Kali Uchis Opens Up About New Album and Personal Struggles

Los Angeles, CA — Kali Uchis, known for her powerful yet soft-spoken demeanor, has shared insights about her latest album, “Sincerely,” revealing the intimate journey behind its creation. Uchis, whose music blends R&B and Latin influences, reflects on personal challenges that shaped her artistry.

“When I was young, I was naive about sharing my life,” Uchis told Variety. The artist expressed how she now protects her personal details to avoid emotional pain. Despite her guardedness, she reveals deep emotions within her new work, which follows the success of her album “Orquídeas,” released in January 2024.

Following the birth of her first child with rapper Don Toliver in March, Uchis found inspiration in motherhood, channeling her feelings into songs about love and protection. The album includes heartfelt tracks like “Heaven Knows” and “Angels All Around Me,” which reflect her nurturing instincts. “I wrote that song when I found out I was pregnant, and it feels like I wrote what I needed to heal,” she shared.

Tragedy struck shortly after the album’s completion when Uchis lost her mother to lung cancer. This unexpected loss has significantly impacted her healing process. “I was stunned because she never smoked and was healthy,” Uchis explained, adding how music became her solace during grief.

The emotional weight of her experiences bleeds into her lyrics, where she touches on the generational trauma she feels burdened by. Uchis opens up about being kicked out of her home as a teen and grappling with her family’s history. “I felt cursed because of my family—it’s something I’ve carried for a long time,” she said.

Uchis, born Karly-Marina Loaiza in Alexandria, Virginia, was raised in a bicultural environment that informs her sound. She alternates between English and Spanish in her work, breaking barriers in both markets. Her previous Spanish-language album, “Sin Miedo,” earned her acclaim but was notably overlooked by certain awards bodies.

“Most of my career feels like an uphill battle, and it would be easier to conform, but I don’t want that,” she declared. Uchis continues to navigate her path authentically, inspiring other artists to express themselves without fear.

As she faces the challenge of following up on her critically acclaimed work, Uchis acknowledges the emotional weight of her journey. “I’m still grieving, still mourning. Sharing this album might open a new chapter for me,” she concluded, hoping it will bring her peace.