Kaytranada is a Canadian producer, rapper and singer from Port-au-Prince, Canada, born in 1992 and raised in Montreal. He begins releasing mixtapes, remixes and original projects in 2010 under the name Kaytradamus, then starts using the Kaytranada name in the early 2010s, when his music gains wider attention.

Career

Kaytranada’s early work draws attention for its mix of J Dilla-inspired hip-hop beats and woozy house rhythms. He releases a series of commissioned works and short solo projects before signing with XL Recordings in 2014. His debut studio album, 99.9%, follows in 2016 and includes guest appearances from Phonte, Craig David, Vic Mensa, Little Dragon and others. The album wins the 2016 Polaris Music Prize and the 2017 Juno Award for Electronic Album of the Year.

He later signs to RCA and releases his second album, Bubba, which includes contributors such as Pharrell, Kali Uchis and Masego. The album wins two Grammy Awards, including Best Dance/Electronic Album, at the 2021 ceremony.

Collaborations and side projects

Kaytranada works with a wide range of artists, including Anderson .Paak, Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, Robert Glasper, Lauren Faith, Mick Jenkins, GoldLink, Snoop Dogg, Freddie Gibbs and Alicia Keys. He is also one half of the hip hop duo The Celestics, with his brother Lou Phelps. Another project listed for him is KAYTRAMINÉ.

Style

His music is associated with electronic and hip hop production, alongside house-based sounds. The genres attached to his work include afro house, alternative R&B, bass house, bassline, club and contemporary R&B.