American rapper Khalid on why his track Young, Dumb and Broke has gone viral

The success of his latest offering, Young, Dumb & Broke could be attributed to Khalid's understanding of the current generation. This comprehension is fitting, given that the American rapper has delivered the chart-topper at the age of 19.

Khalid

"The track is about switching a negative connotation. It's an expression that the current generation believes in. They turn a negative situation into a positive one. [It's about] having enough love to give, and feeling happy, even if one is young, dumb and broke," the rapper tells mid-day in an exclusive interview over e-mail.

Having been raised by a mother who pursued a career in the military meant Khalid spent his childhood across various location, including Kentucky, New York and Germany. The journey, he alludes now, played a significant role in honing his craft. "Growing up in different places has influenced my sound. I have heard different types of music, varied genres, and in multiple languages.

Now, when I create music, I am influenced by all the sounds I've heard," says the rapper, who has collaborated with industry bigwigs like Marshmello, Calvin Harris and Lorde. He cites his bagging of the Best New Artiste title at MTV's Video Music Awards this year as among his most cherished accomplishments. "It solidified the fact that I'm not just a kid making music!"