Today we’d like to introduce you to Grand Khai.
Hi Grand, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Just a kid from Queens, NY. The youngest of 5 brothers, inspired by them simply through the privilege of watching them navigate life. Being the youngest had its perks — it built tough skin and a different kind of discernment, drive, and hunger. I always felt like I had something to prove, and that became the fuel behind everything.
More specifically, my two oldest brothers spearheaded all of our interest in music. From recording on cassette tapes and handheld devices to anything else they could get their hands on, we were amazed watching them do that at a time when recording yourself wasn’t the norm or anywhere near as accessible as it is today. They taught us everything we knew about computers — burning CDs, making songs, recording yourself. Long story short, my oldest brother got locked up and would write us letters, always encouraging us to keep going. One day, he sent a letter containing what would become the name of our first rap group. The rest was history. From that day forward, every day became music and creating together.
Fast forward to around 2008 — my family moved to Pennsylvania, where my brothers and I started building a name for ourselves through talent shows and consistently putting out music. So much so that we eventually earned the support of the school itself. Any event involving music, our name was called.
As the days, months, and years went on, my passion for music only grew stronger. I had a vision — one I still see to this day. But while my passion grew, my brothers began stepping back, which led me to the decision of becoming a solo artist. I took no days off. There wasn’t a day my pen wasn’t touching my notebook, or a day I wasn’t rehearsing my lines and working on my stage presence.
My first big break as a solo artist — the moment that really started everything — came from an M-Phazes repost in 2015. I had recorded a verse over one of his SoundCloud instrumentals, inspired by “Don’t Wanna Fall in Love” by KYLE. I actually did a remix to that song too, but it was terrible — that’ll never see the light of day. But after that repost from M-Phazes, I gained over 50K SoundCloud plays in a week and was pushed into an overseas market that supported me like crazy. Staying consistent, dropping no less than once a month, eventually led to Gill Chang reaching out — which then led to recognition from The Chainsmokers, Diplo, Dim Mak Records and more, after we made a song called “Golden.” To this day, it’s my most-streamed song with millions of plays. That song wouldn’t exist without that moment, so I’m forever grateful to M-Phazes.
These days, I’m in a position the younger me would be so proud of — A place a lot of people never thought I’d reach. I’m being recognized by artists and industry names I grew up looking up to, sharing the same rooms and the same stages as legends. I’m not sure when things like this just become “normal” for people in this space, but I hope I never lose this excitement. It’s truly amazing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Short answer — no, not at all. I’ve been doubted. Told my music wasn’t good. Put off by a lot of people. You have to take into consideration my friends and surroundings — being a Black kid from Queens, NY making pop and EDM music at a time when it wasn’t really accepted by my peers, or even common in my area or where I come from. I was getting laughed at, questioned about why I made this kind of music. I was singing when everyone where I’m from was afraid to. I was told my music was “trash” to my face. I was told no a million times — but I stuck with it and got really good at it. That consistency and resilience in my direction is what led to the whole M-Phazes situation.
After carrying that momentum from banger to banger, it led to a hit song I created called “Mention,” produced by one of my close friends, Zai the Cannon, from around my area. That record went viral — but I struggled to stay consistent and give it the attention it deserved after losing two of my brothers in the same week. One to gun violence, and another to drunk driving about two days later. It was one of the hardest times of my life, and it all happened during COVID, so I really had to sit with that grief on my own. It was heavy.
But now, that’s my fuel. That’s what keeps me going. I know they’d be proud of me today — and I’m still going.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am Grand Khai — an artist, songwriter, entertainer, and a brand built on authenticity. What I do is create. Music is at the core of everything, but it goes beyond just songs. It’s the energy I bring, the story I’m telling, and the world I’m building around who I am as a person.
What I specialize in is being myself, unapologetically — Connecting with my people and my audience. A lot of artists get caught up trying to fit a mold, and I made a conscious decision early on not to do that. My sound, my presence, my content — it all comes from a real place.
What I’m most proud of is the consistency, and where it’s brought me. How far I’ve come with so many odds stacked against me, while refusing to let that define me or become my identity. I’m also deeply proud of the hope I give and restore in people through every show and every song — the messages I receive about how I helped someone through a tough time in their life, or made them feel seen. That means everything to me. Building something from the ground up, staying true to the vision, and watching people genuinely connect with it — that means more to me than any number or accolade.
What sets me apart? I approach this as both an artist and a brand simultaneously. I understand the climate, I understand the audience, and I put real intention behind everything I put out. I’m not just making music — I’m creating an experience and a community that people can grow with
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Man, off the top of my head — other than purchasing my first album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ — it has to be all the times my older brother showed us new equipment, cameras, and whatever else he could get his hands on, and pretty much pushed us all to be creative in that way. Him coming through meant everything, because he just knew so much at such a young age, at a time when knowing any of that wasn’t really the norm. He made us shoot our first movie on a blue mini camcorder — I’ll never forget that. I wish I could find it. From time to time I try to remember his old email just to see if I can dig up some of that stuff. Rest in peace to bro. I just loved when he was around, man. I was always watching, always observing. My brothers inspired me more than they’ll ever know.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://grandkhai.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandkhai
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grandkhai
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/grandkhai
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/grandkhai
- Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/grandkhai
- Other: https://ffm.to/vitalsgk
