Kalifa

New York City-based rapper/producer/dancer Kalifa, formerly known by the stage name Le1f, was born Khalif Diouf and grew as a beatmaker in the 2000s. When attending Wesleyan University he befriended the members of snark-rap outfit Das Racist and went on to make the beat for their breakthrough single, "Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell."

Kalifa became a key figure in a subset of openly gay N.Y.C. rappers, gaining exposure for their refreshing contributions to hip-hop that grew out of the early-'90s drag and ball culture. An early single first leaked online in early 2012, and debut mixtape Dark York followed in April of 2012. Kalifa continued to make an impression as a much-buzzed-about artist throughout 2012, giving multiple interviews and performing at the CMJ and SXSW music festivals.

The Liquid EP -- a collaboration with like-minded producer Boody -- appeared late in the year. In 2013, he released two mixtapes (Fly Zone and Tree House), before dropping his Hey EP in early 2014. Riding on the success of his underground hit "Wut," Kalifa further expanded his fan base by touring Asia, Australasia, and Europe.

Over a year later, he released his debut full-length, the confident, abrasive Riot Boi, which featured an impressive roster of production by Evian Christ, Balam Acab, Devonte Hynes, Boody, Blood Diamonds, Lunice, and SOPHIE, as well as guest spots by fellow rappers JunglePussy and House of Ladosha, Devonte Hynes (aka Blood Orange), and his mother, opera singer Miss Geri.