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Karii: Rising from Struggles to Success in the Music Industry

Karii: Rising from Struggles to Success in the Music Industry

Gabriel Kent, better known by his stage name Karii, is an artist, producer, and engineer originally from Salt Lake City, Utah, now based in Colorado. As he continues his journey in the music industry, Karii is making waves with his authentic storytelling, innovative production, and unrelenting drive. With over 1.8 million streams on his breakout track Ex and major collaborations with artists like SSGKobe, Westside Boogie, and Dizzy Wright, Karii is proving that talent and persistence can carve a path to greatness.

A Story of Resilience: From Struggles to Music

Karii’s journey hasn’t been easy. At just thirteen, he was kicked out of his home for the first time, facing a harsh reality that forced him to grow up quickly. Music became his escape from the challenges of his upbringing, including family members tied to gangs and childhood abuse. Instead of letting his circumstances define him, Karii turned to music as a source of healing.

"I made music to escape from childhood abuse. Music has healed me 100%. I stand out in the industry because I’m genuine—I want to see everybody win. I want to be that helping hand I didn’t have when I was coming up."

His passion for music deepened when he discovered the world of engineering. Fascinated by how different plugins could transform a song, Karii began mixing vocals at 15. Though he wasn’t great at first, his dedication helped him refine his craft. Engineering became his foundation, allowing him to develop a unique sound that sets him apart from other artists.

Breaking Through: The Rise of "Ex" and Major Collaborations

One of Karii’s biggest career milestones came with his song Ex. The track gained massive traction after being featured on a livestream by popular YouTuber Patrick CC. The exposure led to a viral moment, pushing Ex past 1.8 million streams on Spotify.

"That song went so stupid after Patrick CC played it on his live. It was insane to see how much a single moment could change everything."

Building on this momentum, Karii has collaborated with well-known artists in the industry. His track with Westside Boogie has an official music video, while his EP, released on January 25th, features both SSGKobe and Westside Boogie. He has also worked with artists like FBP West and Parkside Plugs, further expanding his reach and reputation.

Overcoming Challenges in the Industry

Like any rising artist, Karii has faced his share of obstacles. One of the biggest challenges he encountered was dealing with criticism and differing opinions on his music.

"It was hard for me to deal with the fact that my music isn’t always going to be everyone’s cup of tea. But I had to learn that I don’t need everyone’s acceptance—I just need my own."

This mindset shift allowed Karii to focus on his craft without letting negativity affect him. He has learned that persistence, self-belief, and thick skin are essential for survival in the industry.

Vision for the Future: Bigger Features, More Music, and a Legacy

Looking ahead, Karii has big plans for his music career. He envisions working with even bigger artists, traveling more, and performing alongside some of his past collaborators.

"I see myself on stage with some of the artists I’ve done features with. I want to do clothing merch, maybe even start my own studio with its own engineers and producers. I want to do interviews, be on the radio, and just keep growing."

Beyond personal success, Karii is passionate about inspiring others. He wants his story to serve as proof that no matter what struggles someone faces, they can achieve their dreams with hard work, focus, and determination.

"Not everything is going to come easy, but it’ll be worth it. You just have to have the drive."

Expanding His Reach: The Push for More Exposure

As part of his next moves, Karii is focused on increasing his visibility. He wants to grow his YouTube audience and gain more Instagram followers, using his platform to connect with more fans. His goal is to ensure that his music reaches as many people as possible, continuing to build his reputation as an artist to watch.

With his latest EP featuring SSGKobe and Westside Boogie already out, he is looking forward to dropping more singles, music videos, and creative content. His dedication to his craft, combined with his passion for engineering and artistry, guarantees that he’s only going up from here.

Follow Karii’s Journey

For fans and industry insiders looking to keep up with Karii’s latest releases and moves, follow him on his social platforms:

With his relentless work ethic, undeniable talent, and commitment to authenticity, Karii is well on his way to making an even bigger mark in the industry. Keep an eye out for what he does next—you won’t want to miss it.

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