Le1f made queer rap history. He’s back as Kalifa after nearly a decade.

Kalifa, formerly known as Le1f, released a new song titled "Right Now" in May 2023. Despite an eight-year hiatus, he remains aware of the expectations of his loyal fanbase. His earlier hit "Wut" established him as a prominent queer rapper in the underground music scene. However, the label of "queer rapper" both limited mainstream recognition and fostered a nascent queer culture. After experiencing challenges with a major label, Kalifa halted his music career and adopted a new moniker to distance himself from his former persona. During the pandemic, he delved into music theory and composition, deepening his understanding of his craft. Through vocal training, he enhanced his singing abilities and gained confidence in experimenting as a vocalist. Kalifa has traced his musical roots and accumulated songs for upcoming albums that celebrate Black-rooted mainstream genres like rock and disco. He plans to release three and a half albums, acknowledging the urgency to share his evolved music. Kalifa believes his new material surpasses his previous work in terms of relatability and refinement. He embraces the legacy of his past while forging a distinct path as Kalifa, showcasing a growth in his music and personal identity. Kalifa's journey highlights the challenges and triumphs of navigating the music industry as a queer artist and his determination to create authentic music that resonates with his audience.