Khalid Says People Used to Chant ‘Khalid Can’t Sing’ at Him in High School

At just 21 years old, Khalid is already on the path to becoming something of a legend in the hip-hop world.

But there were once haters who doubted his skills, and even bullied him.

"I guess people didn't like my singing or my voice. It's something that happens to everyone in high school, but I had a good friend group to get me through it. I never let it get me down," the R&B singer and songwriter told TIME at the TIME 100 gala in New York City Tuesday.

At just 21 years old, Khalid is already on the path to becoming something of a legend in the hip-hop world. But there were once haters who doubted his skills, and even bullied him. "I guess people didn't like my singing or my voice. It's something that happens to everyone in high school, but I had a good friend group to get me through it. I never let it get me down," the R&B singer and songwriter told TIME at the TIME 100 gala in New York City Tuesday.