Courageous.Optimistic. Dedicated. best describe KALI+. Born in Jo Burg, South Africa, raised in Phoenix, AZ. His story displays perseverance. After immigrating to the US, KALI+ discovered basketball and hip hop. His idol and South Africa native, Steve Nash, was a rising star.
The Phoenix Suns resurging. Hip hop culture, lead by Allen Iverson, was taking the league by storm. The consummate entertainer, KALI+ found a way to combine his two loves by freestyling for his rec league teammates after games. After a trip to the doctor, he was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder called Friedreich's Ataxia. At 17, he was the only kid in school who would be in a wheelchair.
Unwilling to be defined by it, he used his art to drive home a message of self confidence, not one of self doubt. Soon after, KALI+ was in the recording studio honing his craft. Influenced by lyricists like Hov, Wayne, Cole and Mac Miller, he chose more of a throwback style. Within a couple of years, his hard work paid off. Not only was he making music professionally, but he was in his first nationwide tour with Mark Battles, founder of Fly America.
Naturally defiant, KALI+ resists the notion that he will never walk again. Defeat is a word he doesn't understand. His story is hopeful, not commiserate. His personality is charming and amiable. His tenacity is infectious. Songs like Home, Stranger and Weakdays illustrate these qualities. Determination is something most people talk about, KALI+ lives by it.
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