After five long years, Khalid is finally giving his fans what they want: a new album. The “Location” singer celebrated “Sincere” with an intimate concert on the TODAY Plaza and a chat with the show’s hosts.
“I really took it back to basics with this album in terms of my songwriting and really trusted my intuition,” the artist told Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer.“I feel like I’m starting all over again.”
On the morning of Aug. 30, the singer-songwriter performed “Young Dumb & Broke,” “Please Don’t Fall in Love With Me” and “Heatstroke,” all with a warm smile plastered on his face. He danced around the stage in a sequin-covered pinstripe button-down, engaging his band and crew in the joy that filled the air.
Khalid said it was important for him to let go of any expectations surrounding his work when approaching “Sincere,” considering that fans might have wanted it to resemble his previous two albums.
“The hardest thing about ‘American Teen’ is that I wrote it when I was 17 years old,” he said, adding that “there’s no way” he’d be able to replicate it now at 26.
In addition to talking about his mother and his musical process, Khalid tells Al it was a stranger who inspired him to finish the album the way he did. He met a man in a South Africa airport after a music festival; the man, he says, came up to him, shook his hand and told him this would be a big year.
“Between six and eight songs from the album came right after I met that man,” Khalid said.
After the show, the artist sat down with TODAY digital to answer eight questions — and dodge one of them by taking a morning shot — before 8 a.m. Here’s what he had to say about his album, what he’s been up to the last five years and whether he thinks you should give your partner your location.
1. What is “Sincere” about and what inspired the album?
To me, sincere is a compilation of all of my sounds throughout the past few years. I would say it takes from “American Teen,” “Free Spirit.” It’s really a journey through vulnerability and storytelling of my own personal experiences and also the experiences of the people around me.
2. How does it feel to have an Alicia Keys sample on your album?
Sampling Alicia Keys, to me, is a full circle moment. I feel like it’s a gift, especially being with a legend like Alicia. Luckily, we’ve built an amazing friendship, so she hooked me up, and I’m glad that she was able to be a part of this album.
3. What are your favorite and least favorite errands to run?
OK, favorite errand to run has to be food. I’m a foodie.
Least favorite errand to run has to be putting gas in my car — definitely my least favorite.
4. What have you been up to these last five years?
These past five years, I’ve really been enjoying myself, taking my time being patient. When I create, I really have to be in the moment and in the mood, so I’ve been taking it easy and giving myself grace through the process.
5. What’s the most you’ve ever spent on a pair of sneakers?
I’m gonna skip this question and take a little shot.
6. What does 26-year-old you think of your first hits?
Twenty-six-year-old me cannot even believe that I’ve written the songs that I’ve written in my career. It’s — I can’t even fathom it. So I’m just appreciative and just happy that I persevered through all of those difficult times. I’m proud of me.
7. We have a question for you from the last performer to hit the Citi Concert stage on the TODAY Plaza, Thomas Rhett.
Thomas Rhett: What’s up, Khalid? My name is Thomas Rhett, I don’t know if you remember me or not. I think we’ve met a couple of times at some award shows through the years. I’ve always been a huge fan of your music. My question to you is: Would you ever collaborate with a country artist like myself?
Yeah! I would definitely collaborate with you, Thomas Rhett. Just hit me up anytime — let me know, I feel like it would be awesome. I honestly feel like our voices will really align with one another. So hey, just hit me up.
8. Rapid fire round
Cooking or ordering in?
Ordering in.
Standing outside your crush’s place with a boombox: romantic or corny?
Romantic! Romantic.
Did you learn German when you lived in Germany?
Spreuken deutch — but only a little bit though.
Favorite phrase in German?
Ich liebe dich.
What does it mean?
I love you.
Go-to bodega breakfast order?
Bacon, egg and cheese.
Your partner asks you to share your location: red flag or green flag?
I hate to say it — kind of a red flag.
A musical era that you would want to transport back to?
Eighties! Eighties, ‘80s, ‘80s.
New York or El Paso?
I love New York City, but I love El Paso. El Paso’s in my heart so I gotta go with El Paso.
Go-to pre-show ritual?
Playing Fortnite on my Switch.
What snacks do you reach for when the late night craving hits?
Ooh, me? I’m a chip eater. Nacho Cheese Doritos never fail — maybe the next morning they do, but in the moment, amazing.
Who was the last celebrity you texted?
The last celebrity I texted, I’m trying to think, it’s been a minute.
Oh! Angus from Angus & Julia Stone. I actually shared a text with him, he’s one of the last celebrities I texted.
Favorite New York breakfast spot?
At this moment I don’t have one so, if you wanna give me some suggestions, let me know.
Coffee, tea or juice?
I am a tea type of guy. Nothing better than a morning cup of tea.
What kind of tea?
Throat coat. I am a singer.
The next performer on the Plaza is LL Cool J. Would you like to ask him a question?
Yes. LL Cool J is awesome. I want to think about this question.
OK, so LL Cool J, I have a question: The ‘90s is one of my favorite eras of music — how was it for you back then, and how did you get through the challenges of being an artist in the ‘90s?
Do you grocery shop?
No — don’t tell nobody.
Rachel Askinasi
Rachel Askinasi is a reporter covering the food industry including restaurants, trends, agriculture, industry news and more. She is the former food coverage lead at The Messenger, was previously Business Insider's resident food reporter and has contributed reporting to Hamptons Monthly magazine, New York City Monthly magazine, Home and Design and more. You can reach her on Instagram at@raskinasi or on X at@rachel_askinasi.