my mind
Like I got it bad (yeah)
Do you even take it there?
Kinda feeling that
I been checkin' you a long, long, long time
And I want you bad
You know what I want, don't be acting brand new (you know what I want)
I got what you want, don't be acting brand new
I could put you on, put you on something new (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Come and put me on, put me on something new (everything, oh)
You know what I want, don't be acting brand new (don't be acting brand new)
I got what you want, don't be acting brand new (don't be acting brand new)
I could put you on, put you on something new (don't be acting brand new)
Come and put me on, put me on something new
Oh, ooh, oh-oh
Brand new, ooh
Brand new, brand new
The lyrics to Khalid's song "Brand New" discuss a romantic relationship where one person feels like the other is acting distant or aloof. The singer expresses their desire to spend time with their partner but feels frustrated by their lack of reciprocation. The lines "But that don't mean nothing to you/ I still hear you say to me" suggest that despite their efforts, their partner doesn't seem to care or acknowledge their feelings. The singer questions whether their partner genuinely wants to know what's on their mind or if they're just asking for the sake of it.
The chorus emphasizes the singer's frustration, with the repetition of "You know what I want, don't be acting brand new" and "I got what you want, don't be acting brand new." Here, the phrase "acting brand new" means pretending to be unfamiliar or unaware of something, as if the partner is playing ignorant to avoid confronting their own feelings or commitments in the relationship. The singer asserts that they can provide something new and exciting and challenges their partner not to act like they don't know what they want.
Overall, the song portrays a struggle within a relationship, with one person feeling like they're putting in more effort and longing for reciprocation from their partner. It explores themes of frustration and a desire for emotional transparency.
Line by Line Meaning
I wanna ride with you, yeah-yeah
I desire to be by your side and go on a journey together.
Just say the word and you know I'm on my way
If you give me the signal, I will immediately come to you.
But that don't mean nothing to you (no, no)
However, it appears that my actions hold no significance for you.
I still hear you say to me
Despite that, your words still resonate within me.
But you wanna be in ear (yeah)
You desire to be close to me and listen attentively.
Talkin' all this and that (yeah)
Engaging in various conversations and discussions.
And you wanna know what's on my mind
You are curious about my thoughts and emotions.
Like I got it bad (yeah)
As if I have a strong fondness or infatuation for you.
Do you even take it there?
Do you acknowledge or recognize the depth of my feelings?
Kinda feeling that
I have a sense or intuition about it.
I been checkin' you a long, long, long time
I have been observing you for a significant duration.
And I want you bad
I have a strong desire or longing for you.
You know what I want, don't be acting brand new (oh, whoa)
You are aware of my desires, so please don't start behaving differently or pretending not to know.
I got what you want, don't be acting brand new (oh, oh, whoa)
I possess what you desire, so there's no need for you to act unfamiliar or distant.
I could put you on, put you on something new (yeah, yeah, yeah, whoa)
I can introduce you to something fresh and exciting.
Come and put me on, put me on something new
Join me in experiencing something novel and thrilling.
You know what I want, don't be acting brand new (don't be acting brand new)
You are well aware of my desires, so please don't adopt a new persona or attitude.
I got what you want, don't be acting brand new (don't be acting brand new)
I possess what you crave, so there's no need for you to act unfamiliar or distant.
I could put you on, put you on something new (don't be acting brand new)
I can introduce you to something fresh and exciting.
Come and put me on, put me on something new
Join me in experiencing something novel and thrilling.
You know what it is
You are fully aware or familiar with the situation or circumstances.
Face to face
In direct interaction or confrontation.
I'll give you the biz
I will provide you with an impressive or memorable experience.
Say my name
Utter my name or acknowledge my presence.
Pull up in a Benz
Arrive in a luxury car, specifically a Mercedes-Benz.
Switching lanes
Changing directions or making moves swiftly.
I can throw it all
I am capable of offering everything.
It ain't a thing
It is not a problem or difficulty.
Oh, ooh, oh-oh
Vocalizations expressing surprise, delight, or excitement.
Brand new, ooh
Completely new and fresh.
Brand new, brand new
Utterly new and innovative.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bianca Quinones, Khalid Robinson, Mike Riley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Empressive
One of my favs on Scenic Drive, but the whole project is a vibe. No skips
@barbzk2061
you're the reason why I'm here thank you :)
@tonshmar
@Nek ZbrabShe’s brought attention to a LOT of people I’ve never heard about. Interestingly enough, I started seeing Meg everywhere after she told us to look out for her. I had never heard of her (Meg) before Expressive.
@msmezmerize4027
@tonshmar same! Love Empressive💜
@sexyTifalockhart
Hey Empressive, love your vids
@nessaboo232
I came her bc of your video I was like let me go see whats her favorite lol
@reseisjuicyy
Their voices just blends together so well. I love this project so much! 💕
💕
@MemyBurosi
Khalid never disappoints
@Soul-it7il
Ironically my 2 fave projects from Khalid is Suncity & Scenic Drive. I think he shines the brightest when he does the dark, moody sounds.
@duncandiane7998
You and me both.