From makeshift studios and performing in sheds in front of 20 people, to being named Billboard’s Rookie of the Month and hitting stages in London, New York, and Toronto — even receiving co-signs from Drake and Chubbs — Karri’s rise in the music industry has been fast but rooted in humble beginnings.

“He went from making songs in garages to performing fully produced tracks in front of real fans in major cities,” said DJ Day$, Karri’s longtime DJ.

Born and raised in San Francisco, CA, Karri’s love for music came early. He grew up in a home with about 15 family members, where karaoke was a frequent ritual. He credits his family’s karaoke for developing his natural singing ability.

“My family we used to do hella karaoke, you wake they do a karaoke, so I feel like music for me was like second nature.” Said Karri.

Even though Karri is from San Francisco, his sound isn’t the traditional Bay Area sound. The Bay is known for its iconic style created by artists like Mac Dre, E-40, Too $hort, and Keak da Sneak — the pioneers of the Hyphy Movement, which put the Bay Area on the national map with its slang, dance, and unique culture.

Despite not fitting that classic “Bay” mold, Karri still represents his city with pride. In October 2025, he sampled “Tell Me When to Go,” the E-40 anthem that’s been woven into Bay Area culture since 2006. Karri added his own style and sound to the beat, reintroducing Hyphy through a new lens.

“I may not have the traditional Bay sound, but everything I do has a piece of my city in it,” he says. “It’s about showing love to the city I’m from,” said Karri.

Karri describes his sound as a new age R&B, inspired by artists he grew up on — Frank Ocean, Bryson Tiller, and Giveon. He calls his music “slider music.”

Last year in 2024, Karri dropped his EP “Late Night Slider Music”. On December 5th, 2025, he’ll release the sequel “Slider 2”, an elevated continuation of the sound he started building.

As Karri wraps up 2025, it’s clear this year was one of growth — and one to remember. From being named Billboard’s Rookie of the Month in January, to touring the country with Isaiah Falls, performing in London at Drake’s Wireless Festival, and now closing the year with a new project, Slider 2, Karri is solidifying his place as an artist on the rise.

Someone that has been by Karri’s side throughout this year’s journey has been cameraman Jerold Brian, better known by his Instagram handle @shotbyjerold.

“So many different experiences, tiring late nights but it’s all worth it because no one is doing this stuff,” he says. “The opportunities given to him (Karri) over this last year have just gotten bigger and bigger.” said Jerold.

Karri’s story is still being written, but the momentum is undeniable. What started in a makeshift recording garage and family karaoke nights has turned into global stages and a growing fanbase. With Slider 2 marking the next chapter, Karri isn’t just representing San Francisco — he’s redefining what it means to come from the Bay in a new generation of R&B. And if this year is any sign of what’s ahead, Karri’s rise is only just beginning.