Kelela effortlessly blends contemporary R&B and progressive electronic music, crafting tracks that are equally suited for the club and intimate listening sessions. Beginning her music career in the early 2010s, she made a significant impact with her mixtape debut, Cut 4 Me (2013), under the Fade to Mind label. Kelela's evolution led to a deal with Warp Records, resulting in critically acclaimed releases like the Hallucinogen EP (2015) and her chart-topping debut album, Take Me Apart (2017), which showcased her distinct sound and storytelling prowess. Following a hiatus, she returned with the single "Washed Away," setting the stage for her sophomore album, Raven (2023), a powerful reflection of Black femme perspective and resilience.

Raised in the D.C. area, Kelela's journey as a musician began with a passion for jazz and influences from artists like Amel Larrieux and Little Dragon. Her move to Los Angeles in 2010 marked a turning point, leading to collaborations with Teengirl Fantasy and her breakthrough in the music scene. From her early work with Fade to Mind to her later projects with Warp, Kelela's artistry continued to evolve, with standout releases like the Hallucinogen EP and Take Me Apart solidifying her position as a genre-defying artist. With Raven and its accompanying remix album, RAVE:N, Kelela continues to push boundaries and amplify marginalized voices through her music, cementing her status as a visionary in the contemporary music landscape.