| image1 = Michael Jackson in 1988.jpg
| image1 = Michael Jackson in 1988.jpg
| image2 = Brent Faiyaz.jpg
| image2 = Brent Faiyaz.jpg
| footer = Kanii has cited artists such as [[Michael Jackson]] (left) and [[Brent Faiyaz]] (right) as his main influences.<ref name=”h“/>
| footer = Kanii has cited artists such as [[Michael Jackson]] (left) and [[Brent Faiyaz]] (right) as his main influences.<ref name=””/>
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American singer and rapper (born 2005)
Musical artist
Kani Nkshon Shorter Jr. (born August 2, 2005), known professionally as Kanii, is an American singer, songwriter and rapper. Shorter rose to prominence with his 2023 single “I Know“, which would gain virality on the platform TikTok. The song peaked at number 90 on the Billboard Hot 100, and received a gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Later that same year, he released his debut extended play (EP), Exiit (2023), marking his first entry on the Billboard Top Dance Albums chart, peaking at number 10.
He first embarked on his musical career in 2018, with the release of song,”So Long” onto Soundcloud. In 2020, Kanii released his second single, “Aubade”. Years later in November 2023, Shorter released his seventh EP, It Was Nice Knowing U.
Early life
Kani Nkshon Shorter Jr. was born on August 2, 2005, in Washington, D.C., U.S,[2] to two parents of African-American descent. As a teenager, Shorter would upload his music to SoundCloud.[3]
Career
2018–2022: Career beginnings
In 2018, Kanii would start his musical career at 13 years old.[4] Releasing of his first song, titled “So Long” to SoundCloud.[3] In 2020, Kanii released his debut single, “Aubade”.[5] During 2022, his song “Attachment” gained popularity on the video-sharing app TikTok.[6] Following his signing to Masked and Warner Records, he would take a seven month hiatus.
2023–present: Exiit and It Was Nice Knowing U
Kanii would release his single “I Know“,[7] his first release under Masked and Warner, in 2023.[7] The song gained popularity on TikTok and charted at number 90 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it his first entry on the chart.[8] On June 15, 2023, Kanii released his second EP Exiit, along with a release show in Brooklyn, New York with Riovaz and Nimstarr.[9] Kanii was an opener for PinkPantheress‘ The Capable of Love Tour for 6 shows in spring 2024.[10] He would later release his seventh extended play (EP) #BLUE in 2025.[11]
Artistry
Influences
Shorter has cited multiple artists as influences to his musical talents, most notably Michael Jackson, Brent Faiyaz, XXXTentacion, and Juice Wrld.[13] In an interview with Mesfin Fekadu writing for The Hollywood Reporter, Shorter would cite Imogen Heap as one of his main influences; “Imogen Heap is a huge inspiration, especially her vocal production, and I try to incorporate the same level of care to my vocals”.[12]
Musical style
In an interview with Mesfin Fekadu writing for The Hollywood Reporter, Shorter would describe his musical style as “a captivating fusion of dance, pop and R&B elements.” Further expressing that “embodied within my music are vibrant and rhythmic pop production nuances, accompanied by smooth and catchy vocal melodies.”[12]
Discography
Extended plays
Singles
Tours
Supporting
- RioRave Disturb the Norm Tour
- The Capable of Love Tour
Headlining
- # BLUE TOUR (2024)
- It Was Nice Knowing U Tour (2024)
References
- ^ Williams, Kyann-Sian (April 8, 2024). “Kanii: “I don’t hold back when I express how I feel”“. www.nme.com. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
- ^ Garrett, Ural (May 31, 2024). “Unboxed Vol. 44: Kanii Is Managing The Pressure Of Near Superstardom By Doing Him”. BET. Retrieved January 12, 2025.
- ^ a b Guzman, Ivan (November 26, 2024). “Kanii Is Ready To Transform”. PAPER. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
- ^ Cummings-Grady, Mackenzie (September 30, 2024). “The Break Presents: Kanii”. XXL Mag. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
- ^ “Aubade – Single by Kanii on Apple Music”. Apple Music. July 28, 2022. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
- ^ Callwood, Brett (March 14, 2023). “Kanii Knows”. LA Weekly. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
- ^ a b Major, Michael (March 10, 2023). “Genre-Blurring Artist Kanii Shares Warner Records Debut Single ‘I Know’“. Broadway World. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
- ^ Zellner, Xander (April 10, 2023). “Hot 100 First-Timers: Kanii Arrives With Viral TikTok Hit I Know”. Billboard. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
- ^ “Tickets for Exiit release show on June 15th at market hotel”. Seetickets. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
- ^ Kaufman, Gil (November 14, 2023). “PinkPantheress Announces 2024 North American Dates For Capable of Love Tour”. Billboard. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
- ^ Coleman, Vernon (June 27, 2025). “Pi’erre Bourne, Russ, Lizzo and More – New Hip-Hop Projects”. XXL Mag. Retrieved January 23, 2026.
- ^ a b c Fekadu, Mesfin (June 9, 2023). “Young, Gifted and Fly: Music’s 18 and Under Club Is Exploding”. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
- ^ White, Evie (February 2, 2024). “Is Kanii The New Face Of Retro-Futurism?”. New Wave Magazine. Retrieved May 26, 2025.
- ^ “Hot 100 – Week of April 22, 2023”. Billboard. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
- ^ “Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Week of April 29, 2023”. Billboard. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
- ^ “Hot Dance/Electronic Songs – Week of September 30, 2023”. Billboard. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
- ^ “Canadian Hot 100 – Week of April 22, 2023”. Billboard. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
- ^ “Discography Kanii”. irishcharts.com. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
- ^ “KANII | full Official Chart History”. Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
- ^ “Canadian certifications – Kanii”. Music Canada. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
- ^ a b “American certifications – Kanii”. Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
