Kalan.FrFr wants it to be known: the best is on its way and it’s coming very soon. For all of the streaming hits (over 360 million), sold-out shows, and big-name collaborations that the Roc Nation-signed hip-hop and R&B fusionist has already racked up, you might think a sense of complacency could begin to seep in. But nothing could be further from the truth.
In early August the rising West Coast star released his smash single “Butterfly Coupe” featuring fellow Cali rapper Tyga. With millions of global streams and Youtube views the track impacted quickly at rhythmic radio. The Hitmaka and OG Parker-produced track “Butterfly Coupe” was a hedonistic, roof-missing glide through the streets of L.A., replete with lavish visions of big rims, designer clothing, penthouses suites, gorgeous women, and thousand-dollar steakhouse dinners
After the success of the original single Migos frontman Quavo decided to hop on for the remix and the new version doesn’t disappoint. Quavo picks up where Tyga left off waxing poetic about dime pieces, luxury cars and being an all-around rockstar. In the latest recording Kalan also flexes his lyrical skills with a new verse in the same vein as the multi-platinum Atlanta MC, exemplifying his dexterity as both a rapper and singer. The evolution of Kalan’s songcraft and artistry is seemingly elevating him into that rarefied stratosphere of genre-defining talents. Kalan says, “Working on the Butterfly Coupe remix was a fire experience, being able to work on this song with one of the biggest influences in rap music of my era, I’m reaching heights other rappers ain’t reaching.”
Kalan.FrFr is having a breakout year, fresh off the heels of appearing on the #1 R&B album in the country, The Love Album: Off The Grid where he was recruited by Diddy to appear on the Jodeci inspired single “Stay Pt. 1.” The nostalgic 90’s sounding record was hailed as Diddy’s favorite from the album while saying, “this is a cat called Kalan.FrFr….he’s a young star going to hit them with that emotion, that feeling.” Diddy wasn’t alone in his predilection for “Stay Pt 1” as it was also praised as a “standout track” by GQ Magazine.
Over the last five years, the seductive crooner from Carson has cemented his place among the top West Coast artists of this era, receiving co-signs from the likes of Lil Durk, YG, Gervonta Davis, Russell Westbrook, and Jay-Z. As Pitchfork says: “when you’re talking about L.A.’s new wave of shit-talking, designer-obsessed rappers, Kalan.FrFr should be included. He just happens to sing.”
If Kalan started as every Los Angeles street rapper’s go-to hook-man – a Nate Dogg for the new Southern California streets – he’s evolved into a multi-faceted songwriting virtuoso. Past anthems like “No Stoppin,” “Never Lose You” and “Scoring” are carnal and romantic, full of heartache, lust, and extravagant living. There is something refreshingly traditional to Kalan’s approach. On the Los Angeles asphalt, he’s a mythological figure who has somehow avoided corny myth-making. He is first and foremost a lover – one who is emotionally aware and unabashedly toxic and cocky. A ladies man with a big heart, who cares about the important things going on in the world. Kalan may boast about pulling up to the party in all-white Porsches, but this isn’t idle flexing. It’s how he’s actually living. And while the material objects are appreciated, what matters most is preserving his realness and sense of authenticity. Without it, his songs wouldn’t remotely hit the same.
© 2023, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
