Khalil is the latest R&B crooner to be signed to Def Jam, and has the vocal capabilities comparable to  Chris Brown and the basketball skill set of a young Kobe.  Khalil is rumored to be one of the most promising R&B singers in the making; check out my exclusive interview after the break…

MD: How was the major transition from being a YouTube singer to being signed to the powerhouse Def Jam?

Khalil: The transition was different. When I was doing my thing on YouTube, I wasn’t really focused. I wasn’t really trying to become a singer, I was really just playing basketball and post videos on the side. But, once you’re signed, you just can’t post videos and do basketball. You have got to get to the studio, be at rehearsals and other stuff like that. It’s a complete lifestyle change, but I like it.

MD: How has it been working with your new Def Jam family so far?

Khalil: It’s been going great. I just finished up my album and released the first single “Girlfriend Ringtone” which is on iTunes right now. Everything is going good.

MD: Did L.A. Reid signed you to the label? Have you met him directly? If so, how was that experience?

Khalil: Yes, L.A. was the one who signed me to the label. I met up with him in New York through K.P. Basically, I just sang a few songs. I sang “Goodie, Goodie” by Frankie Lymon, “My Funny Valentine “, and “Lately” by Stevie Wonder. After that, we chopped it up for a second and I was signed. I was definitely nervous though. When I was outside and waiting in the lobby I was super nervous. Once I got in there and we started talking , after I sang the first song and saw his reaction, was when I started to get more comfortable……

MD: What has been the hardest thing you’ve faced since becoming a recording artist?

Khalil: The hardest thing would probably be dance rehearsals. They’re long and a lot of work. You have to get up early and rehearse for about 6 to 8 hours every day. I actually love the fact that I’m getting to work with Jamaica, I get do a little bit of choreography work too. It’s great and we have a lot of fun.

MD: Who are your musical influences and have you been able to meet any of them?

Khalil: I would have to say Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, Michael Jackson and Luther Vandross. Those would have to be my musical inspirations.

MD: You’re young, very young, let us know more about your backround so people can get familiar with who the person “Khalil” really is…

Khalil: I like to have fun. I’m not really about the fast life and going out. I like to chill. I’m into a lot of sports. I’m very athletic. I play basketball and football. I go jet skiing and stuff–which I’m going to be doing later today, actually. [Laughs]

MD: I read that your aunt played a major role in you getting on YouTube and being signed. How important is family to you?

Khalil: Yeah, she’s the one who actually told me to post the video. Family’s very important to me; I love my aunt to death. I am very blessed. Without her, I don’t think I would have made it this far.

MD: I’m sure the girls want to know if you have a girlfriend…

Khalil: No, not at all. I’m single. Super single

MD: What do you think makes you different as compared to the other R&B singers already in the industry like Trey Songz for example?

Khalil: I’d say it’s my swag. My whole persona is different. I feel like I try to make mature music and I also try to make fun music where it’s really talking about nothing but just a girl. I feel like that’s just going to set me apart.

MD: Do you have words of encouragement or advice for people trying to get into the industry like you did?

Khalil: Just work hard and don’t give up. I never really thought I’d be signed to a label. It was always just a daydream. I never put it out in reality like, “Yo, this could happen.”  I was only interested in basketball at first… The advice I can really offer is to just push through and don’t give up.

Follow Khalil on twitter @CrazyKhalil, youtube.com/khaliltv916, & myspace.com/OfficialKhalil

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